Suntory Beverage & Food, the owner of Ribena, is investing £200,000 to enhance the resilience of blackcurrant bushes against extreme weather conditions. This decision follows a challenging harvest season in the UK, where adverse weather, including a wet winter, spring frosts, and summer heatwaves, has led to a projected 10% decrease in blackcurrant yields.
The investment will support research into improving soil health and developing new blackcurrant varieties that can thrive despite climate variability. This initiative aims to ensure the sustainability of British blackcurrant production for future generations.
Watch for advancements in blackcurrant cultivation techniques as Suntory collaborates with growers and research institutions. The focus on soil health and new varieties could reshape the industry, ensuring resilience against climate extremes and securing future harvests.