Loughgall company Gilfresh is planting new season kale, broccoli, savoy and sweetheart cabbage, which are destined for Asda stores across Northern Ireland from mid-June - almost three weeks earlier than in 2018.
Gilfresh, a family-run company, based in County Armagh, which was established by the Gilpins over 50 years ago, is dedicated to the growing, packing and processing of core and prepared vegetables, and already supplies 25 product lines to Asda including carrots, swedes and scallions.
The team at Gilfresh will cover the seedlings with fleece to keep them warm and encourage growth, so the crop is ready to harvest in early Summer.
“Asda’s ongoing commitment to local producers ensures quality homegrown produce continues to be available in season in stores across Northern Ireland,” explains Danielle Mitchell from Gilfresh.
“On average in local season we supply over 5,000 cabbages, 13,000 heads of broccoli, 2,500 swedes and 17 tonnes of carrots to Asda each week. We have a great working relationship with the team there and we’re delighted to bring new season products to Asda customers earlier this year.
“We know Asda shoppers are fervent supporters of Northern Ireland’s agricultural industry and buying locally sourced produce. They are also sensitive to the environmental challenges growers face on issues such as climate change and food miles, which is an ethos shared by Asda.”
Gary Medforth, IPL Manager – Buying Edible Produce, said: “We have been working with Gilfresh since 2009 and are looking forward to what will hopefully be a successful growing season!”
Billy Clelland, Quality Manager of Asda NI added: “We have excellent working relationships with some of the best growers and suppliers across Northern Ireland – and Gilfresh is a perfect example of this. It’s fantastic to have the promise of great-tasting locally grown produce from Gilfresh on shelves even earlier this year for our customers to enjoy.”
Source: farminglife.com