Sainsbury is planning to launch new varieties into its fresh produce sections at least every two months for the foreseeable future according to its vegetable and salad buyers.
Speaking exclusively to The Grocer, they said they were firmly committed to ensuring Sainsbury led the way in innovation in fresh produce.
Clancy McMahon, buyer for tomatoes and herbs, said: “Our focus is on being first to the market with new varieties. We’ve got a momentum going and we want to keep it going.
“We plan to launch new varieties into fresh produce at least every two months, and intend them to be exclusive to Sainsbury where possible.”
The momentum will continue
next week when Sainsbury launches black Kumato tomatoes in 100 stores.
Grown exclusively for the multiple near Almeira in Spain, they will be sold pre-packed under the Taste The Difference label, priced £1.89 for 350g until February.
Sainsbury ran a low-key trial with Kumato tomatoes in 30 stores last year. Over the four-week test period, sales were “fantastic” according to McMahon. “They were totally sold out,” she added.
Sainsbury dedicated supplier Fresh Link is managing the Kumato supply contract with the grower, G’s Pascual.
Sainsbury also said it planned to launch a new, smaller cherry tomato next summer that would appeal particularly to children.
The Spanish-grown Pink Blush is a deep pink colour with an intensely sweet flavour and will be available in June and July. Meanwhile, there are plans to introduce baby cucumbers in snack packs in January.
Sainsbury is also launching Borretane onions, a traditional Italian variety commonly sold pickled in balsamic vinegar.
Senior buyer Russell Crowe said the onions would sell at £1.49 for 300g.
Richard Clarke
Speaking exclusively to The Grocer, they said they were firmly committed to ensuring Sainsbury led the way in innovation in fresh produce.
Clancy McMahon, buyer for tomatoes and herbs, said: “Our focus is on being first to the market with new varieties. We’ve got a momentum going and we want to keep it going.
“We plan to launch new varieties into fresh produce at least every two months, and intend them to be exclusive to Sainsbury where possible.”
The momentum will continue
next week when Sainsbury launches black Kumato tomatoes in 100 stores.
Grown exclusively for the multiple near Almeira in Spain, they will be sold pre-packed under the Taste The Difference label, priced £1.89 for 350g until February.
Sainsbury ran a low-key trial with Kumato tomatoes in 30 stores last year. Over the four-week test period, sales were “fantastic” according to McMahon. “They were totally sold out,” she added.
Sainsbury dedicated supplier Fresh Link is managing the Kumato supply contract with the grower, G’s Pascual.
Sainsbury also said it planned to launch a new, smaller cherry tomato next summer that would appeal particularly to children.
The Spanish-grown Pink Blush is a deep pink colour with an intensely sweet flavour and will be available in June and July. Meanwhile, there are plans to introduce baby cucumbers in snack packs in January.
Sainsbury is also launching Borretane onions, a traditional Italian variety commonly sold pickled in balsamic vinegar.
Senior buyer Russell Crowe said the onions would sell at £1.49 for 300g.
Richard Clarke
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