1 of 4

Quality London Market Gooseberry Bushes for Professional Market Gardeners

Buy now and get it delivered when you're ready to plant

11 products

Collection: Quality London Market Gooseberry Bushes for Professional Market Gardeners

Technical sheet for the London Market Gooseberry variety

  • Fruit flesh color: Juicy
  • Skin color: Light red to bright red, sometimes described as translucent red.
  • Size and shape: Berries of medium to large size (about 8 mm in diameter), grouped in long, compact clusters containing on average 8 to 20 fruits per cluster. Clusters can reach a length of 12 to 15 cm.
  • Tree size: Vigorous shrub, reaching about 1.5 m in height and spread. It has a bushy, upright habit.
  • Fruit maturity: From mid-July, which corresponds to a mid-season period. The harvest is generally grouped.
  • Fruit Taste: Well-balanced flavor, both sweet and tangy. The flesh is juicy and the pulp firm. Some describe a fruity and fragrant aromatic note. The acidity is present but well-balanced, not harsh.
  • Earliness of the variety: Mid-season. Flowering is relatively late (early May), which reduces the risk of spring frosts.
  • Fruiting period From mid-July.
  • Disease resistance and storage: Good natural disease resistance. Very hardy, suitable for harsh conditions. The firm texture of the fruit allows for good harvesting and transport resistance, as well as good cold storage.
  • Variety yield: Very productive, reaching up to 7 kg per plant in optimal conditions.
  • Is this variety self-fertile? Yes.
  • Commercial use: Mainly recommended for industrial processing (jams, jellies, syrups, purees, frozen foods) due to its high productivity and the quality of its pulp. It is also appreciated for fresh consumption, baking and retail sale thanks to its good size, juicy texture and balanced flavor.
  • Comments: It stands out for the ease of harvesting its fruits thanks to long, compact bunches and a thornless habit. It offers a good yield and is suitable for manual and mechanized harvesting. Its late flowering is an advantage against spring frosts.

Quick read / the essentials on Gooseberry bunches London Market

Originally from England, the London Market variety is a must-have among mid-season red currant bushes . Robust, hardy and generous, it is appreciated for its late flowering , its good cold tolerance (down to -20 °C) and its ability to produce uniform bunches of large, shiny, juicy and well-flavored red fruits . With an average size of 8 to 10 mm and an estimated juice content of between 75 and 80%, it meets the needs of both the food processing industry and the fresh fruit market.

Thanks to its grouped maturity from mid-July , London Market allows efficient harvesting, manual or mechanized, over a short period. The vigorous shrub reaches 1.5 meters in height and can be grown as a hedge or in an intensive orchard with light training. Its productive longevity of 15 to 20 years makes it an asset for professional farms, as does its resistance to diseases (anthracnose, rust) and its good adaptation to low-input systems.

For professionals wishing to buy gooseberry plants London Market , Bairiverse , a specialist wholesale supplier of gooseberry plants , offers robust and certified plants, perfectly suited to profitable commercial production. Self-fertile, this variety can be planted alone or combined with other cultivars to optimize cross-pollination performance.

With Bairiverse , a specialist wholesale supplier of gooseberry plants , benefit from personalized support to buy London Market gooseberry plants and integrate this strategic variety into your production or diversification projects.

Origin and varietal context

The 'London Market' variety, also known by its botanical name Ribes rubrum 'London Market', originates from England. It is well established in professional production in Europe and has established itself as a benchmark thanks to its robustness, good cold tolerance, and versatility of use. This variety is distinguished by its late flowering, high productivity, and beautiful red fruits.


Description of the fruit

The fruits of 'London Market' are medium to large, typically between 8 and 10 mm in diameter. Each berry weighs approximately 10 g, placing it among the large-fruited varieties in the red currant category. The berries are round in shape and have a light to bright red, sometimes translucent, shiny, and attractive skin.

