Blackcurrant farmers hitting a purple patch

Blackcurrants are having a bumper year as a dry winter coupled with warm weather and temperatures topping 86F (30C) in early June has led to a larger and earlier yield.

The Blackcurrant Foundation, which represents growers, is predicting a crop yield of 12,000 tons this season. The weather also led to higher than normal Brix levels – the concentration of fruit sugars.

Jo Hilditch, the foundation chairman, said: “This season’s production is excellent and the increased natural sweetness is welcomed by our client.” The soft drink company Ribena buys 95 per cent of the UK crop.