Somerfield has switched its Christmas cauliflower supplies from Brittany to the Isle of Wight. After two years of trials with FW Gedney, one of its main category suppliers, it has enlisted the support of three producers on the Isle of Wight. "Traditionally, in the winter, retailers are forced to look across the sea to France to source year round supplies but we have managed to ensure we stay with our home grown British crop," says buyer David Stokes. He estimates the deal will net an extra £1m over Christmas for British growers. "Our main source is Lincolnshire, but the season runs out by mid-November. The growing season is slightly longer in Cornwall, but with our Isle of Wight growers we can source British all year." One island producer, Andrew Brown (top left) who farms at Merstone, says the longer season is possible because of higher growing temperatures in the area, which is also is frost free. {{FRESH PRODUCE }}

Topics