New Forest Fruit is one of the earliest soft fruit producers in the UK, they are situated in an area with an ideal microclimate for growing strawberries. The company grows, packs and distributes all of their fruit to the leading UK supermarkets. “We are already 50% through our glasshouse production which is right on target for the time of year,” said Sandy Booth, Managing Director. “Our French Tunnels however are two weeks behind, but the Everbearers are running to normal timing.” Sandy said that this year has seen the longest cold spell experienced in 20 years. “The warm days are good, the cold isn’t, but it is good for the flavour and Brix. Sizing and flowering are good, but not as good as it has been in the past.” 100% of New Forest Fruit’s production is grown under cover, glasshouses for the first and last months of the season and polytunnels for the main season. Crop protection provides much better continuity of supply and better working conditions for the staff during inclement weather. 90% of New Forest Fruit’s strawberries are also grown on a ‘table top’ system. “Demand for strawberries is very good in the UK just now: ‘strawberries brighten up your day’. “ Source - https://www.freshplaza.com