Berry crops

Abstract

The global demand for berry fruits has increased significantly in recent years across all the main crops, partly due to the perceived health benefits derived from their consumption and also because of changes in agronomic techniques that have widened the availability and distribution of these crops. As a result, berry fruits can be purchased virtually year-round in many countries, due to season extension from enhanced agronomic strategies and also imported supplies out with the main domestic cropping season. Berry fruit crops are generally of high value, so their production and marketing can make a major contribution to rural economies. The berry crops described in this chapter are all grown in broadly temperate climatic zones, in both northern and southern hemispheres. Strawberry remains the largest crop in terms of area and also consumer demand, whilst other crops, notably raspberry and blackberry and especially blueberries, are seeing a rapid escalation of production in many areas. The fruits are used for both fresh-and processed consumption, in proportions that vary according to crop, e.g. blackcurrants are predominantly for processing while in many of the other crops the fresh market outlets are more important. In all of the crops, sales and consumption are currently increasing. The future for berry crops offers both opportunities and also challenges; the latter are fairly consistent across the various crops, notably the possible effects of a changing climate. The opportunities are often linked to the nutritional benefits of berry fruit components, and as further research-based evidence emerges these can lead to tangible benefits in the future marketing of berry fruits.