Recent developments highlight Asia’s market expansion, local regulatory pressures, and political attention to the berry sector. Key signals include China’s surging blueberry consumption, planning control issues in the UK, and a ministerial visit to a berry farm reflecting policy interest in the industry.
Asian Markets & Consumption Growth
Asiafruit: berry boom shows no sign of slowing
As reported via FruitNet and Asiafruit, China has become the world’s second‑largest blueberry market, with consumption growing at about **40 % annually**. This surge underscores that demand for berries in Asia is accelerating, driving imports, local varietal development, and more aggressive market strategies.
Regulation & Land Use Planning
Planning reform is crucial to berry sector’s future
A FruitNet commentary highlights that local planning practices are blocking expansion or adjustment of berry cultivation zones in the UK. Numerous agricultural planning applications are rejected, constraining varietal innovation and limiting growth of berry acreage.
Institutional Relations & Farm Visits
Angela Eagle chooses berry producer for first official farm visit
Minister Angela Eagle selected a berry producer (Hugh Lowe Farms) for her first official agricultural visit, alongside the NFU president. The focus was on issues like seasonal labor and crop protection, signaling that the berry sector is gaining political visibility in the UK.
