Comber Earlies launch on SPAR, EUROSPAR and ViVO shelves

The first Comber Earlies of the year are already on the shelves of SPAR, EUROSPAR and ViVO stores across Northern Ireland, thanks to an abundance of rainfall matched with sunshine drenching the unique Comber and Ards Peninsula soil over the past few months.

SPAR has bagged up Comber Earlies from the fields of William Orr & Son in Co Down, which are now on sale across 500 stores supplied by Henderson Wholesale in Northern Ireland.

“The team at Orrs has been lifting the first of their Earlies this week, and we all know these potatoes are best eaten fresh, so we’re delighted to be giving them a quick turnaround in our warehouses and send them out to stores in a matter of hours,” said Noel McGregor, trading manager at Henderson Wholesale.

“We’re about two weeks ahead of the usual schedule for Comber Earlies, which are usually dug up and on shelves mid-June, mostly due to the early appearance of spring weather, bringing prime growing conditions.

“We have been trading with William Orr & Son for over 30 years now, and as per previous years, their crop is looking fantastic and ready to be picked up by our shoppers and enjoyed at home for tonight’s tea.”

Comber Earlies, which have PGI status, are anticipated by local shoppers due to their unique taste and flavour, thanks to the micro-climate in which they’re grown in the rich soil of the Ards Peninsula and Comber areas.

Henderson Wholesale, which supplies to over 500 SPAR, EUROSPAR, ViVO, ViVOXTRA and ViVO Essentials stores in Northern Ireland, sources over 75% of their fresh food from local farms and suppliers, ensuring maximum taste, freshness and continued support for the agri-food industry here.

Noel McGregor, fresh foods trading manager, Henderson Wholesale with Richard Orr of William Orr & Son’s, digging the first of the Comber Earlies.