British growers have announced that this year’s strawberry crop has broken records, with a staggering 60,170 tonnes already produced – an increase of eight per cent since 2013 – and still more to come.

The season kicked off in March, seven weeks earlier than last year, as a result of the unexpectedly mild winter. Growers are still producing the quintessentially British fruit and expect the season to continue into December.

British Summer Fruits, the industry body that represents 98 per cent of berries sold in supermarkets, have stated that the industry is reaping the benefits of years of innovation and new technology.

Seen as a remarkable success story of the British produce industry, the season lasted for just six weeks 25 years ago and had a market share of around 10 per cent.

This year’s record crop will have run for around 38 weeks by the end of the season – more than two thirds of the year. British growers benefited from a 98 per cent market share at the peak of the season, a result of the successful replacement of imports.

The success of the industry can be largely attributed to the introduction of new varieties and increased acreage through successful growing. The introduction of polytunnels in 1993 has also helped produce a reliable crop which before was open to the whims of the unpredictable British weather.

Consumers have benefited from ideal growing conditions throughout the year. Good levels of sunshine, low humidity, warm temperatures and cooler nights have resulted in a vintage crop.

Another recent development that is transforming the industry is the use, by soft fruit growers, of glasshouses which were originally built for crops such as salads and flowers. Glasshouses provide a controlled environment allowing berries to benefit from constant temperatures and humidity at the beginning and end of the season.

Laurence Olins, Chairman of British Summer Fruits, said: “We have produced the biggest UK crop of the nation’s favourite berry this year.

“Due to the industry’s investment in new varieties, increased planting and the growing use of glasshouses, we have been able to meet a growing demand from consumers, who have enjoyed a huge 60,170 tonnes of strawberries.”

Anthony Snell, who runs AJ & CI Snell farm with his wife Christine in Herefordshire, said: “Thanks to the fantastic growing conditions that we’ve seen throughout the year, we have been able to provide flavoursome, sweet strawberries starting in spring and continuing all the way into mid-autumn.

“We use polytunnels to protect our crops and this crucially meant that the crop and soil were protected throughout the season, so they could grow naturally without any damage.”