UK-grown kiwifruit is set to go on sale for the first time next year, Sainsbury’s has claimed.
Until now, the fruit has only been grown in temperate regions of New Zealand, California, Italy, Greece and Chile, however, new plant cultivars able to withstand lower temperatures, and specialist growing techniques, are bringing the exotic fruit to the Kent countryside for the very first time, the retailer announced.
Christian Hickey, Sainsbury’s fresh produce buyer said: “New technology, and our growers expertise, are combining to create crops in the English countryside which would have unthinkable just five years ago.
“Our suppliers are at the forefront of fresh produce development - and their work is changing all of the old rules about what can be grown where.”
If successful the move could cut the number of kiwi fruit imported from countries around the world around the world, Hickey added.
Sainsbury’s sells more than 16 million kiwifruit every year, and experts expect the first commercial crop of Kent grown kiwis to be available next September.
With a commitment to buying as much UK fruit and vegetables as possible, Sainsbury’s has a policy of helping its growers find ways to produce crops in the UK which would normally have to be imported.
The move follows the announcement that the retailer will also be stocking the first commercial UK production of apricots.
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