Sainsbury’s reported this week that its chilli sales have risen 15 per cent year on year.
UK production is playing an increasingly important role - 95 per cent of chillies in seven different varieties are UK-sourced during the peak season from July to September and are grown on raised blocks under glass.
Julien Roberts, chilli buyer at the UK number-three retailer, said: “As UK consumers become more accustomed to spicy food and experiment with cooking, we’ve seen a significant sales increase in chillies.
“We have converted a larger proportion of our range to British this year and this has helped drive sales together with the launch of the chilli plant and the British hot mix pack.”
Sainsbury’s sources Fresno and Scotch Bonnet chilli from Bedfordshire and its most northerly grower is Westshore Chillies in Lancashire.
Other varieties in the range are Jalapeño and Habanero.
Roberts said: “Working in partnership with our growers means we’re able to offer UK varieties, which highlights our commitment to sourcing quality British produce in season.”
