Sainsbury has announced the first arrivals of British tomatoes in its stores.
The Taste the Difference vine-ripened tomatoes are on sale, at £1.79, a week early due to recent mild temperatures.
Tomato buyer Tristan Kitchener said: “Sainsbury will sell more volume of British tomatoes than any other retailer
this year, with production in excess of 120 acres.”
Meanwhile, Waitrose claimed to be the first supermarket to have English cherry tomatoes in store. The retailer had the tomatoes in selected branches, priced at £1.59p for a 250g punnet, as part of a drive to support the industry.
“Previously we did not stock fruit until March,” said salad buyer Claire Burton.
“But this season we have been able to start earlier because of the success of a new variety which has come through vigorous taste testing.”