ASDA Technical Manager, Chris Jones, visited Kevley’s in Cambridgeshire to review the pumpkin crop in preparation for Halloween. Kevley’s grow pumpkins for Lincolnshire Field Products who will supply ASDA with edible and non-edible pumpkins over the halloween campaign. The average size and quality of the pumpkins is strong.

On the 26th July, Chris Jones and Richard Hatherly visited John Harper at Top Barn Farm, in Worcestershire. Top Barn Farm is one of Minor Weir and Willis’ key growing partners. John grows Runner Beans, Baby Courgettes, ES Pak Choi, and Mixed Squash. Worcestershire has suffered from recent adverse weather conditions, but since the sun has come out, crop growth has increased dramatically, and crop quality looks strong.

Chris Jones (Technical Manager) and Steve Fletcher (Wakefield depot QA) visited Fenmac on 30th March to review and assess quality of potato material in the packhouse. Whilst on the road they also visited Fenmarc grower Mark Means in Norfolk, so witness Desiree seed potatoes being planted into almost perfect soil conditions.

Potato buyer Neil Moorcroft and Technical Manager Chris Jones visited Jersey last week to meet with Jersey Royal Potato suppliers and growers, to assess potato crop quality, pack house facilities and harvesting systems.

Jersey received double the amount of rainfall in December year on year, and coupled with warm soil temperatures, growers benefited from the ultimate potato planting conditions. Despite frost damage in February, the quality of potato material is strong and it will meet our strict quality requirements.

Chris Jones and Neil Moorcroft (Potato Buyer) visited Cyprus with QV Foods and Produce Plus, to meet with the Cyprus Potato Marketing Board that represent over 1,000 potato growers on the island.

They met with several growers to review crop quality in the field and also in the packing station.

They found that the overall quality of material reviewed was fantastic and it is currently being stocked in the majority of ASDA stores.