Waitrose is claiming to have won the race to stock the first English-grown raspberries of the new season.
Early-season Berry Jewel raspberries, grown by Harry Hall in Sussex, will be on shelf in the Waitrose 1 range from 2 April, priced at £3 for 125g.
The variety features extra-large, sweet berries, and is described as having a 'velvety smoothness'. The south coast's warmer climate and the use of glasshouses helped the fruit to arrive at the start of spring.
Waitrose fruit buyer Nicki Baggott said: 'The recent sunny weather has led to a shift towards lighter-style eating so we warmly welcome the arrival of our first home-grown raspberries.
'This is such a great time of year for cooks as spring heralds the start of British seasonal fruit and veg. Our raspberries will be joining Jersey Royals and English asparagus which have also appeared on our shelves in the past few weeks.'
