Sharrocks Fresh Produce is pushing the boundaries in its search for new and unusual varieties of vegetables for its foodservice sector customers and grower base.
The quest, led by sales and marketing director Graham Eastham, saw a delegation attend the autumn fruit and veg show at Chateau de Saint-Jean de Beauregard near Paris. Virtually unknown in the UK, the show is famed among horticulturists and gastronomes in France.
“For several years Sharrocks has been working closely with the top chefs from the foodservice sector of our business in a bid to find new and interesting products for our portfolio of Lancashire and Cheshire growers to produce,” said Eastham.
“As part of our programme of new product development we decided to fly a delegation of Nigel Haworth Michelin-starred chef, Craig Bancroft hotelier and interpreter, and Peter Ascroft a Lancashire grower, out to the show.”
Sharrocks has enjoyed success in bringing unusual products such as golden beetroot, Yukon Gold, Ratte and Pink Fir potatoes, samphire and Chantenay carrots to customers such as supermarket Booths. “For example golden beetroot was available in Booths a full 12 months before Waitrose announced it was reviving this heirloom variety,” said Eastham.
After the show, Eastham added: “After a fascinating day we came back with many interesting ideas and contacts for the future.” l
