RARE Scottish-grown golden raspberries are set to hit the shelves in Asda for the first time this weekend.
The golden berries will be available for a limited time window in selected Asda stores across the UK while crops last.
The berries have even been praised for their flavour by one of Scotland’s top chefs, Stevie McLaughlin, who has incorporated them into his dishes at his two Michelin-starred restaurant, and has insisted they would be great to use for home cooking too.
Perthshire-based Bruce Farms teamed up with the supermarket with a limited number of special release punnets, which will be available alongside their more common red counterparts.
Geoff Bruce, director at Bruce Farms, a fourth-generation farm in Meigle, said he his always thinking of new ways to be innovative and to find new varieties which thrive in Scotland’s climate.
He said: “The golden raspberries have been a real passion project for us and it’s exciting to be at the forefront of introducing something new to the Scottish soft fruit sector.
“As growers, we’re always looking at ways to innovate and explore different varieties that not only thrive in our climate but also offer a unique selling point for customers.
"Our product development team sourced the rare ‘All Gold’ raspberries, and we are pleased to let consumers try them for the first time, however they will need to be quick as the crop is limited.
“It’s been incredibly rewarding to see them being grown successfully here in Perthshire’s rich farmland and building on our family’s 125-year legacy of farming and commitment to quality.”
Bruce Farms have partnered with supplier Scotty Brand, a family run brand that works with farmers across Scotland, to deliver the golden raspberries to Asda stores.
Scotty Brand was founded in Coatbridge in 1948 and has been a "proud champion of locally grown fruit and vegetables on Scottish farms across the country".
Andrew Young, Scotty Brand development manager, said: “At Scotty Brand, we’re committed to supporting Scottish growers and expanding variety of produce available to retailers and customers.
“Our long-standing partnership with Asda has enabled us to bring this exclusive new product to market, supporting growth and diversification within the sector while showcasing the exceptional quality of Scottish produce and the vital role of local, sustainable growing practices.”
Ashley Connolly, Asda Scotland local buying manager, said the supermarket is committed to working with Scottish brands.
She said: “It's exciting that Asda customers will be the first to be able to buy these limited-edition golden raspberries.
“Our partnership with Scotty Brand has continued to go from strength to strength, and by bringing this new product innovation to life is a credit to both the farm and supplier.
“Getting the product into Asda stores this quickly also highlights our ongoing commitment to supporting local growers as well as offering customers something new, fresh, seasonal and unique.”
