The sunniest March on record has contributed to a bumper early harvest of British asparagus and rhubarb, with Ocado's sales data showing that consumers are taking full advantage.

 

Met office statistics show that this year, England enjoyed its sunniest March since records began in 1910, with many individual counties also topping their sunshine duration records. This brought prolonged periods of warmer than average temperatures, creating perfect conditions for growing asparagus and rhubarb.

 

The warmer weather, which continued well into April, is a welcome boost for British farmers after the wettest 18 months on record. 

 

The British asparagus season traditionally starts in late April - many use St George's day on 23rd April as a marker - but the unexpected warmer weather has brought this forward. Ordinarily it only lasts for around eight weeks but it appears many Ocado shoppers have been quick to take advantage of plentiful early supplies. 

 

Sales data from Ocado, the world's largest online supermarket, shows that British rhubarb sales are up +88% year on year and sales of asparagus are up +12% month on month.

 

Field grown rhubarb typically comes into season in April, lasting until September. Brits have been equally keen to stock up on this crumble-favourite, with searches for "rhubarb" up +11% month on month and up +19% year on year.

 

Martha Springham, Produce Trading Manager, at Ocado Retail said: "The long winter provided a tough backdrop for British farmers, but their produce is among the best in the world and it's fantastic to see shoppers supporting them now that the sunshine is here. We have a wider selection of British produce than any other supermarket, so whether it's asparagus tips for roasting or rhubarb for a favourite dessert, we're continuing to work with our suppliers so our customers can find what they need." 

 

The retailer launched its Best of British aisle last year, offering more than 800 items from UK farmers and growers making it easy and convenient for shoppers to support farmers while enjoying fresh, high-quality produce.