It’s one of the most cherished traditions of the British summer.
But for some Wimbledon spectators, this year’s famous strawberries and cream has left a sour taste – with attendees complaining that the Championships’ iconic dessert has fallen victim to shrinkflation.
Disgruntled fans have been posting photographs and videos online alleging their £2.85 portions contained fewer than the traditional ten strawberries, while others claimed some of the fruit had been sliced in half to bulk out the serving.
The complaints have prompted a wave of criticism, with many questioning whether one of Britain’s best-loved sporting staples is quietly getting smaller.
Among those left unimpressed was Angelina, 42, who counted just nine strawberries in her punnet.
‘It was disappointing,’ she said. ‘You want the correct amount. If the cost has gone up and then there’s less, then it’s unfair.’
Another attendee who only got seven berries in her box agreed: ‘The serving is so mean that those aren’t even six whole strawberries. I’m ignoring the 7th titchy afterthought entirely.’
Steve Cordeiro, 41, from London, was among those left unconvinced after inspecting his portion.
Wimbledon attendees have taken to social media to complain about this year’s strawberries and cream offerings
One fan called the strawberries and cream portions ‘disappointing’
Tennis fans have alleged the £2.85 portions contained fewer than the traditional ten strawberries
‘They look terrible,’ he said. ‘That is not the freshest strawberry.
‘These are meant to be Britain’s freshest strawberries are they not? They leave a bit of a sour taste in the mouth.’
Former British diplomat Ameer Kotecha joined the debate on X, writing: ‘We can be so much better than this.’
He added: ‘Ditch the ridiculous cardboard box – serve them in dainty little tubs. Making things environmentally friendly shouldn’t have to make them worse.’
While Yan Osahrov, 31, from Ukraine, said buying strawberries and cream was an essential part of his Wimbledon visit but claimed his serving also contained only nine berries.
‘I think they should use some more little boxes for this because it looks like it’s not enough,’ he said.
The dessert has long been regarded as one of the few bargains at the All England Club, where prices for food and drink have steadily increased in recent years. This year, a portion of strawberries and cream costs £2.85, up from £2.70 last year.
Traditionally, each serving is intended to include at least ten Grade 1 English strawberries, freshly picked and served with cream.
Each serving is intended to include at least ten Grade 1 English strawberries
Over the course of the Championships, Wimbledon will serve around 2.5million strawberries to tennis fans.
A spokesperson from AEC said there is a ‘risk’ it falls below the 10 strawberries it aims for per box.
They said: ‘The strawberries are handpicked every morning and delivered directly to site.
‘Each strawberry is hand hulled on site and placed into boxes for our guests. We aim for 10 per box, but there is a risk on occasion we fall below this, and indeed on occasion serve more.
‘Since The Championships 2024 the strawberries have been served in Notpla’s Earthshot Prize winning packaging, which uses seaweed to create completely biodegradable food containers.’