The flesh is red, juicy, and firm in texture. It has a well-balanced sweet-tart flavor, with a noticeable but not overpowering acidity. A fruity, slightly fragrant aroma completes this taste profile. The fruit's Brix content is generally between 10 and 12°, while the juice content is estimated at 75 and 80% of the fresh weight. This fruit is therefore highly valued for both processing and fresh consumption.


Harvest period

The 'London Market' variety is classified as a mid-season gooseberry. It generally flowers in early May, protecting it from late spring frosts. Fruit ripeness is uniform and occurs from mid-July. Harvesting lasts until mid-August, with group production facilitating logistical organization in the orchard.


Plant characteristics

'London Market' is a vigorous shrub with a bushy to upright habit, reaching about 1.5 meters in height and up to 2 meters in spread. The shoots are stiff, sparsely branched, and the wood is soft, making annual pruning easy. The root system is mainly superficial and requires well-drained soil to avoid the risk of root asphyxiation.

Light staking may be recommended in intensive professional plantations, particularly in cases of heavy fruit load or exposure to wind. Installing horizontal wires at 40 cm and 80 cm intervals or a strapping system is sufficient to ensure good support.

The productive lifespan of the shrub is estimated at between 15 and 20 years subject to good maintenance (pruning, fertilization, phytosanitary control).


Agronomic behavior

'London Market' is self-fertile. It does not require the presence of another variety to produce, which simplifies its management in a single-variety orchard. However, cross-pollination with varieties such as 'Versaillaise Rouge', 'Fertodi', or 'Red Lake' can slightly improve the size and quantity of the crop.

This variety is hardy, tolerating winter temperatures down to -20°C. It tolerates poor soils, but prefers rich, fresh, and well-drained soils. Avoid highly calcareous soils, as do areas prone to waterlogging.


Sanitary resistances

'London Market' has good natural resistance to common diseases, including anthracnose and rust. Its pest resistance is rated as good to very good, making it suitable for growing in organic or low-input systems. However, its drought resistance is average to poor, requiring regular watering in summer.


Commercial valuation

This variety is particularly well-suited to food processing. Its high pectin content and juice content make it ideal for the production of jams, jellies, syrups, and purees. It is also used in the dairy industry for flavoring yogurts and cottage cheeses, as well as in frozen products.

Other interesting opportunities exist in the alcoholic beverages (liqueurs, redcurrant wines), cosmetics (thanks to its richness in antioxidants and vitamin C) and the natural coloring industry (E163).

At the fresh market, 'London Market' is prized for its large fruit, beautiful presentation, and balanced flavor. It is also used in artisanal baking and fine dining.


Economic outlook

The professional yield of 'London Market' can reach 6 to 7 kg per mature and well-managed plant, with optimal production from the third year after planting. The variety comes into production from the second year, allowing a rapid return on investment.

The renewed interest in redcurrants observed in France since 2018 (+5% demand per year) and the preference of professionals for large-fruited, high-yielding varieties confirm the relevance of this cultivar in a specialized orchard. Processing currently accounts for nearly 60% of national redcurrant production, which positions 'London Market' as a particularly strategic variety.


Conclusion

'London Market' is a robust, productive, and versatile variety, ideal for growers looking for a mid-season gooseberry that is aesthetically pleasing, tasty, and suitable for processing. Its hardiness, self-fertility, field resistance, and high yields make it a solid reference for professional production. Thanks to its relative earliness, ease of cultivation, and varied market opportunities, it fits perfectly into diversified farming projects, whether in conventional or organic farming.

To summarize: Gooseberry bunches London Market

The London Market variety combines all the qualities sought by red fruit professionals: large size, high productivity, hardiness and versatile use. Its light red to bright red fruit , round, juicy and with a balanced sweet and sour flavor , appeals to both processors and consumers of fresh fruit. Suitable for organic or low-input systems, it displays good resistance to common diseases and excellent performance in temperate climates.

