The growing trend for plant-based diets and cooking from scratch has seen an increase in the value of vegetables, which, according to Kantar data, is up 8.5% YOY. One brassica has sharp rise in popularity, cavolo nero, or 'Italian kale', has seen an increase of 19% YOY. Other dark leafy greens are also growing in popularity; volumes of kale and spinach sold have increased 14% and 10% YOY.
A.H. Worth, based in Spalding, England, produces a variety of vegetables including kale, cavolo nero, leeks, and spinach, supplying major retailers, as well as food service, wholesale, and food manufacturers. The company grows 65 hectares of cavolo nero in the UK.
The UK season for cavolo nero runs from June to December, and imports from Spain and Italy fill the months when the UK doesn't produce it.
© AH Worth
"At A.H. Worth, we work closely with farms overseas to ensure a steady supply of fresh, high-quality produce through the winter months. Most of this is from farms in Spain, with some coming from Italy," explains Alex Boughton, Managing Director at A.H. Worth.
"The new season is shaping up extremely well, with positive planting conditions coupled with rainfall in April helping strengthen early plant growth. Weights for brassicas at this stage are currently above average compared to the past five years, and we have started with great availability and quality, a positive indicator for the coming harvest.
"We have been bold with our cavolo nero growing plan to ensure we can meet demand and continue to offer consumers the high-quality, fresh, and delicious produce they expect. Increasing production to meet demand has been manageable, due in part to the crop's ability to regrow after the first harvest, aiding flexibility and efficiency. We harvest our product in the field and then pack it into a flow wrap in our factory at Fosdyke, Lincolnshire.
"The recent Kantar data shows that consumer interest in cavolo nero is booming, as an ever-increasing number of people come to appreciate the taste and nutrition benefits cavolo nero brings to the table. Ideal for use in many popular home-cooked meals, these dark leafy greens appeal to the growing number of people cooking from scratch in an effort to reduce consumption of UPFs. The important nutrients in the veg, such as fibre, also offer important health benefits, including being good for your gut.
"At A.H. Worth, our team will continue to work hard to provide consumers with the high-quality, fresh, and delicious produce they expect, as well as raising awareness of the benefits of our veg via our consumer-facing Discover Great Veg campaign - the reach and engagement of which continues to grow year on year".
For more information:
Alex Boughton
AH Worth
Tel: +44 (0)1205 260000
[email protected]
www.ahworth.co.uk
