New season cauliflower has hit the shelves at Sainsbury's – nearly a week ahead of schedule. This year's efforts mean that Univeg has achieved continuity throughout the year with UK product.

Grahame Ball from founder SAS member Univeg said that the changeover from the overwintered crop to summer crop was always difficult and the growers' and agronomic team at Univeg had strived for many years to close the gap.

Sainsbury's senior buyer, Russell Crowe said: 'Within the brassica category, Sainsbury's has extended the UK season by putting products on shelves two weeks prior to the season starting. By extending the UK season, it has reduced the dependency of imported products that appear in-store. Green cabbage and pointed cabbage are two prime examples which have given UK producers extended seasons.' Grahame Ball and Richard Diplock both commercial managers at SAS were at Sainsbury's Business Centre in Holborn to hand over the first tray to Russell Crowe and quality manager Stephen Hedderly.

Hedderly revealed: 'The work throughout the department is also extending seasons in other product areas, for example, red and brown onions have extended their season to another five to 10 weeks due to varietal developments and technical advances in storage techniques.' Picture from left to right: Stephen Hedderly, quality manager for fresh vegetables, Grahame Ball, commercial manager of SAS Fresh Produce, Russell Crowe, root and brassica buyer for Sainsbury's and Richard Diplock, commercial manager from SAS.

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