Wimbledon’s Strawberry Tradition and Tournament Operations

Wimbledon is celebrated for traditions such as its all-white dress code, royal presence, and the ritual of serving strawberries and cream since 1877. Each year, 2.5 million Malling Centenary strawberries, sourced from Hugh Lowe Farms in Kent and picked fresh daily, are served with 13,000 litres of cream during the tournament fortnight. Newer berry varieties like Fandango and Karima are starting to challenge the Malling Centenary’s dominance. The tournament employs Rufus the hawk to guard the courts, and dedicated staff maintain the iconic grass courts and vibrant floral displays throughout the event. Wimbledon operates Europe’s largest single annual sporting catering operation, serving over 40,000 visitors daily and consuming more than 50 tonnes of strawberries each year. These elements together define the unique and cherished atmosphere at Wimbledon.