Portrait of a sweet cherry breeder: Gregorio Lopez-Ortega
18 Jan 2024
n this article, José Quero García, member of the technical-scientific committee of Cherry Times, interviewed Gregorio Lopez-Ortega, breeder at the Chilean company Hortifrut.
The Scottish grower Peter Marshall & Co (Marshall Farms) has expanded its supply deal with Asda to provide over 3.5 million cherries this summer.
The agreement extends the retailer’s five-year partnership with Marshall Farms through its supplier Scotty Brand. The producer now supplies fruit for both the private label and Scotty-branded packs, increasing the volume by about three million cherries per season.
Marshall Farms cherries are available in Asda stores in three formats, within the supermarket’s Extra Special and standard private label lines: 250 g, 300 g, and 500 g. Marshall Farms packs will be available this summer in about 160 Asda stores across the UK.
The owner and grower of Marshall Farms, Jennifer Marshall, said: “Cherries are exceptional in Scotland due to the long daylight hours and cooler climate. “Scottish cherries ripen slowly on the trees, which increases the sugar levels and quality. We use the best cultivation techniques and a range of varieties to ensure our business can supply Asda with cherries well into the season.”
Rowan Marshall added: “We have been growing in the area since 1942 and are proud to be the fourth generation of Marshalls in Alyth. “We are delighted to be at the forefront of cherry growers in Scotland with this united and evolving partnership with Asda.”
“Being one of only four Scottish cherry growers currently in production, we are extremely proud of the quality of our products and are excited to bring the best and juiciest cherries available to Asda customers this season.”
Source: Fresh Produce Journal
Image: Scottish Business News
