Last year it was 27th February when the first asparagus were available. Andrew Grantham from S&A Produce said the asparagus were supplied to three Tesco stores on Sunday 12th February. "It is due to minimizing cost and increasing efficiency that we are able to supply affordable asparagus at this time," continues Andrew. The vegetable has been grown in heated glass houses and will continue to supply the market until the open ground crop is ready in the first week of April. Traditionally the UK asparagus season starts on 23rd April, and weather permitting there should be good volumes at this time.
Grower Nigel Layton from Great Witley
Tesco asparagus buyer Harry Jones said: "Many foodies regard English asparagus as the finest vegetable grown in Britain and there is always a great excitement when the first batch arrives.
"Our grower has pulled out all the stops to get the English variety in stores before Valentine's Day as sales soar at this time because it is considered a gourmet romantic food.
"Last year for Valentine's week our sales rose by a hefty 40% on the previous year and we expect sales this time round to be even higher with more couples likely to stay in for a romantic meal rather than go out for an expensive night on the town."
In the last five years, UK production of the vegetable has rocketed with a 160% growth in tonnage. The English-grown asparagus tips are available in Tesco stores priced at £2 for a 125g pack.
For more information:
Andrew Grantham
S & A Produce (UK) Ltd
Office: 0044 1432880235
DDI: 0044 1432882408
Mobile: 0044 7772112520
[email protected]
www.sagroup.co.uk