Launched in 2012, Jubilee asparagus, grown exclusively for Tesco by NFU members Cobrey Farms, in South Herefordshire, is an early season variety with a delicate sweet and nutty taste.
Last year demand rocketed by 150 per cent on the year before and Chris Chinn (pictures above), of Cobrey Farms, said: “The feedback from shoppers was very good so we planted more. Last year demand soared so much that we are now going to be doubling the amount of Jubilee asparagus we grow.
“It takes about three years to get the full yield and this year we will have more than ever before. Demand for asparagus increases significantly during the English season, so we wanted to reward all those British asparagus lovers with a superior product that was available longer than standard varieties.
NFU Horticulture Adviser Lee Abbey said: “British growers work incredibly hard to deliver the freshest and tastiest fruit and veg to UK consumers, and it is testament to their continued innovation and expertise that growing seasons across many crops are extending. Last year, we had British strawberries in December and this year we are seeing delicious asparagus available earlier than usual.
“Underpinning this success is the need for collaboration between producers and customers so that there growers receive a fair margin that enables them to invest. That is why the NFU is calling on retailers to sign the Fruit and Veg Pledge to demonstrate their support of UK growers and ensure that there is more British fruit and veg on supermarket shelves.”
?Tesco asparagus buyer Bart Vangorp said: “English asparagus is considered by foodies to be the best in the world because of the UK’s almost perfect growing conditions. It’s fantastic to be able to offer customers an early season variety of asparagus with such a high quality taste profile.”