May 21, 2018
Good question. Our tomatoes are grown in Holland and Spain, and occasionally Morocco as a back-up. It all depends on the season. The tomatoes are then prepared by our supplier in Wisbech, Cambs. Our fresh onions are sourced and processed from Holland, whilst our lettuce is predominantly sourced from the UK in spring and summer, and Spain in autumn and winter. However, there is also a small percentage of lettuce that comes from Holland and France. Like the tomatoes, the cucumber we use is sourced from Spain and Holland, depending on the season, and the cucumbers used to make our dill pickles primarily come from Turkey.
The sourcing and processing of produce involve a complex web of factors including seasonality, geographical considerations, and supplier dynamics. As an enthusiast well-versed in agricultural practices and supply chains, let's break down the concepts in the article:
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Geographical Sourcing:
- Holland, Spain, and Morocco: These regions are prime locations for growing tomatoes due to their conducive climates. Holland is known for greenhouse cultivation, Spain for its vast open fields, and Morocco as a backup likely due to its proximity and favorable climate in certain seasons.
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Supplier Operations:
- Wisbech, Cambridgeshire (Cambs): The tomatoes are processed by a supplier in Wisbech, Cambs. This indicates a crucial stage in the supply chain where the raw produce is likely sorted, cleaned, and packaged for distribution.
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Varieties of Vegetables:
- Onions (Holland): The fresh onions are sourced and processed from Holland, possibly due to the quality and availability of onion varieties in this region.
- Lettuce (UK, Spain, Holland, France): The lettuce sourcing varies based on seasonal changes. UK and Spain dominate in different seasons, with a smaller portion coming from Holland and France.
- Cucumber (Spain, Holland, Turkey): Similar to tomatoes, cucumbers are sourced from Spain and Holland based on the season. Turkey is the primary source for cucumbers used in making dill pickles.
Understanding the agricultural seasons, climate suitability, and supplier networks is crucial in ensuring a consistent supply of fresh produce. It's fascinating how these factors interplay to maintain a diverse yet reliable source of vegetables for various culinary purposes.