Its late flowering limits the risks associated with spring frosts, while its grouped harvest, from mid-July to mid-August , facilitates the logistical organization of the orchard. With a professional yield of 6 to 7 kg per adult plant , London Market constitutes an economically sound option, particularly in a growing French market for redcurrants (+5%/year since 2018).

To buy gooseberry plants from London Market , trust Bairiverse , a specialist wholesale supplier of gooseberry plants , which selects high-quality, ready-to-use plants for intensive, extensive or organic planting. This variety is also popular for innovative uses (cosmetics, drinks, dairy products) thanks to its natural richness in pectin, antioxidants and vitamin C.

As a specialist wholesale supplier of gooseberry plants , Bairiverse supports arborists in the choice and establishment of London Market , to buy London Market gooseberry plants with complete peace of mind, with advice adapted to each terroir and cultivation method.

Robust, cost-effective, and versatile, London Market deserves your full attention. To secure your supply, rely on Bairiverse , a specialist wholesale supplier of gooseberry plants , to buy London Market gooseberry plants at the best prices.

Additional / Useful information:

Groseillier à Grappes London Market de qualité pour maraîchers professionnels

Bairiverse, your partner for market gardeners and small fruit producers

Why Choose Bairiverse as a Wholesale Partner in Small Fruit Plants for Market Gardeners and Farmers

For market gardeners, crop managers, and berry producers, ensuring a reliable, high-quality supply of plants is essential. Bairiverse positions itself as the specialized wholesale partner for berry plants, offering professional-quality products and technical expertise tailored to the needs of farms. Thanks to a wide variety of varieties, personalized advice, and seamless logistics, Bairiverse has established itself as a key supplier for berry producers throughout France.


Why Choose Bairiverse as Your Berry Plant Supplier?

Simple and seamless agricultural supply without complications

Bairiverse's mission is to simplify supply for farmers. With flexible logistics solutions, including 15-day delivery and responsive customer service, Bairiverse provides seamless access to quality berry plants without unnecessary complexity. This hassle-free process allows market gardeners to focus on their production rather than logistical challenges.

The widest range of berry plants in France

Bairiverse offers an extensive variety range in France, with plants sourced from specialized nurseries, guaranteeing professional quality and tailored to the needs of growers. This wide range includes conventional, organic, and untreated plants, and comes in various forms: bare root, 7 cm horticultural pot, mini-plugs, and honeycomb trays, among others. Bairiverse offers a personalized and varied solution for every berry grower.

Professional quality at direct producer prices

Market gardeners and crop managers benefit from unbeatable value for money with Bairiverse. By sourcing directly from the supplier, they benefit from volume-based pricing and optimal plant quality, adapted to professional standards. Bairiverse's positioning as a wholesaler with producer prices allows farms to maintain increased competitiveness.

Careful delivery adapted to farms

Delivery logistics are a key component for Bairiverse, with on-farm or direct-to-plot delivery services available, including the option of tailgate delivery for larger orders. By offering nationwide coverage and customized delivery options, Bairiverse ensures plants arrive in perfect condition and on time, ready for planting.

Technical advice and dedicated support for market gardeners

As an expert berry supplier, Bairiverse doesn't just sell plants; the team offers specialized technical support for market gardeners and berry producers, helping to optimize growing methods. With comprehensive technical itineraries and free personalized advice, crop managers can benefit from tailored support to improve the productivity and quality of their crops.


Products Available at Bairiverse

Bairiverse offers a complete range to meet the diverse needs of producers:

  • Organic, conventional and untreated berry plants
  • Mini-clods in a tray of 77 units
  • 7 cm horticultural pots for easy planting
  • Bare root plants, ideal for large areas and farms
  • Professional quality plants adapted to the high standards of growers

Free Technical Support and Advice for Farmers

Bairiverse stands out by offering a free technical support service for producers. By providing no-obligation quotes and advice, the company helps farmers optimize their crops with solutions tailored to their specific needs. This unique service reinforces Bairiverse's added value as a trusted partner for farms.


