Among the green fields and sun-drenched gardens of the British countryside, the delightful sight of the first strawberries of the season unfolds. Tesco, one of the UK’s leading supermarkets, is proud to present the first harvest of UK grown strawberries, harvested from the green spaces cared for by Summer Berry. The fruit extravaganza begins this week with over 150 tonnes of strawberries gracing the shelves – a testament to the meticulous craftsmanship and unwavering dedication of British growers.
Filled with anticipation, consumers flock to enjoy the quintessential taste of summer embodied in these scarlet jewels. Callum Baker, strawberry buyer at Tesco, reflects on the collective excitement that accompanies the arrival of British strawberries, a harbinger of sunnier days after the prevailing rain. “There’s nothing like the start of the British strawberry season to put a smile on people’s faces,” notes Baker, expressing the prevailing feelings of excitement and anticipation.
The path from field to fork is not without its challenges, as Jack Durnes, commercial director of the Summer Berry Company, attests. Durnes explains the subtle dance between light and temperature that governs the ripening of each juicy berry. Despite fluctuating climatic conditions, growers skillfully navigate to ensure the optimal balance for a bountiful harvest. This year, although temperatures are rising above the five-year average, light levels pose a challenge in shaping the flavor profile of strawberries.
Tesco is proud to offer discerning consumers Malling Centenary strawberries, celebrating their exceptional taste and vibrant colour. Grown in the idyllic landscape of Colworth, near Chichester, these juicy berries embody the essence of British summer – a symphony of sweetness and freshness.
Looking to the future, the prospect of widespread availability beckons as temperatures rise and sunshine bathes the countryside. Each basket of strawberries takes consumers on a sensory journey – a celebration of nature’s bounty and the craftsmanship of British growers.
