Ribena, the beloved blackcurrant drink brand, is investing £200,000 to develop hardier blackcurrant bushes that can withstand extreme weather. This investment comes after a challenging UK harvest season, which is expected to be about 10% below the average of 10,000 tonnes due to the climate crisis. The harvest is underway in key growing regions including East Anglia, Gloucestershire, Herefordshire, Kent, and Scotland.
How Extreme Weather Affects Blackcurrant Harvests
Growers report that crops have been hit by one of the wettest winters on record, which delayed pruning and weeding. This was followed by localised frosts and hail during spring. The heatwaves in June and July then caused scorching and premature berry drop. The lack of rain, with little more expected before the harvest finishes in early August, is also producing smaller fruits.
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Harriet Prosser, an agronomist at Suntory Beverage & Food (Ribena's owner), 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 Resilient Blackcurrant Varieties
The £200,000 investment will be used to research and develop blackcurrant bushes that are more resilient to extreme weather conditions. The project is a collaboration between Suntory, 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's active participation.
Impact on Other Crops
Soft fruit growers note that while some fruits like blueberries and grapes benefit from extra heat, others like strawberries struggle to last into autumn. Overheated plants come under stress, affecting yield and quality. 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.
Comparison Table: Weather Impact on UK Crops
| Crop | Weather Impact | Expected Yield Change |
|---|---|---|
| Blackcurrants | Wet winter, frost, hail, heatwaves | 10% below average |
| Blueberries | Extra heat beneficial | Increased yield |
| Strawberries | Heat stress | Reduced autumn harvest |
| Potatoes, carrots, brassicas | Drought and heat | Struggling |
Key Takeaways
- Ribena invests £200K to develop hardier blackcurrant bushes.
- UK blackcurrant harvest expected 10% below average due to extreme weather.
- Wettest winter, spring frosts, and summer heatwaves all contributed to crop stress.
- Other crops like strawberries, potatoes, and leafy greens also affected.
- Collaboration includes Suntory, Blackcurrant Foundation, and Niab.
FAQ
Why is Ribena investing in blackcurrant research?
Ribena is investing £200,000 to develop hardier blackcurrant bushes that can withstand extreme weather caused by climate change, which has reduced this year's UK harvest by about 10%.
What extreme weather affected the 2023 blackcurrant harvest?
The harvest was impacted by one of the wettest winters on record, spring frosts and hail, and intense summer heatwaves, leading to scorching and premature berry drop.
Which other UK crops are affected by the extreme weather?
Other crops like strawberries, blueberries, grapes, leafy vegetables, potatoes, wheat, and barley are also affected, with some benefiting from heat and others struggling.
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