Waitrose to start English strawberries this week

The first English-grown strawberries of 2016 are due into Waitrose stores by the end of this week, the retailer has said.

Grown by Hall Hunter Farm, in Leythorne, Chichester, Waitrose said it will be the earliest supermarket to stock British strawberries this year.

The first volumes of Centenary strawberries are expected in stores by Friday 4 March.

Waitrose’s strawberry buyer, Nicki Baggott, said: “The arrival of these first English strawberries shows that, despite the recent cold snap, spring is now well on its way and those pining for sunshine can start to prepare summery dishes such as Eton Mess and strawberries and cream.”