Responsive Sales Service and Quality Customer Experience

Bairiverse's sales team stands out for its responsiveness and availability . Quote requests are processed in less than 48 hours, allowing customers to quickly plan their supply. This rapid service, combined with quality after-sales service, guarantees a serene and professional customer experience.


Bairiverse: Your Partner to Develop and Diversify Your Small Fruit Farm

By choosing Bairiverse, market gardeners and crop managers ensure a reliable, technical, and responsive partnership. The diversity of our offerings, technical support, and optimized logistics make Bairiverse an essential supplier for all growers specializing in berries. So, why wait? Plant your berry plot with the best plants, expert advice, and competitive prices.


FAQ for Bairiverse - Wholesale Partner in Small Fruit Plants for Market Gardeners and Farmers

What types of berry plants are available at Bairiverse?

Bairiverse offers a wide range of berry plants, including organic, conventional, and untreated plants. Options include bare-root plants, 7cm horticultural pots, plugs, and trays, allowing growers to choose the right varieties for their needs.

What are the benefits of choosing Bairiverse as your berry plant supplier?

Bairiverse offers flexible logistics with fast delivery within 15 days, a wide range of varieties, competitive producer-direct prices, and personalized technical support. This partnership simplifies procurement and helps farmers maintain quality production.

Does Bairiverse offer technical support for berry producers?

Yes, Bairiverse provides free, specialized technical support for market gardeners. Growers receive technical guidance, personalized advice, and assistance to optimize their growing methods and improve their productivity.

How are plants ordered from Bairiverse delivered?

Bairiverse offers delivery options tailored to farms, including direct delivery to the plot or farm, with the option of a tailgate option for large orders. This logistics ensures fast and secure delivery of plants.

What are the benefits of Bairiverse customer service?

Bairiverse provides a responsive sales team, processing quote requests in less than 48 hours and ensuring quality after-sales service. This responsiveness guarantees a smooth and professional customer experience.

Why is Bairiverse the ideal partner for diversifying a berry farm?

With a diverse offering, free technical advice, optimized logistics, and competitive prices, Bairiverse helps producers develop and diversify their berry crops. This partnership ensures consistent quality, technical support, and practical solutions tailored to the needs of each farm.

Bairiverse, your partner for nurserymen and retailers of small fruits

For berry nurseries and retailers, working with a reliable and responsive supplier offering a wide range of professional-quality plants is essential. Bairiverse, a specialist wholesaler of berry plants, offers tailor-made solutions tailored to the needs of professionals, with flexible logistics and responsive customer service. With technical advice, a free quote service, and seamless supply, Bairiverse is an ideal partner for nurseries and retailers looking to expand their offerings and meet growing customer demand for organic, conventional, and untreated plants.


Bairiverse: A Trusted Partner for Small Fruit Nurseries and Retailers

Simple and seamless agricultural supply without complications

Bairiverse simplifies the procurement process for nurseries and retailers, giving them direct access to a wide range of plants without unnecessary complexity. This seamless logistics model ensures nursery owners can quickly replenish their stock, while retailers can benefit from direct delivery to meet customer demand in-store or on-site.

The widest range of berry plants in France

Bairiverse offers an extensive varietal range that meets the specific needs of nurserymen and retailers. With plants produced by specialist nurseries in France, Bairiverse guarantees optimal quality, whether for bare-root plants, 7 cm horticultural pots, mini-plugs, or honeycomb trays. For nurserymen, this means a diverse variety to satisfy their customers' orders, while retailers have a wide selection to attract a diverse and demanding clientele.

Quality plants at competitive prices

As a wholesaler, Bairiverse offers unbeatable value for money with direct producer pricing, allowing nurserymen and resellers to achieve advantageous margins. By also offering volume-based discounts, Bairiverse encourages professionals to source quantities tailored to their needs, making their offers even more attractive to their end customers.

