Angela Le Provost

Angela Le Provost

Some of the first arrivals of UK Elsanta strawberries hit the shelves in Asda today (April 12) - two weeks earlier than last year - supplied by UK berry grower and marketer AMS Marketing.

Tanyard Nurseries, near Cheddar, Somerset, was the first AMS farm to come online, with strawberries grown in a heated glasshouse by farm manager Angela Le Provost, above.

UK number-two retailer Asda wanted to have British berries in store earlier this year, following strong consumer demand, so the heat was turned up to bring the crop forward by two weeks, according to AMS.

But the mild weather meant the heat did not have to be increased as much as anticipated.

Prices started at £1.98 for 227g (£8.70/kg).