While Britain and Europe was shocked by the United Kingdom pulling out of the EU, one group in particular is not so bothered. They seem to be profiting from the news; The apple growers of Great Britain are very happy. Apple growers started the year nervously due to the bad spring weather, which held back the growth. Now, during the harvest season, there is cause for celebration.
Despite the slow start, weather conditions of a hot summer and lots of sunshine left apple growers with beautiful looking fruit. The apples were bigger and better than last season’s harvest. The more attractive fruit has also caused an increase in demand at the grocery store. “We’re two weeks later than normal, which is primarily weather-related. We had a dull, wet spring, which retarded blossom growth, and we tend not to be able to make that up. We are expecting to have a very good season this year, helped by Brexit” said English Apples and Pears Chief Executive, Steve Munday.
The Apple Growing community received a fresh look from everyone in the aftermath of Brexit. They saw that locally owned farms and acres and acres of apple orchards were not only valuable, but a means to provide fresh goods from the UK economy.
This years crop of apples is expected to exceed 150,000 tonnes, with relative volumes reflecting the changing palate of British consumers, who increasingly favour a sweeter apple with vibrant colour.
There will be a bumper crop of Gala, which now outsells British Cox, famed as being one of our most distinctive apples over many years, by three to one. And high yields are also expected in new varieties, including Jazz, Zari, Kanzi, Opal, Junami, Cameo and Reubens.
With a focus on home grown produce, apple growers are seeing piqued interest to bring more consumers to their orchards. Between Brexit, an abundance of better fruit due to a helpful summer, apple growers can expect a better fall from their harvest.
