Waitrose has said it expects to double its butternut squash harvest this year following “perfect conditions”, despite growing climate fears.
Following a switch to a “more hardy variety” by long-standing supplier Barfoots, the supermarket giant said this autumn marked the first time British butternut squash had been available on such a large scale.
“This is a very exciting year for British butternut squash. Historically our colder, wetter and changeable climate has made it impossible to grow at scale in the UK,” said Barfoots marketing manager Kim Barfoot-Brace.
The grower’s new variety – developed with the help of its seed partner Sakata – offered a “really rich and nutty flavour”, as well as a “texture that makes it an excellent addition to a range of dishes”, added Barfoots, and meant it was now in a position “to get this product into all Waitrose stores from this week”.
All of Waitrose’s UK-grown crop will be supplied by the family-owned West Sussex-based grower, which supplied 45,000 British butternut squash to Waitrose last year.
“Seeing the success of the British crop this year has been astounding,” said Waitrose veg buyer Samantha Witherington. “Until recently, British butternut squash wasn’t something we could offer at scale, but thanks to developments in the varieties we grow and some sunshine of course, as of this week it will be in all stores and we can’t wait to see what customers make of it.”
The announcement comes at a time of increased anxiety for many farmers – recent research found a majority felt anxious and depressed about drought and flooding.
The research, commissioned by the Energy & Climate Intelligence Unit and conducted by Grounded Research, revealed 92% of farmers felt anxious in extreme weather, with a third ‘very anxious’. According to the National Risk Register, the future risk of droughts due to climate change has increased, and there is a trend towards hotter summers with associated high water demand.
Along with the bumper crop, Waitrose has announced a partnership with Veg Power on a campaign to encourage more families to eat butternut squash and “dispel myths that it can be tricky to prepare and cook”.
“Better with Butternut is part of our mission to inspire more families to cook and eat seasonal veg more often, showing how simple, versatile and delicious butternut squash can be,” said Veg Power CEO Dan Parker. “We’re delighted to be working with Sakata, Barfoots and Waitrose to make that happen.”
No comments yet