Brussels sprouts sales are up about 10 per cent year-on-year in the crucial pre-Christmas period, according to the British Sprout Growers’ Association.
And sales of sprouts on stalks at some of the major retailers are up about 50 per cent year on year.
“Prospects are still pretty good,” said Roger Welberry chairman of the association. “There is a slight problem with black spotting because of the damp, mild conditions, but there are plenty of sprouts out there.” Ideal conditions would be for this week’s brief cold dry, windy spell to continue to keep disease at bay, he added.
The industry is also hoping for a stronger end to the season than last year. “We want a better finish and to go on at least as long as last year, if not longer,” said Welberry.
The season ended in late February to early March for growers this past year, but Welberry hopes to carry on well into March, “while the crop is fresh and good,” he said.
Pricing this year is no different to last season and continues to be an issue for the UK industry. “It doesn’t seem to matter whether sprouts are plentiful or short, we don’t get a price lift not even at Christmas,” said Welberry.
However, promotionally, the product is getting a tremendous lift. Welberry has been on the campaign trail giving radio interviews and the publicity the product is getting in the broadcast and print media is giving a boost.
“There are new recipes out for risottos, quiches and even for sproutini - a sprout juice Martini,” said Welberry.
The association also took a stand at the BBC Good Food Show, which took place at the NEC at the end of November, to promote both the healthy aspects of the sprout and novel ways to use the vegetable.
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