article_snippet: Meanwhile English raspberries have made English raspberries earliest ever appearance on supermarket shelves after a trial crop was grown during the sunniest winter since records began - despite snow continuing to blanket parts of the UK.
article_snippet: The early delivery of raspberries follows British-grown strawberries becoming available two weeks earlier than in previous years.
article_snippet: Laurence Olins, chairman of industry body British Summer Fruits, said English raspberries were the result of a trial plot of the 'very sweet' Diamond Jubilee berries planted by Harry Hall, who supplied Waitrose with the first strawberries of the season earlier this month.
article_snippet: Mr Olins said: 'This is probably the earliest we've seen English raspberries - around two weeks earlier than normal.'
article_snippet: Waitrose's raspberry buyer Nicki Baggott said: 'This is the first time we've been able to offer British-grown raspberries so early in the year. '
article_snippet: Raspberries were once regarded as a late summer crop, but British Summer Fruits said growers are using new varieties and innovative methods to extend the season.
article_snippet: English raspberries have made English raspberries earliest ever appearance after a trial crop was grown during the sunniest winter since records began .
article_snippet: English raspberries have made English raspberries earliest ever appearance on supermarket shelves today.
article_snippet: English raspberries went on sale after a trial crop was grown during the sunniest winter since records began.
article_snippet: Normally greenhouse-grown raspberries are not ready until at least mid-April.
article_snippet: Raspberries grown outside (not in a greenhouse) are expected to be on sale later than usual this year - in late May or early June, following the particularly cold but sunny winter.
highlights_snippet: English raspberries are making English raspberries earliest ever appearance on supermarket shelves after trial crop was grown .
  