Meet the Grower: Pixley Berries
At Bensons the Juicers, we are proud to work with some of the best fruit growers in Britain. Every juice we press begins with their hard work and dedication, and nowhere is that more true than with Pixley Berries in Ledbury, Herefordshire. Their blackcurrants are at the heart of some of our best-loved drinks and lollies, bringing bold flavour and a taste of the British countryside to every sip.
A family farm with deep roots
Pixley Berries is a family-run farm with more than twenty years of expertise in growing and pressing fruit. Their story goes back even further, with founder Edward Thompson pioneering blackcurrant harvesting in the 1970s before establishing a purpose-built juice press in 2004. Today, Pixley Berries is one of the few growers in the country that takes fruit all the way from bush to bottle, ensuring quality at every stage.
Did you know?
Pixley Berries was one of the first farms in Britain to use mechanical blackcurrant harvesting, a practice that continues to shape the industry today.
Harvest time in Herefordshire
This summer’s blackcurrant harvest has taken place, and the fields at Pixley Berries were full of rich, dark berries ready to be picked at their best. Grown in Herefordshire’s deep silty clay loam soils and surrounded by hedgerows, wildflowers and ancient woodlands, these berries are nurtured in a landscape that supports flavour and sustainability in equal measure.
Did you know?
Blackcurrants grown at Pixley Berries are enjoyed around the world in juices and cordials, not just here in the UK.
Their careful approach to farming is a perfect match for our ethos at Bensons: keeping things simple and natural with fruit that speaks for itself.
From the field to Bensons' favourites
The blackcurrants from Pixley Berries bring a distinctive flavour to some of our most popular creations, including our sparkling waters, fruity waters and our Chilly Billy Lollies:
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Sparkling Water
Lightly sparkling and made with real pressed fruit. The Apple and Blackcurrant flavour is a firm favourite, refreshing and full of character.
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Fruity Water
A blend of juice and still water that is naturally hydrating and full of taste. It is a great alternative to squash and enjoyed by children and adults alike.
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Chilly Billy
Our frozen juice lollies made with nothing but simple, natural ingredients. Apple and Blackcurrant is one of the standout flavours, fruity and refreshing with every bite.
Did you know?
Every blackcurrant in our Apple and Blackcurrant range comes directly from Pixley Berries.
Why working with British growers matters
By sourcing fruit from growers like Pixley Berries, we keep things local. The berries arrive fresher, travel fewer miles, and support the future of British farming. It also means we can be sure of the quality and care that goes into every berry.
Once those blackcurrants reach us here in the Cotswolds, we blend them into juices and lollies that are free from concentrates, added sugar or artificial flavourings. Just real fruit, treated properly, to create drinks that are simple, natural and delicious.
Did you know?
Bensons juices are always pressed, never from concentrate, and count as one of your five a day.
Raising a glass to Pixley Berries
With another blackcurrant harvest complete, we are raising a glass to Pixley Berries and the team who grow with such passion and pride. Their fruit is what makes our Apple and Blackcurrant drinks so distinctive and why they remain favourites with families across the country.
