Berries of Scotland
One small berry, one juicy reward for Scotland
The inaugural Berries of Scotland campaign spotlights, celebrates and promotes Scotland’s berry growers and produce, further developing Scotland’s world-class reputation for soft fruit, while encouraging Scots and visitors alike to add more delicious local fruit to their plates.
The campaign launched on 20 June at The Royal Highland Show, and will run for 4 months, tying in with Scottish Food & Drink September which takes place 1-30 September, 2025.
The Home of Soft Fruit
Scotland’s berry sector has a rich history spanning over a century. The industry traces back to Blairgowrie in the early 1900s, with Angus and Fife also becoming key growing areas.
Today, Perthshire and Angus are still some of the main berry growing areas in Scotland, however, berry growers can also be found across Aberdeenshire, Fife, the Highlands, Ayrshire & Arran, and the Scottish Borders.
Scotland is known for its incredible berry produce, from its well-known traditionally sweet strawberries and raspberries to delicious blueberries and blackberries. While these may be Scotland’s best-known berries, there are also producers growing gooseberries, elderberries, the newly introduced honeyberries, cherries, blackcurrants, whitecurrants, redcurrants and more.
Photo Credits: Castleton Farm
The Season of the Berry
Scotland's berry season usually begins during May, hitting its peak during June and July and continuing through to August and September. During this time, many berry farms around Scotland open to the public, offering fresh berries in their farm shops, cafes, with some even offering 'pick your own' activities for visitors.
You can explore a selection of berry farms open to the public in our Berry Map below.
A Berry Sweet Spot
The weather in Scotland makes it the ideal place for growing berries. Scotland’s soft fruit growers are mostly found on the east coast due to the fertile soil and cooler climate, which allow the berries to ripen slowly and develop a sweeter and fuller flavour.
You can find out more about one of Scotland's berry farms, Angus Soft Fruits, in the case study below.
Photo Credits: Angus Soft Fruits
Naturally Scottish Case Study
Angus Soft Fruits
The Berry Way
Berries are a great way to contribute to your 5-a-day
Not only are berries delicious and refreshing to eat, but they are bursting with goodness, rich in antioxidant vitamins, phenolic compounds, minerals and fibre, and low in fat and salt.
Berries are great for your overall health and wellbeing and can be either enjoyed on their own or used in a variety of recipes.
Photo Credits: Angus Soft Fruits and Castleton Farm
71%
of Scots are more likely to buy strawberries and other soft fruits if they are made in Scotland.
70%
of Scotland's soft fruit is grown under cover in either glasshouses or polytunnels to shelter crops from wind and rain.
£197.8m
the berry category is worth £197.8million in the Scottish retail market.
Find out more
Discover further insights about our berry industry and beyond with The Knowledge Bank.
The Knowledge Bank is an online service launched by the Scotland Food & Drink Partnership. The platform gives food and drink businesses access to a unique blend of customised market research, data analysis and consumer insights.
