Wimbledon’s strawberries are a favorite for tennis fans, with organizers stating that this year’s crop is perfect despite a wet spring in Britain. Each year, over 38.4 tons of strawberries, equivalent to 1.92 million strawberries, are picked and enjoyed during the two-week tournament in London. A team of pickers at Hugh Lowe Farms in Kent rises early each day to harvest the fruit before sending it to the All England Club.
The juicy red strawberries are an integral part of the Wimbledon experience, along with the green courts and the white attire worn by players. While prices have increased for other Wimbledon staples like champagne and Pimm’s, the cost of a box of strawberries has remained at £2.50 since 2010. Wimbledon’s director of operations, Michelle Dite, assured that the strawberries for this year are just as they should be for the tournament.
Despite concerns about the wet weather affecting the strawberries’ juiciness or size, Dite stated that the strawberries are average-sized and of good quality. Working with strawberry grower Marion Regan in Kent, the organizers are pleased with the two million strawberries sold at Wimbledon annually. Dite mentioned that keeping strawberries at an affordable price is important as it is part of the iconic Wimbledon experience, along with other traditional offerings.