Careful and fast delivery throughout France

Bairiverse tailors its logistics to the specific needs of nurserymen and retailers. By offering careful and fast delivery services, Bairiverse ensures the secure delivery of plants directly to the farm, store, or customer site. Nurserymen can receive their orders within 15 days to optimize their crops, while retailers can count on timely delivery of plants for immediate availability in store.

Personalized technical advice and free quotes

With its technical support service, Bairiverse goes beyond selling plants. By offering free, personalized technical advice , the Bairiverse team helps nursery owners maximize the quality of their production. For resellers, this advice helps them better inform their customers about the specific characteristics of their plants. Bairiverse's customer service, with free quotes within 48 hours, guarantees professionals optimal responsiveness for any request or purchase planning.


Large Selection of Products for Nurseries and Small Fruit Retailers

Bairiverse provides nurserymen and resellers with a wide range of products to diversify their offering:

  • Organic, conventional and untreated plants, to meet the expectations of environmentally conscious customers.
  • 7 cm horticultural pots, perfect for direct sale in stores for resellers or for direct installation by nurserymen.
  • Mini-plugs and honeycomb trays, ideal for wholesale orders from resellers and nursery cultivation.
  • Bare root plants, economical and suitable for bulk orders.

An Expert Partner in Small Fruit Cultivation for Nurseries and Resellers

Bairiverse positions itself as a specialist in small fruit cultivation , offering nurserymen comprehensive technical support to ensure quality harvests, and retailers valuable information to answer their customers' questions. This dedicated technical support allows nurserymen to develop their crops in an optimized manner, and retailers to strengthen customer satisfaction in store or online.


A Responsive Sales and After-Sales Service for Nurseries and Resellers

Bairiverse's sales department stands out for its speed and quality after-sales service . Quotes are provided within 48 hours, and each order receives personalized follow-up. Nursery owners can therefore count on a reliable partner for their supply needs, while resellers are assured of customer service available to answer any questions related to orders and deliveries.


Bairiverse: Choose Excellence for Your Berry Plants

By choosing Bairiverse, nurserymen and resellers benefit from a strategic partnership with a supplier capable of meeting the requirements of each professional activity. With a diverse range, technical advice, and fast delivery, Bairiverse helps you expand your offering and meet the growing demand for berry plants. Order today and take advantage of our competitive prices to expand your offering and build customer loyalty!


FAQ about Bairiverse - Your Wholesale Partner for Nurserymen and Small Fruit Resellers

What types of berry plants are available at Bairiverse?

Bairiverse offers a wide range of plants, including organic, conventional, and untreated plants. These products are available in several formats, such as 7 cm horticultural pots, mini plugs, cell trays, and bare-root plants, allowing resellers to meet the diverse needs of their customers.

Why choose Bairiverse as your berry plant supplier?

Bairiverse stands out for its wide variety of varieties, competitive pricing with volume discounts, and fast delivery. In addition, the company offers personalized technical support to help resellers expand and diversify their product catalog.

Does Bairiverse offer technical advice for resellers?

Yes, Bairiverse provides free, personalized technical advice. These recommendations allow nursery owners and retailers to optimize the quality of their plants and ensure increased customer satisfaction through expert service.

How does delivery of plants ordered from Bairiverse work?

Bairiverse's logistics allow for careful and rapid delivery within 15 days. Options include direct delivery to the store, farm, or plot, ensuring that plants arrive in excellent condition, ready for sale or planting.

Does Bairiverse offer discounted pricing for bulk orders?

Yes, as a wholesaler, Bairiverse offers competitive pricing with volume discounts. This allows resellers to benefit from optimized margins when placing large orders.

How responsive is Bairiverse's sales department?

Bairiverse's sales department is highly responsive, with quotes provided within 48 hours and personalized follow-up. This responsiveness ensures resellers have a smooth and efficient customer experience, from ordering to delivery.

Why is Bairiverse the ideal partner to enhance a nursery's offering?

Bairiverse enables nursery owners to diversify and expand their catalogs with a diverse offering, technical advice, and optimized logistics. With competitive pricing and expert support, Bairiverse helps retailers expand their offerings profitably and professionally.

