Purple patch for British blueberries as farmers enjoy fruits of sales boom

Whether they add them to smoothies or salads, or just pop them straight in their mouths, Britons are eating more blueberries than ever before.

- Zoe Wood

But whereas supermarket shelves used to be filled with imports, fruit growers are hailing a "British blueberry boom".

Sales of British blueberries are up by 13% this year, despite challenging conditions for growers, according to British Berry Growers (BBG), the industry trade group. The rise was a "clear indicator of the rising consumer demand for healthier food choices and a testament to the quality of British blueberries", it said.

Neil Donaldson, the commercial director at Hall Hunter, the UK's biggest blueberry grower, said demand for the "ultimate superfood" was at record levels. They are popular with all age groups, and in recent years have become a lunchbox staple for many families.