Ribena Invests £200K in Hardier Blackcurrants to Beat Extreme Wea 2026

The owner of Ribena is investing £200,000 to help blackcurrant bushes withstand stress after extreme weather put a squeeze on this year's UK harvest. This investment aims to develop hardier blackcurrant varieties that can survive increasingly unpredictable climate conditions, securing the future of the iconic British drink. The harvest is now under way in key growing regions including East Anglia, Gloucestershire, Herefordshire, Kent and Scotland.

This year's blackcurrant harvest is expected to be about 10% below the average of 10,000 tonnes, as the climate crisis drives extreme weather across Britain and elsewhere. Growers report that crops have been hit by one of the wettest winters on record for parts of the UK, which held back pruning and weeding, followed by localised frosts and hail during spring. The heatwaves in June and July then caused scorching and prompted some berries to drop prematurely.

How Extreme Weather Affects Blackcurrant Harvests

The lack of rain in many areas, with little more expected before the harvest finishes in early August, is also producing smaller fruits. Soft fruit growers said some fruits, such as blueberries and grapes, are benefiting from the extra heat but others such as strawberries could struggle to last into the autumn as overheated plants come under stress. Some crops such as leafy vegetables, potatoes, wheat and barley are also likely to be affected by the hot dry spell.

Last year, a long period of hot weather and drought caused berry crops to ripen a fortnight earlier than usual. Vegetables that require a lot of water such as carrots, potatoes and brassicas also struggled in the heat. Harriet Prosser, an agronomist at Suntory Beverage & Food, which owns Ribena, said: “Every year, there seems to be another weather record. Following last year’s drought, growers have experienced one of the wettest winters on record, localised frosts and hail during spring, and now intense summer heat. It has been an exceptionally challenging season for blackcurrant bushes.”

Investment in Hardier Blackcurrant Varieties

The £200,000 investment by Ribena's parent company, Suntory, is being made alongside the Blackcurrant Foundation and the National Institute of Agricultural Botany (Niab). Jo Hilditch, chair of the Blackcurrant Foundation and a grower from Herefordshire, confirmed the group is working to develop blackcurrant bushes that are more resilient to extreme weather patterns. This research focuses on breeding varieties that can withstand both drought and excessive rainfall, ensuring a stable supply for Ribena's production.

Key Takeaways for Consumers and Growers

• Ribena is investing in research to create hardier blackcurrant bushes
• Extreme weather events are becoming more frequent, impacting UK harvests
• Blackcurrant harvest is down 10% this year due to wet winter, frost, hail, and heatwaves
• Other crops like strawberries and potatoes are also under threat
• Investment aims to secure long-term supply of blackcurrants for Ribena drinks

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