New season cauliflower has hit the shelves at Sainsbury's – nearly a week ahead of schedule. This year's efforts mean that FoodFen company Univeg has achieved continuity throughout the year with UK product.

Grahame Ball from founder SAS member Univeg said that the changeover from the overwintered crop to summer crop was always difficult and the growers' and agronomic team at Univeg had strived for many years to close the gap.

Sainsbury's senior buyer, Russell Crowe said: "Within the brassica category, Sainsbury's has extended the UK season by putting products on shelves two weeks prior to the season starting. By extending the UK season, it has reduced the dependency of imported products that appear in-store. Green cabbage and pointed cabbage are two prime examples which have given UK producers extended seasons."