Deliveries at Bairiverse: How does it work?

At Bairiverse , we are committed to providing professional quality berry plants , whether you are a professional berry grower , a nurseryman looking for plants to repot or a market gardener looking to diversify with berry plants . We deliver your berry plants anywhere in France, directly to your farm or store, guaranteeing a fast, secure and professional service. Thanks to our expertise and our wide range of berry plants produced by specialist nurseries , we ensure that your plants will arrive in the best condition, ready to plant.


Available Delivery Methods

  • Courier delivery : Ideal for small or medium-sized orders, such as potted plants or mini-plugs in honeycomb trays . Carefully packaged in sturdy cardboard boxes, your professional-quality plants are shipped via a reliable courier service, guaranteeing fast and secure delivery. Our berry plants are thus protected to arrive in excellent condition.

  • Pallet Delivery : For larger orders, such as bare-root or bulk plants , we offer pallet shipping. Each pallet is carefully prepared, ensuring maximum protection during transport. Whether you order year-round plants or organic and conventional plants , your plants will arrive ready to plant.

Tracking and Delivery Time

  • Delivery time : Our deliveries take approximately 15 days, but delivery times may vary depending on your location and the size of your order. Whether you are located in a rural or urban area, we are committed to delivering your professional-quality plants quickly anywhere in France. To ensure optimal delivery, it is recommended to order in advance, especially for large quantities.

  • Tracking Information : As soon as your order is shipped, you'll receive a tracking number to track its progress in real time. Additionally, our responsive sales team is available to answer any questions you may have within 48 hours. We ensure all the necessary information is provided to ensure a smooth delivery.

Contact and Additional Information

For any questions or special requests regarding the delivery of your berry plants or to obtain free quotes and advice , do not hesitate to contact our sales team. We are happy to assist you throughout your order, offering you a complete technical itinerary for market gardeners if necessary. At Bairiverse , we make customer satisfaction our priority, with unbeatable value for money , professional quality berry plants , delivered quickly and at producer prices .

Order your berry plants now and take advantage of our delivery throughout France to design your plot, whatever your project, from wholesale to planting new varieties on your farm. Request a free quote and receive a response within 48 hours!

French Small Fruit Market in 2025

The berry market in France offers promising opportunities for market gardeners in 2025, thanks to growing demand for these prized fruits, both fresh and processed. Despite challenges related to climatic hazards, international competition, and production costs, producers can take advantage of regional specificities, financial support, and varietal innovations to develop this high-value-added sector, particularly in organic and short supply chains.

Presentation and commercial uses

Small red fruits include various species such as raspberries , gooseberries , blackcurrants and blueberries . They are generally shrubs or bushes producing edible berries appreciated for their taste and nutritional qualities . Their main commercial uses in France are:

  • Fresh produce sales in markets and supermarkets, in high demand during the summer season
  • Processing into jams, coulis, syrups and other derivative products
  • Use in baking and catering
  • Direct sales on the farm and through short supply chains, promoting local production
  • Supplying the food industry (yogurts, desserts, etc.)

These fruits benefit from a positive image among consumers, associated with taste pleasure and health benefits . Their cultivation makes it possible to enhance the value of small agricultural areas, offering interesting opportunities for market gardeners .

Recent market developments

The French berry market has seen mixed developments in recent years. For the conventional market, there has been a slight increase in cultivated areas, particularly in Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, which accounts for 44% of national blackcurrant production . However, volumes have fluctuated due to climatic hazards. Regarding organic, despite a general downward trend in areas under conversion (-28% in 2022), the organic berry sector has held up better thanks to sustained demand . Certified organic areas increased by 8%, reflecting growing consumer interest in local organic products .

