The reception in Parliament last Friday (24 January 2024) showcased the findings of the latest Ribena blackcurrant growers’ survey, which highlights the industry’s resilience and the areas in which government support is needed to overcome climate and economic pressure.
With over 90% of all British grown blackcurrants being used to make Ribena, ensuring the long-term viability of the environments they grow in is a priority for Suntory Beverage & Food (SBF) GB&I.
What’s worrying blackcurrant growers?
The survey showed that adverse weather conditions are a top concern among 93% of growers – up from 74% last year – with three quarters expecting extreme weather conditions to have the greatest impact on their business in the next 5 to 10 years.
While worries over rising cists and labour shortages have fallen since 2023 – both down by 8% – just a third believe they’ll grow their business in the coming years (unmoving since last year), while only 10% expect to add to their headcount. Recent policy decisions have also been fuelling concerns about future investments.
Growers have been increasingly turning to new technologies to aid productivity and sustainability, with almost two-thirds adopting advance data management systems, more than half using robotics and automation, and 40% investing in renewable energy solutions.
Where is support needed?
The survey highlighted the areas where further government support is required, with the reception used as an opportunity to urge UK MPs to take action to protect the blackcurrant industry.
Over 9 in 10 growers seek more flexible funding options for research and development, while 8 in 10 want more support in identifying and evaluating new tech that could be useful to them.
In addition, nearly two-thirds call for reforms to the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) and other funding streams to make them more accessible. Last year’s survey showed half of SBF GB&I’s growers were planning on SFI applications, yet only a third are currently in receipt of support.
Access to grants for new equipment, technology and skills development are also being called for. More than two-thirds of growers identified a need for support in purchasing the most up-to-date equipment, and training in how best to deploy it.
“Our blackcurrant growers’ survey is an invaluable tool for understanding the challenges and opportunities facing the community of growers behind every bottle of Ribena,” commented Elise Seibold, chief operating officer at SBF GB&I.
“Working closely with MPs and policymakers enables us to invest in innovative technologies and practices that enhance the farms we work with while safeguarding the environment we all live and work in. It’s a key part of our company value of Growing for Good, which guides everything we do at SBF GB&I.”
