As Autumn approaches the first pumpkins are hitting the shelves. Wilf Whittle from Sharrocks Fresh Produce visited growers in Lancashire to see how this season's crop was coming along.
"We reckon that some producers in other regions will be struggling with large sizes, due to the heat and dryness in the summer, these are the ones which people want for carving at Halloween. This is not a surprise as growers had already warned customers that would be the case. The south of the country was worse affected than here in Lancashire, I believe."
Wilf reckons shelf life may also be affected for those producers.
But pumpkins are not all for carving, Wilf says that Sharrocks will have more varieties available this year, among them a nice white variety and different varieties of wart pumpkins. There will be some very nice mixed packs of squash on offer as well as gourds.
"Pumpkins and squashes are a very Autumnal product and it’s great to see the food service sector supporting seasonal products more and more, which is brilliant for our local growers."
The big volumes will start to come on line in the coming weeks as sales smaller volumes have already started.
For more information:
Wilf Whittle
Sharrocks Fresh Produce
Tel: +44 (0)1772 724444
Email: sales@sharrocks.com
www.sharrocks.com