Aberdeenshire-based Benzies Produce has been Asda’s supplier of carrots in Scotland for over 16 years, and for the first time will supply the retailer with over 500 tonnes of locally grown parsnips to all 62 Asda Scotland stores.
Founded in the early 1950s, Benzies Produce is a family-run farming business owned by Philip and Hazel Benzie, along with their stepson Charles. The business is now into its fourth generation, based in Turriff in the North-East of Scotland, and employs around 100 people specialising in growing and packaging Scottish root vegetables.
Since 2008, Benzies have supplied Asda stores in Scotland with four lines of carrots, ranging from 500g,1 kg and 1.5 kg packs, and loose carrots. The new deal with Asda will see three additional lines of locally sourced parsnips added to Benzies’ portfolio, including 500g packs, loose parsnips and Just Essentials parsnips.
Philip Benzie, of Benzies Produce Ltd said: “We’re absolutely thrilled to expand our partnership with Asda, as we now supply all core carrots and parsnips stocked across Asda Scotland stores.
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“Everything we supply is locally grown, harvested and packed, so it’s fantastic to see such a large retailer supporting local farmers and in turn creating jobs for people in the area.
“This partnership also ensures Asda customers can enjoy the freshest of vegetables, as we send our carrots and parsnips straight to the Asda depots once we’ve packaged them in-house.
“We also have a wind turbine powering the site, which exports excess energy to the grid, promoting a more sustainable supply chain.”
Ashley Connolly, Asda Local Buying Manager for Scotland, added: “We’re delighted to extend our relationship with Benzies Produce, with the addition of stocking their locally grown parsnips across our Scotland stores.
“We’re proud to be bringing Scottish customers the very best, locally grown vegetables to our shelves.
“We know Asda customers are looking for the freshest, highest-quality produce, and by collaborating with local growers and packers like Benzies, we can ensure that stock is on our shelves quicker and with less travel time than imported produce.”
Benzies carrots and parsnips are available now instore or online at www.asda.com
