Misshapen fruit and vegetables are set to return to Britain’s supermarkets following one of the worst growing seasons farmers have experienced for decades.
Sainsbury’s is the first retailer to relax its rules on the cosmetic appearance of fresh produce, allowing fruit and vegetables which would usually be ditched into store, according to the Guardian.
Sainsbury’s director of food Judith Batchelar told the newspaper: “We’ve taken the decision to radically change our approach to buying British fruit and vegetables as a result of this year’s unseasonal weather. This may mean a bit more mud on peas or strawberries that are a little smaller than usual, but our customers understand and love the idea.”
“The unpredictable weather this season, has left growers with bumper crops of ugly-looking fruit and vegetables with reported increases in blemishes and scarring. We’ve committed to make use of all fruit and veg that meets regulation and stands up on taste, and hope customers will help us all make the most of the British crop in spite of its sometimes unusual appearance.”
Rivals Morrisons and Waitrose have said that they may also relax standards.
UK farmers were blighted with the driest March in almost 60 years followed by a sodden June and autumn flooding. This has reduced harvest by more than 25% and left grocers unable to source blemish-free produce.
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