Turkey has turned into an expensive burden for Christmas dinners
- Due to favorable growing conditions, the average size of Brussels sprouts this year has increased to 30mm.
- Grower TH Clements highlights that improved farming practices are a key factor in this year's positive crop yield.
- This year's enhancements in sprout quality are expected to delight UK consumers during the holiday season.
In the UK, this year's Brussels sprouts are seeing a remarkable increase in size, attributed to favorable growing conditions and the introduction of new sprout varieties. Tesco has reported that their supplier, TH Clements, has observed an average sprout size of 30mm in diameter, compared to last year's 24mm. The Bump in size is largely due to the ideal climate experienced during the summer months, which provided adequate warmth and light, followed by enough rainfall in the autumn. This contrast to last year's poor climatic conditions, where heavy rains negatively impacted crop yields, has allowed growers to optimize the selection of land and sprout varieties. In a diligent attempt to combat previous harvest challenges, Tesco has collaborated with suppliers to cultivate hardier sprout varieties. This involved the careful selection of growing areas with favorable microclimates along the UK’s east coast, which are known for providing frost protection. The commercial director of TH Clements, John Moulding, articulated this year’s positive reversal in yield, outlining that the efforts aimed at improving crop quality are expected to yield not just this year's harvest but will benefit future crops as well. As Christmas approaches, the demand for sprouts is significant, with Tesco anticipating selling approximately 1.5 million kg in the two weeks leading up to the holiday. Interestingly, this volume is equivalent to three sprouts for every person in the UK, illustrating the traditional popularity of Brussels sprouts at festive meals. The supermarket expects that sprout enthusiasts will eagerly delight in the enhanced taste and crunchier texture of the sprouts this year, thanks to the strategic enhancements made in farming practices over the last year. Overall, this year’s sprout season reflects a significant turnaround from the struggles faced in 2023, with expectations set high for consumer satisfaction this festive season as families gather around for their traditional Christmas dinners.