Waitrose and Westlands achieve year-round British samphire production using hydroponic technology, extending domestic supply beyond the traditional summer season.
Waitrose has become the first UK supermarket to offer British-grown samphire year-round, following a partnership with grower Westlands that has enabled continuous domestic production of the sea vegetable.
The launch marks a significant development for the fresh produce sector, extending the availability of British samphire beyond its traditional 12-week summer season. Waitrose said the initiative supports UK growers, strengthens domestic supply and reduces reliance on imported produce.
“Traditionally, British samphire has been a fleeting summer delicacy with just a 12-week window. We know how much our customers value British produce, so we’re thrilled to break that barrier,” said Tracey May, Fresh Prepared Produce Buyer at Waitrose. “By becoming the first retailer to offer this, we’re delivering that premium, peak-season British quality to our shelves all year round.”
How Westlands unlocked year-round production
Westlands has achieved year-round production by growing samphire in glasshouses using hydroponic systems, LED lighting and saline nutrient solutions that replicate the crop’s natural coastal environment. The controlled growing conditions enable the producer to maintain consistent quality and extend production well beyond the summer harvesting period.
Traditionally, British samphire has been a fleeting summer delicacy with just a 12-week window. We know how much our customers value British produce, so we’re thrilled to break that barrier.”
Tracey May, Fresh Prepared Produce Buyer at Waitrose
The project also incorporates several sustainability measures. Westlands has installed a solar farm on the roof of its packhouse and uses a combined heat pump to power its LED lighting systems. Hydroponic cultivation has also enabled the grower to significantly reduce water consumption through recycling while cutting air miles associated with imported produce.
Will Boers, Westlands Director, said: “Our biggest sustainability success has been recycling water. When you grow samphire hydroponically, you can collect the run-off water to recycle, which you can’t do when you grow it on the ground. We recycle 85 percent of the water, filter it, clean it, then use it again.”
Interest in samphire has grown in recent years alongside demand for British produce, restaurant-inspired dining experiences and ingredients with strong nutritional credentials. Known for its distinctive salty flavour and crunchy texture, the sea vegetable is widely used with seafood, salads and pasta dishes.
Dr Joanne Lunn, Lead Nutritionist at Waitrose, added: “Samphire is a great source of calcium and fibre - which are vital for a healthy metabolism. Because it’s naturally rich in coastal minerals, it’s a brilliant way to add intense flavour and texture to your plate without having to reach for the salt shaker.”
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