Taking responsibility for carbon protects the future of berry growing

At BerryWorld we understand the urgent need to reduce our carbon footprint across our supply chain and to support a transition towards more environmentally responsible ways of working. Therefore, we are committed to measuring, reducing and where possible avoiding carbon emissions across all operations.

Carbon emissions are generated at every stage of soft fruit production, from on farm activities to packaging, transport and retail. As a business operating across a global supply chain, we recognise that most of our carbon footprint sits beyond our own direct operations, within our wider supply chain also known as our Scope 3 emissions. Understanding and reducing these emissions is critical to lowering our overall carbon impact.

Reducing carbon emissions is essential for tackling climate change. Rising temperatures and increasingly unpredictable weather patterns pose real risks to growers, crops and long-term farm viability. Taking action to reduce our carbon emissions will not only minimise our environmental impact, but also support efficiency, resilience and sustainable farming practices.

By measuring carbon and working collaboratively with growers, we can identify emission hotspots and target improvements that lower emissions and encourage more environmentally responsible ways of working.

This approach strengthens transparency across our supply chain and helps ensure that berry production today does not compromise the ability to grow food tomorrow. 

Farm Carbon Toolkit: Measuring On Farm Carbon

We have partnered with the Farm Carbon Toolkit since 2021 to develop the BerryWorld Carbon Calculator. This tool is designed to help our growers measure their own carbon footprint, and is bespoke for soft fruit growers.

Growers will input data about their operations and the calculator will produce a detailed report growers showing their total carbon emissions, carbon offsets and the overall carbon balance.  We collect information a variety of inputs such as the plants purchased, growing media used, fertilisers applied and the electricity used. We also take into account the work our growers put into sequestering carbon through tree planting, hedgerows and soil organic carbon. All areas of the farms processes are covered, leading to a comprehensive carbon analysis which can be used to support further emission reductions.

All UK farms input their data annually, allowing them to benchmark performance against previous years and identify successes and where further improvement is needed. One of the key success areas we have seen is a drop in emissons based on the choice of electricity tariff, or the decision to invest in on-site energy production through solar panels and wind turbines.

By providing a consistent and practical approach to carbon measurement, the calculator supports growers in taking meaningful action to reduce emissions, improve efficiency and build long term resilience. It also supports transparency across the BerryWorld supply chain as we work together towards a lower carbon future.

How Our Growers Are Reducing Carbon

Anaerobic Digesters

Three of our growers — Winterwood, Taskers and Ewell — have installed anaerobic digesters to generate renewable energy on site. These systems use a natural process to break down organic materials, producing methane gas that can be used to generate electricity or heat.

By producing their own renewable energy, these farms reduce reliance on fossil fuels, lower their carbon emissions, and manage farm waste more efficiently. This is an example of how our growers are practising more sustainable and environmentally responsible farming.

Solar Panels

Several of our farms have installed solar panels to generate electricity on site. By capturing energy from the sun, these panels reduce the need for electricity from fossil fuels and help farms operate more efficiently.

Tree Planting Programmes

Several farms have tree planting programmes to capture carbon and further enhance biodiversity. Trees naturally absorb carbon dioxide, provide habitats for wildlife, and improve the surrounding environment — contributing to more resilient and sustainable farming systems.

Working With Growers To Reduce Carbon Emissions

From 2026, we are introducing carbon action plans for our growers, using data from tools such as the BerryWorld Carbon Calculator. Through collaborative meetings, we will share insights, listen to growers' ideas, and explore practical ways to reduce carbon at farm level.

These plans focus on identifying key emission hotspots while supporting efficient, resilient, and sustainable production. By taking a collaborative approach, we aim to make carbon reductions achievable for our growers and our wider business.

Reducing Emissions From Company Travel

At BerryWorld UK, from May 2023 all new company cars must be either hybrid or fully electric. As existing vehicle contracts end, our fleet will transition entirely to these more efficient vehicles, which have significantly lower fuel consumption and emissions compared to conventional petrol or diesel alternatives.

This change reduces fuel consumption and emissions from business travel while demonstrating our commitment to practical, measurable improvements towards a lower carbon future.