Co-op first to switch to 100% British strawberries ahead of Easter

16 April 2025

Co-op is set to be first UK retailer to sell 100% British strawberries nationwide for the summer – moving earlier than last year and in time for the Easter bank holiday.

From 19th April, all of Co-op’s own brand strawberries will be exclusively sourced from UK farms – a move which delivers a fresh boost to the Co-op’s commitment to supporting British agriculture and is expected to drive sales during the Easter holidays.

Grown in Kent, Herefordshire, Norfolk and Lincolnshire, these strawberries are arriving in Co-op stores four days earlier than last year. The retailer predicts to sell around 1.2 million punnets of its strawberries between 19th April – 6th May, as Brits are expected to embrace the brighter days and the late Easter break after a cooler than average 2024.

Adam Williams, Buyer for Berries, Citrus & Grapes at Co-op said: "We’re proud to be the first UK retailer to offer exclusively British strawberries for summer and just in time for the busy Easter weekend. We work hard to ensure we provide high-quality strawberries grown right here at home as we continue to support British growers and meet the growing demand for home grown produce.”

The British strawberry season traditionally runs between early May until late September – moving to British sourcing sooner than 2024 is possible due to Co-op’s long-term commitment and investment in the UK grower base. To ensure early supply during the colder seasons, the retailer's growers use state-of-the-art growing techniques to harness the elements in the most sustainable way.

Co-op is a longstanding supporter of British growers and home-grown produce and works hard to extend the season of British produce to bring the best of British to shelves for as long as possible to enable longer term food security.

Providing added value for shoppers, Co-op will be running a member promo of £2 on its standard strawberry punnets until 6th May, in addition to its two for £5.50 promo on Irresistible strawberry punnets for all customers all year round.

British strawberries available at Co-op from 19th April:

• Strawberries Punnet, 227g, (£2.65) – £2 member price from 19th April-6th May.
• Strawberries Large Punnet, 440g, (£3.75).
• Irresistible Strawberries Punnet, 227g, (£3.25) – 2 for £5.50 for all customers all year round

-ENDS-

For more information contact: pressoffice@coop.co.uk

About Co-op:

Co-op is one of the world’s largest consumer co-operatives with interests across food, funerals, insurance and legal services. Owned by millions of UK consumers, the Co-op operates almost 2,400 food stores, over 800 funeral homes and provides products to over 6,000 other stores, including those run by independent co-operative societies and through its wholesale business, Nisa Retail Limited. Employing 56,000 people, the Co-op has an annual turnover of over £11billion and is a recognised leader for its social goals and community-led programmes. The Co-op exists to meet members’ needs and stand up for the things they believe in.