Zambian grapes Sainsburys small pic

In a UK first, Sainsbury’s has launched Zambian grapes in stores in south-east and south-west England.

Prime White and Flame Red are in 200 stores across the two regions at £2.35 (€3.73) for 500g packs for four weeks from 14 November.

Theretailer is working with grower Khal Amazi Ltd, which has been supplying Sainsbury’s with Sweetheart roses for more than six years.

GregBarnes, MD at Khal Amazi, said: “This is the first year our grapes willbe exported and in fact it’s the first grape export for Zambia so we’reexcited to see how customers respond to our fruit launching in Sainsbury’s stores.”

The launch is quite a coup for Sainsbury’s, according to the retailer's tropical fruit buyer Finbar Cartlidge.

'We’re extremely proud to be the first in the UK to bring this supply of grapes to stores,' he explained. 'It is an exciting new source of grapes and extends the range of fresh produce from Khal Amazi to Sainsbury’s.

'Building on this relationship is important at a time of year when joining together grape seasons is complicated,' he added. 'We’re always looking for new products, meaning our customers have more choice and offering more fresh fruit all year around.'