Over 10,500t of strawberries were sold in Ireland last year. Total spend by Irish households was €96m in 2017, according to Kantar Worldpanel figures.

The retail volume of strawberry sales increased by 5% across last year, when compared with 2016.

“The continued upward trend in the consumption is really fantastic news for Irish horticulture and rewards the hard work and commitment from the industry,” said Lorcan Bourke, Fresh Produce Manager with Bord Bia.

Today there are 57 strawberry growers in Ireland, producing over 10,500t of strawberries on roughly 169ha and employing over 1,000 people.

The majority of these growers hold their addresses in Dublin, Wexford, Meath and Kildare.

“As we shake off probably the longest and hardest winter in recent time, and memories of storms and snow abate; picking this years’ strawberry crop is all the more welcome,” Gary McCarthy of the Irish Soft Fruit Growers Association has said.

“We expect the Irish crop this year to total 7,700t.”

The May-November strawberry season is promoted in association with the Irish Soft Fruit Growers Association, with support from Bord Bia and the IFA.

Farmer focus

Margaret & Cyril Wheelock – Wheelock Fruits, Enniscorthy, Co Wexford

“The snow caused some damage at the start of the year. It took us 10 days to get back growing after that period, but so far it’s been great.

“We began our picking season a week later this year than last year, but the crop itself is excellent – which is surprising given the very tough weather at the start of the year.”

John Green – Green Berry Farm, Gorey, Co Wexford

“This year certainly had the most difficult spring months that we have ever experienced in the lifetime of the business. However, this tough period has not affected the crop.

“This year we have some of the nicest strawberries that we have ever had on the farm.

“Perhaps its down to our variety selection this year; we have focused on absolute quality and it is really showing. We have quality over quantity and an appropriate price to match this strawberry growing season. We are also engaged with Bord Bia Origin Green.”