Sainsbury’s has announced it is to stock 100 per cent British frozen peas - a move that could bolster an ailing industry which is still reeling from the withdrawal of a major client.
Sainsbury’s has unveiled the news that its own brand peas, including ‘basics’ and ‘So Organic’ ranges, will be sourced from UK producers from the end of April, just weeks after Birds Eye announced it was cancelling contracts with some of its UK pea suppliers.
Sainsbury’s frozen peas are produced in East Anglia and Scotland and are frozen within 12 hours of being picked, ensuring that key nutrients are retained.
The upmarket retailer sells 18 million packs of peas each year and recent data reported that 80 per cent of the UK population purchases them on a weekly basis.
The conversion of organic lines means an extra 350 tonnes of peas that had previously come from other European countries such as Belgium and Austria will now be produced in the UK.
The move is set to provide vital job security for British growers under threat of closure and may offer the opportunity to expand their businesses.
Sainsbury’s spokesperson Matthew Bates said: ‘We are thrilled to secure 100 per cent British supply for our customers on this best-selling line. We are committed to sourcing British produce wherever possible."
Last year, Sainsbury’s supported 17,000 British Farmers through selling £4 billion of British food.
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