Aldi is set to enhance the sweetness of its blackberries through dedicated breeding efforts, aiming to significantly boost sales this season starting from May 21, 2026. All fresh blackberries in Aldi stores will be 100% British-grown, reflecting the company’s commitment to local produce.
Previously, Aldi had a range of blackberry varieties but faced challenges in meeting consumer expectations regarding sweetness and flavor. Last year, Aldi sold more than 228 tonnes of blackberries, equivalent to about 1.5 million punnets. This year, however, the company anticipates a sales increase of up to 20% due to improvements in taste.
Aldi’s collaboration with Driscoll’s aims to refine these fruits through natural breeding techniques. The initiative focuses on selecting only the finest blackberry varieties that promise a naturally sweeter and less tart taste.
As part of their quality assurance process, Aldi conducts taste-testing throughout the growing season. Blackberries are picked only at peak ripeness, ensuring optimal flavor for consumers.
Experts in UK horticulture have praised Aldi’s strategy. Julie Ashfield from Aldi stated, “We expect our blackberries to taste better than ever this season.” Meanwhile, James Crook from Driscoll’s emphasized that exceptional flavor results from years of dedicated breeding efforts.
In addition to enhancing product quality, Aldi aims to secure at least 50% of its domestic produce through long-term partnerships by the end of 2027. This move aligns with broader trends favoring homegrown fruit and seasonal produce among consumers.