  • Conventional market: Slight increase in surface area, variable volumes
  • Organic market: Growth in certified areas (+8%), decrease in conversions
  • Growing demand for local and organic products
  • Organic fruit and vegetable market share stable at 6.7% in volume and 7.9% in value in 2024
  • Less marked decline in volume purchases for organic fruit and vegetables compared to conventional ones

Current market status

The French berry market is currently experiencing mixed dynamics. For the conventional market, cultivated areas remain stable, with a slight upward trend for certain species such as strawberries. Production volumes fluctuate depending on climatic conditions, but there is growing demand for tropical fruits such as avocados, whose consumption reached 150,000 tonnes in 2023 . The organic market, meanwhile, is experiencing a slowdown after years of strong growth. Certified organic areas for fresh fruit will represent 30,269 ha in 2022, with a notable drop in conversions (-23%) . Despite this decline, organic still represents 27% of the French fruit-growing agricultural area, demonstrating a resilient sector in the face of current economic challenges .

  • Conventional: Stability of surfaces, increasing demand for certain exotic fruits
  • Organic: 30,269 ha certified, slowdown in conversions but maintenance of a significant share (27% of the fruit UAA)
  • General trend: Decrease in volumes purchased (-10% organic, -6% conventional), but increase in the average basket

Producing regions and terroirs

The production of small fruits in France is concentrated in several key regions, each with its own specificities:

  • Hauts-de-France: Leading gooseberry producing region (27% of national areas) . Aisne specializes in raspberries, Oise in blackcurrants, and Nord-Pas-de-Calais in strawberries .
  • Rhône-Alpes: Main production area for raspberries and redcurrants .
  • Burgundy: Important for blackcurrant cultivation, particularly in the communes of Arcenant, Echevronne, Fussey .
  • Loire Valley: Diversified production, including blueberries, raspberries and redcurrants .
  • Aquitaine and Limousin: Major areas for blueberries .

Favorable regional specificities include:

  • Acidic to neutral, well-drained soils for most small fruits .
  • Temperate climate with good sunshine, crucial for the development of aromas .
  • Altitude (e.g. 900m on average in Velay) allowing for deseasonal production .

These varied conditions allow France to cultivate a wide range of small fruits, adapted to local terroirs.

Cultural requirements and varieties

Small fruits require specific growing conditions for optimal production. The main varieties grown in France include Gariguette and Mariguette for strawberries, and Patriot for blueberries . These fruits generally prefer well-drained soils, rich in organic matter, with a slightly acidic to neutral pH (5.5-7.0) . Irrigation is crucial, especially for strawberries and raspberries, with a drip system recommended . Planting density varies depending on the species: 30 cm between plants for strawberries, 100-150 cm for blueberries . Yields in organic farming are generally 20-30% lower than conventionally grown. Most small fruits come into production 1-2 years after planting and remain productive for 5-10 years, depending on the species and care .

Foreign trade and competition

France occupies a modest position on the international berry market, with insufficient production to meet domestic demand. Imports play a crucial role, particularly for raspberries and blueberries, where only 15% of consumption is covered by French production . The main suppliers are Spain, Peru, Chile, and Mexico, whose combined share reaches 51.4% of fresh berry imports . This dependence on imports exerts competitive pressure on French producers, particularly in terms of price, with Spain, for example, producing tomatoes at 1 euro less per kilo . However, this situation also offers opportunities for the development of local production, particularly in short supply chains and organic, to meet the growing demand for quality French products .

Development opportunities

The French berry market offers significant opportunities for local producers, both conventional and organic. For the conventional market, diversification into berries represents a promising growth strategy, allowing the exploitation of new segments and reducing the risks associated with a single production . The growing imports of raspberries (+100%), blackberries (+150%) and blueberries (+500%) over ten years reveal significant development potential for national production .

In the organic sector, despite a recent slowdown, opportunities remain numerous. Institutional aid, such as the "Ambition Bio 2017" program, aims to double the area under organic farming . Consumer demand for local and traceable organic products remains strong, offering opportunities in short supply chains, supermarkets and artisanal processing. Producers can benefit from investment aid from various organizations such as Regional Councils or FranceAgriMer to develop their organic projects .

