Sainbsury's pea super

Sainsbury’s has become the first retailer to get fresh peas on its shelves this year, with the vegetables going on sale two week’s earlier than in 2006.

The supermarket pointed out that it sells 1.5 billion fresh peas during the June to September season, grown by Tom Filmer on the Isle of Grain in Kent.

The Isle of Grain is regarded as ideal pea territory as it features a mild climate and sand and chalk loam.

Sainsbury’s senior vegetable buyer, John Maylam, said: “Fresh peas are always a sign that summer is on the way and are a real treat for pea lovers at this time of year.

“We haven’t always been able to offer our customers fresh peas. The first pea on offer in Sainsbury’s was back in 1903 when you could buy Sainbury’s own-brand ‘Choice Green Peas’ at 8d a can.”