Large-scale supplier Keelings has begun deliveries of Irish strawberries.

The family-owned firm claims to have grown its earliest ever strawberries in being first to market in the republic.

Keelings grows more than of 150 million berries each year from March through December. Over two million kilos are strawberries, equating to approximately six million punnets for 2011.

A spokesperson for the company said: “Keelings Irish strawberries are two days fresher than imported ones. In fact, by purchasing Keelings strawberries consumers are saving 600,000 food miles because there are 200 less trucks coming to Ireland from Spain and Holland. Keelings is delighted to be making this positive contribution to the environment.”

Over the last 35 years, Keelings primary activities have been growing, sourcing, shipping, marketing and distributing fresh produce from sources around the world to Irish, UK and European markets.

The firm has an annual turnover of €300 million and employs around 1,400 people in Ireland and a total of 1,700 people across the group.

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