Strawberries in the UK have grown 20% larger than usual after a spell of warm spring weather, prompting Tesco to cut prices to prevent waste. The supermarket chain has reduced the cost of 400g packs from £2.50 to £1.50, with the offer available at over 750 stores while stocks last.
The heatwave has brought the strawberry season forward by about two weeks, leaving many UK growers with a surplus. Tesco has stepped in to take extra stock, helping farmers avoid wastage and passing the savings on to shoppers just in time for the half-term holidays.
Dave Slaughter, commercial operations manager at Mansfields, said the combination of longer-than-usual sunshine and extra daylight hours has produced a fine crop. "Last year was much colder, and I didn't expect the strawberries to double in size this season," he noted.
The larger fruit has been observed in growing regions including Kent, East and West Sussex, Berkshire, Wales, Norfolk, Herefordshire, and Scotland. The average Briton consumes about 3kg of strawberries annually, and the early crop offers an affordable treat.
Tesco advises shoppers to check with their local store for availability, as the offer applies to participating stores only. The move aims to maximise growers' chances of selling their produce while giving customers a bargain.
