Driscoll’s, a global leader in fresh berries, has reinforced its long-standing partnership with The French Garden, its exclusive distributor at New Covent Garden Market, as part of a strategic initiative to enhance berry and cherry sales in the UK. This collaboration comes at a time when British-grown cherries have become increasingly popular among consumers, with recent research by Driscoll’s revealing that 91% of British consumers prefer locally grown cherries.
The focus on British cherries is not without reason. Driscoll’s research highlights that seven out of the ten top-performing cherry varieties in the UK are British, largely due to their superior sweetness, driven by higher brix levels. This consumer preference for quality and taste is steering more buyers towards British-grown options, making it a lucrative segment for both producers and distributors.
Jon Hillary, Driscoll’s Cherry Product Manager, emphasized the benefits of this year’s favorable weather conditions, which allowed the company to offer British cherries earlier in the season. “We’re thrilled to be delivering fresh British cherries as part of our berry portfolio for a second year. Our commitment to quality and freshness is reflected in every batch, and we are excited for customers and consumers alike to enjoy them for all occasions this season,” Hillary stated.
The French Garden, which has been Driscoll’s exclusive partner at New Covent Garden Market, is equally enthusiastic about the strengthened partnership. Iain Furness, Managing Director of The French Garden, highlighted the importance of Driscoll’s renewed focus on the UK wholesale markets. “It’s heartening to see Driscoll’s renewing their focus on the UK wholesale markets. They are working with us exclusively at NCGM. They have seen that we have invested in our brand-new facilities here and that we are committed to this market and our partners,” Furness commented.
The French Garden’s state-of-the-art facilities at New Covent Garden Market have created an optimal environment for showcasing Driscoll’s premium berries and cherries to a broader customer base. This partnership is expected to bring more suppliers and consumers to the market, with Driscoll’s actively promoting New Covent Garden as a key destination for purchasing their products.
The collaboration between Driscoll’s and The French Garden represents a strategic move to leverage the growing demand for high-quality, locally-sourced produce in the UK. As the market for British-grown berries and cherries continues to expand, both companies are well-positioned to capitalize on this trend, offering consumers the best in flavor and freshness.
