Sainsbury’s, the UK’s second-largest supermarket, is expanding its commitment to British-grown salad produce to mitigate risks posed by drought conditions affecting international crop supplies.

The company has signed long-term partnerships with UK producers Evesham Vale Growers and Thanet Earth to ensure a steady supply of tomatoes, peppers, and cucumbers.

This move follows previous shortages in 2023 caused by extreme weather and transport disruptions in North Africa and Europe, which led to restrictions on salad items.The new agreements aim to enhance supply chain resilience by prioritizing domestic production.

Thanet Earth, the UK’s largest glasshouse complex, will grow cucumbers year-round using advanced technology like supplementary lighting and CO2 control, extending availability beyond the traditional summer season.The initiative will debut with a new 'Taste the Difference' British Salad Selection box this summer.

Sainsbury’s emphasized that investing in British agriculture supports local farming and reduces reliance on imports, while also addressing climate-related challenges.The strategy reflects broader efforts to adapt to weather volatility and ensure year-round product availability for customers.