Profitability and financial aid

Organic berry production has production costs that are approximately 20 to 30% higher than conventional production, mainly due to higher labor costs and generally lower yields . However, the selling prices of organic berries are on average 44% higher than their conventional equivalents, which helps to offset these additional costs . Potential profitability remains attractive, with gross margins reaching €15,000 to €20,000/ha for certain species such as raspberries or blueberries, compared to alternative crops such as cereals .

To support this sector, several aid schemes are available. Conversion aid (CAB) and maintenance aid (MAB) offer financial support to organic producers, with amounts varying depending on the crops . The organic tax credit, increased to €3,500, is also available to farms generating more than 40% of their income from organic products . In addition, an exceptional support fund of 105 million euros has been set up in 2024 to help organic farms that have suffered economic losses, demonstrating the commitment of public authorities to this promising sector.

Sector challenges and risks

The market for both conventional and organic berries is facing significant challenges. In the conventional sector, international competition, particularly from Poland, is exerting strong pressure on prices . Climatic hazards can lead to production losses ranging from 30 to 70% depending on the plots, while phytosanitary risks increase with a limited number of approved products . In addition, the presence of pesticide residues in more than 70% of conventional fruits raises concerns among consumers .

For the organic market, the main constraints are linked to high production costs, resulting from a more labor-intensive cultivation method . Strict regulations involve regular inspections and costly certifications. Competition is intensifying in the organic market, with supply growing faster than demand, putting downward pressure on prices . Organic berries cost 30% to 50% more than their conventional counterparts, which may hinder their adoption by consumers .

Innovations and future perspectives

The berry sector in France is experiencing a promising dynamic of innovation. Research is focusing on developing varieties that are more disease-resistant and adapted to climate change, such as the ever-bearing Kwanza raspberry or the Sekoya Pop blueberry . Agroecological practices are gaining ground, with the increasing adoption of techniques such as dynamic population management and participatory selection, allowing for better local adaptation of varieties .

By 2030, the market is expected to experience sustained growth, driven by changing eating habits and growing demand for healthy, local products . The goal of some brands, such as Pink Lady, to reach 100 million annual European consumers by 2030 illustrates this potential . The integration of advanced technologies, such as nanotechnology and precision agriculture, is also expected to revolutionize farming practices, improving yields and fruit quality .

Recommendations for market gardeners

Growing small fruits offers interesting opportunities for French market gardeners, but requires careful consideration before embarking on the venture. Advantages include growing demand, potentially high margins, and the opportunity to diversify production . However, this crop presents challenges such as high installation costs, sensitivity to climatic hazards and increased international competition .

For an informed decision, here are some recommendations:

  • Carefully assess your land and water resources, which are essential for the success of these crops .
  • Start small to test different varieties and techniques before investing heavily .
  • Favor short circuits and direct sales to maximize margins .
  • Consider organic certification to meet the growing demand for local and organic products .
  • Learn specific growing and disease management techniques for these delicate fruits .
  • Explore the financial assistance available for organic installation and conversion .

By taking a step-by-step approach and leveraging local resources and available support, integrating berries can become a major asset for your market gardening operation.

Specialist suppliers and consultants

For professional market gardeners looking for quality berry plants or advice on planting a plot, two specialist suppliers stand out on the French market:

  • Bairiverse ( https://plantspetitsfruits.com/ ): Wholesale supplier offering a wide range of small fruit plants in various formats (mini-balls, pots, pots). They offer organic and conventional plants, with a responsive sales service and fast delivery throughout France .
  • Econome à Légumes ( https://economealegumes.fr/ ): Trader in plants and plant material, offering producer prices and direct delivery to the farm. They supply organic and conventional plants, with a focus on quality and customer service .

These two companies not only offer quality plants, but also personalized technical support, advice on the choice of varieties and growing routes adapted to your project. Their expertise can prove invaluable in optimizing your berry production .