British berry growers spotlight sustainability breakthroughs in 2025 industry report

British Berry Growers (BBG), representing 95% of the UK’s commercial soft fruit producers, has released its landmark 2025 Sustainability Report — offering fruit processors a data-rich view into how the sector is driving measurable environmental gains while maintaining a robust supply of homegrown berries.

Compiled by Collison & Associates and based on a survey covering over half of the UK’s total berry output, the report outlines performance across ten key areas, including water stewardship, carbon reduction, biodiversity, packaging innovation, and digital transformation.

The report reveals that UK berry growers are not only meeting sustainability targets — they’re setting new benchmarks for responsible production:

Water stewardship: 

• 100% of growers monitor water quality and implement efficiency plans
• 61% use on-farm reservoirs or rainwater harvesting, with some meeting all irrigation needs from captured sources
• 65% have reduced water use by an average of 16% over three years

Carbon & energy management:

• 96% track carbon footprints; 70% have already taken reduction actions
• Precision irrigation and renewable energy adoption are cutting emissions and operational costs

Crop protection & biodiversity:

• Nearly two-thirds of crop protection spend now goes to biologicals and biopesticides
• 100% of growers support biodiversity; 96% plant wildflower strips and 61% have created wetlands or ponds

Circular economy & packaging:

• 96% are actively reducing plastic use; 78% recycle tunnel films
• 74% have lightened plastic punnets, with plastic-free formats gaining traction

Innovation & technology:

• 91% of growers use digital tools including AI-driven monitoring and automation
• Breeding programmes are delivering resilient, climate-smart berry varieties

For fruit processors, the report signals a sector-wide shift toward climate resilience and operational efficiency. With berry production up 78% since 2012—despite recent cost pressures — growers are doubling down on sustainability as a long-term growth strategy.

“Ethical and sustainable farming practices are at the heart of British berry production,” said Dr Louise Sutherland, BBG’s director of research and development. “This report shows our growers are innovating and investing at every stage to deliver healthy berries responsibly and sustainably.”

Nick Marston, executive chair of BBG, added: “British berries are among the most sustainable and nutritious fruits we can eat. As the UK tackles climate change and poor nutrition, supporting homegrown berry production has never been more important.”