British shoppers can look forward to significantly improved availability of home-grown plums this summer, as domestic production surges to 300 tonnes – double last year's harvest of 150 tonnes.

The remarkable turnaround marks the strongest performance in three years for an industry that has struggled for over three decades.

The resurgence represents a significant reversal for British plum cultivation, which has endured persistent shrinkage since the late 1980s.

WB Chambers, a major producer headquartered in Maidstone, Kent, is confident that the sector has finally emerged from its prolonged downturn.

The company attributes its remarkable output increase this season to ideal weather patterns and the use of innovative cultivars.

These contemporary varieties not only yield more fruit per tree but also deliver distinctly bolder flavours that appeal to modern palates.

Government statistics reveal the extraordinary scale of the industry's transformation, with domestic plum production reaching 28,900 tonnes at its 1987 peak.

The subsequent collapse proved devastating, as output plummeted to merely 2,500 tonnes by 2008 – the sector's lowest point.

Tesco

Multiple factors drove this decline, the main challenge being lower yields and therefore lower profitability compared to berries, cherries, and apples.

Today's doubling of output signals genuine recovery momentum, though production remains far below historic peaks.

WB Chambers Commercial Director James Miller said: "The UK used to have one of the most vibrant plum industries in Europe, and our orchards were known around the world for producing the classic Victoria variety.

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A Tesco spokesperson said: 'This has been the best harvest for about three years'

"As cheaper imports flooded the market and plum production became less profitable, interest in growing the fruit dwindled.

"But we have now invested in new rootstocks as well as modern farming systems such as automatic minimal irrigation and soil moisture analysis.

"And with the new varieties we have been planting over the last few years, such as 'Top Hit', 'Top Taste', and 'Top End', we believe we have great quality plums that not only taste wonderful but also have a better shelf life that will help cut down on wastage.

"And even better for the industry is that these varieties are better suited to the British climate, and that will help us extend the UK growing season."

In some "great news" for shoppers, fresh British plums have already begun appearing on Tesco shelves nationwide, offering consumers access to new varieties that promise enhanced flavour profiles.

Tesco Fruit Category Buying Manager Simon Reeves commented: "We are hearing similar reports from all our growers and main plum supplier that this has been the best harvest for about three years.

"The quality of the British-grown plums arriving at our stores across the UK right now is easily the best we've seen for several years – plump, juicy and sweet."

In other Tesco news, the supermarket has reintroduced its popular "eat for free" scheme over the summer.