Aldi will introduce sweeter British-grown blackberries in May 2026, marking a bold shift in its sourcing strategy aimed at enhancing flavor and fostering local partnerships.
Before this change, Aldi sourced its blackberries from various countries — Kenya, Guatemala, Mexico, Morocco, Portugal, South Africa, and Spain. Customers expected a range of flavors but often found inconsistencies in quality.
The decisive moment came when Aldi decided to focus solely on UK-grown fruit. This move came after taste-testing sessions revealed that certain British blackberry varieties outperformed their international counterparts significantly. The company anticipates a 20% increase in blackberry sales this season alone.
Key statistics:
- Aldi sold over 228 tonnes of blackberries last year, equivalent to 1.5 million punnets.
- The nationwide rollout of British blackberries will occur on May 21, 2026.
- Aldi aims to secure at least 50% of its domestic produce through long-term partnerships by the end of 2027.
Julie Ashfield from Aldi expressed confidence about the upcoming season: “We expect our blackberries to taste better than ever this season.” This optimism is rooted in years of dedicated breeding efforts.
James Crook added that “exceptional flavour is the result of years of dedicated natural breeding and selecting only the finest blackberry varieties.” This commitment to quality reflects Aldi’s broader goal — improving fresh produce quality through local sourcing.
As the rollout begins in selected stores early May 2026, customers will experience taste-tested blackberries aimed at delivering consistent flavor throughout the season. This initiative not only promises better fruit but also strengthens ties with local growers.
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