Wimbledon Strawberries: Tradition, Quantity & Facts

Introduction

Few images are as emblematic of Wimbledon as a punnet of bright red strawberries paired with velvety cream. Beyond thrilling rallies and iconic grass courts, strawberries and cream at Wimbledon represent a cherished British summer tradition. But how many are eaten each year? Why does this tradition endure? And what makes Wimbledon strawberries so special? In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the heritage, logistics, statistics, and cultural significance of strawberries at the All England Club, making this the ultimate SEO-friendly resource for enthusiasts and curious readers alike.

1. A Tradition Rooted in History

Beginnings in the Victorian Era

The tradition of strawberries and cream at Wimbledon dates back to the tournament’s first event in 1877. Their popularity is linked to their September-season arrival in summer and a sense of luxury—whether enjoyed at the All England Club or in courtside hospitality tents (newenglishteas.com, hungryfan.com, keithprowse.co.uk).

Royal Endorsement

Legend has it that strawberries with cream became fashionable when Cardinal Thomas Wolsey served them to Henry VIII at Hampton Court in 1509. Once consumed by royalty, the dish quickly gained status and later became entrenched in British high-society events, including Wimbledon (courts.club).

2. The Numbers Behind the Tradition

Annual Consumption

• Wimbledon spectators consume approximately 38.4 tonnes (38,400 kg) of strawberries every year, equivalent to nearly 1.9–2 million individual berries during the two-week event (popcornshed.com).
• This massive volume reflects the enduring popularity of strawberries and cream as the tournament’s signature snack.

Daily Quantities

With 42,000 spectators attending daily, each purchasing on average 3–4 strawberries per portion, the demand is consistently high throughout the tournament (barfruitdelivery.co.uk).

3. Where and How the Strawberries are Grown

Kent: The Garden of England

Official supplier Hugh Lowe Farms in Kent has been providing Wimbledon strawberries for nearly 30 years (keithprowse.co.uk). The farm grows the esteemed Malling Centenary and Elsanta varieties—chosen for their sweetness, uniform size, and vibrant colour (keithprowse.co.uk).

Same-Day Freshness

• Picked at dawn each day
• Transported by 9 am to SW19
• Hulled and quality-checked by 11 am
• On sale in time for the first matches (courts.club, thesun.co.uk)

This ensures unmatched freshness and flavour.

4. The Strawberry & Cream Experience

Serving Details

Each portion includes roughly 10 premium strawberries, topped with a generous serving of fresh double cream or a vegan alternative. The fruit is served in compostable cups, in line with Wimbledon’s sustainability efforts (ripe.london).

Nutrition Snapshot

A typical serving delivers around 240–340 calories, depending on the cream-to-strawberry ratio. Nutritionally, strawberries provide vitamin C, fibre, antioxidants, and a natural sweetness that pairs perfectly with creamy richness (barfruitdelivery.co.uk).

5. Quantity by the Numbers

• 38.4 tonnes of strawberries consumed over the fortnight (popcornshed.com).
• 1.9–2 million strawberries sold each tournament (popcornshed.com).
• Approximately 140,000–191,000 servings sold, depending on year and attendance .

These figures make strawberries and cream the most purchased concession item at Wimbledon.

6. Why Strawberries & Cream?

The Magic of Seasonality

Strawberries ripen in June and early July—perfectly aligned with Wimbledon. Their naturally sweet, juicy flavour and vibrant red hue make them the ideal summer fruit (courts.club, rhs.org.uk).

Cultural Symbolism

The pairing conjures images of traditional garden parties and genteel leisure—rich in British nostalgia and elegance. It’s not just a snack; it’s a ritual that enhances the atmosphere of Wimbledon.

7. From Prestige to Sustainability

Local Support and Best Practices

Wimbledon’s selection of local growers promotes regional agriculture. Fruit arrives from farms less than 40 miles from SW19, reinforcing both freshness and economic support to Kent’s farming community (keithprowse.co.uk).

Compostable Packaging

As part of its sustainability programme, Wimbledon now uses eco-friendly compostable cups and spoons for serving, aligning with global environmental priorities .

8. The Celebrity Factor

Even tennis players and high-profile visitors join in. In 2022, a top WTA player admitted buying strawberries after matches as part of a personal ritual (courts.club). Celebs like Cara Delevingne have also been spotted enjoying them courtside (abcnews.go.com).

9. Quantity Comparison: Wimbledon vs Other Foods

Strawberries and cream serve more daily customers than any other food or drink at Wimbledon—including Pimm’s (over 275,000 cups sold) (abcnews.go.com).

10. Future of the Tradition

Innovating with Demand

Wimbledon continues developing new strawberry varieties and packaging methods to meet evolving consumer tastes and environmental standards (courts.club).

Adapting to Dietary Choices

Recent additions include vegan cream alternatives to accommodate diverse dietary preferences—ensuring the tradition is inclusive (courts.club).

Conclusion

Wimbledon strawberries are more than just fruit—they’re a sensory symbol of British summer, combining heritage, flavour, and festivity. With 38–40 tonnes consumed annually, or nearly 2 million berries, this Wimbledon staple demonstrates why anything but strawberries and cream just wouldn’t feel like The Championships.

Top 10 FAQs About Wimbledon Strawberries

1. How many strawberries are eaten at Wimbledon annually?
   Around 1.9–2 million strawberries, equating to 38.4 tonnes (popcornshed.com).
2. How many servings are sold at Wimbledon?
   Between 140,000 and 191,000 portions, depending on the year’s attendance (popcornshed.com, rhs.org.uk).
3. Who supplies Wimbledon strawberries?
   Hugh Lowe Farms in Kent—specialists in Malling Centenary and Elsanta varieties (keithprowse.co.uk).
4. Why serve strawberries and cream?
   Their ripening season naturally aligns with Wimbledon, and they evoke British elegance .
5. Are they fresh daily?
   Yes—picked at dawn and available the same morning (courts.club).
6. Is the cream served local?
   Yes—rich, British double cream or vegan alternatives are paired with strawberries (barfruitdelivery.co.uk).
7. How are they served?
   In compostable cups with spoons, ensuring eco-conscious dining (keithprowse.co.uk).
8. Do players eat them?
   Yes—many players enjoy a post-match portion as part of their routine (newenglishteas.com, courts.club).
9. How much do they cost?
   As of 2025, the classic portion costs £2.70, up from £2.50, reflecting inflation (thesun.co.uk).
10. Can I bring my own?
    Yes—spectators may bring food and drink, including alcohol (thesun.co.uk).