The Clarke family’s 56 acre soft fruit farm is one of the largest in Ireland. producing over 700 tonnes of fruit a year. Strawberries are the main crop, also raspberries, blackberries and blueberries, which are the latest addition to the range.
The Clarkes have been farming here for over half a century and Pat Clarke is a caring and innovative grower, who values sustainability and takes pride in producing top quality, flavoursome fruit - and his high standards have been endorsed by many industry awards, including a Bord Bia Best Grower of the Year title.
It was Pat who introduced the reliable and flavoursome El Santa strawberry to Ireland, in 1983; this variety is now by far the most widely grown here and the berries are harvested by a method known as stem-picking, which minimises handling and prevents bruising.
Clarke’s Fresh Fruit is widely distributed through the multiples and independent stores and their same-day pick, pack and dispatch system allows their fruit to reach the shops in peak condition.
Fruits in season can also be purchased from the farm shop, along with their range of jams which are made (using their fruit) by Folláin, near Macroom in Co Cork (see entry)
