The British cherry season has started two weeks earlier than usual with much bigger volumes that will see supply last for longer, according to leading supermarket chain Tesco. 

The retailer is buying up extra stock from Kent and Herefordshire growers and offering promotions to shoppers this summer, selling large 1-kilogram trays for £4 (US$5.20).

The continued hot British weather has led to significant crop volumes and supply is expected to last into September.

“The wonderful weather we've experienced across the UK has meant that our British cherry crop has come-on in bigger volumes than we'd forecast,” says stone fruit buying manager Karen Bee.

“Our supply partners have told us about a crop flush brought on by the bonus British sunshine. They have extra cherries from their growing sites in both Kent ‘the Garden of England’ and Herefordshire. We've worked with them to take their extra crop.”

Bee explains that by supporting British farmers, Tesco can ensure no cherries go to waste, and buying up extra volumes is part of the retailers on-going anti-food waste strategy.

“We also aim to have promotions on all different packs sizes to suit a variety of budgets. Customers benefit from the low cost delicious fresh fruit and our British cherry farmers are able to sell their bumper yield,” she adds.

“We select a wide range of varieties for their great flavour, sweetness and size. This helps deliver a longer season, maintain consistent quality and supports cherry farmers.

“We’re passionate about working in partnership with our suppliers so that no edible food goes to waste.”

In the last 12 months, Tesco has taken extra crops for other fruit and vegetable including raspberries, strawberries, carrots, cauliflowers, lettuce and celery.

“Customers benefited from great prices; our farmers were happy we could take more from them, and we prevented good food from going to waste. Everyone wins,” Bee adds.

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