Arbroath-based D. Geddes Farms, one of Scotland's largest growers of strawberries and cereal crops, will supply Asda with over 70 million strawberries this season, including Extra Special Scottish strawberries for the first time.
Operated by Frank Geddes and his family, D. Geddes Farms has supplied Asda stores across Scotland and the North of England with strawberries for over 14 years, including Just Essentials and Grower Selection strawberries, from its farm on the North Sea coast.
The farm's location means the strawberry crops benefit from a coastal temperate climate, with cool nights and lots of natural sunlight during the day.
D. Geddes Farms Soft Fruit Manager Sergei Kaminski said the farm was delighted to grow Extra Special Scottish Strawberries for Asda.
"It is a real testament to the quality of our produce that we now supply five different strawberry products to all Asda stores in Scotland and the North of England, and we're predicting a bumper year, supplying over 70 million strawberries from mid-May to mid-October," said Kaminski.
The strawberries on the farm are planted directly into the soil and don't rely on growing substances or compost bags.
Kaminski continued that he had been growing strawberries for over 20 years and firmly believed that strawberries growing in soil have more flavour than strawberries growing in a compost bag.
"We are also committed to improving our sustainability and moving towards producing fully recyclable punnets this year."
In 2021, the farm won Asda's Sustain and Save Exchange Award in the 'Working with Nature' category for exemplary achievements in wildlife-friendly farming, such as growing hedges, planting trees, not disturbing established woodlands, and using biological control, where possible, instead of chemicals.
Ashley Connolly, Local Buying Manager for Scotland, said it was fantastic to continue its partnership with D. Geddes Farms, which has been so successful over the last 14 years.
"Our customers love strawberries, and we are delighted to bring a range of quality locally sourced options to our shelves, all 70 million."
