Waitrose And Westlands Achieve Year-Round British Samphire In Major UK First

Waitrose has become the first UK supermarket to offer British-grown samphire all year round thanks to a partnership with grower Westlands to advance controlled-environment production, marking a significant development for the speciality vegetable category.

Image: Waitrose

The retailer said in a press release that the move “completely transforms” the availability of samphire, traditionally a highly seasonal product with a short summer harvest window. 

The launch also ties into Waitrose’s strengthening commitment to British sourcing and domestic growers, with the retailer having worked together with Evesham-based Westlands, a British grower of micro leaves, edible flowers, sea vegetables, and other speciality produce.

Consumer demand is high for British produce, and nutritionally-rich samphire has moved into the mainstream market, leaving Waitrose “thrilled” to break the 12-week window that had limited the sea vegetable to just a “fleeting summer delicacy”. 

“By becoming the first retailer to offer this, we’re delivering that premium, peak-season British quality to our shelves all year round,” announced Tracey May, Fresh Prepared Produce Buyer at Waitrose.

Westlands Partnership

To achieve year-round supply, Waitrose partnered with UK grower Westlands, which has developed advanced hydroponic production systems and glasshouse technology capable of replicating the coastal conditions required for samphire cultivation.

According to the retailer, Westlands is the first UK producer to grow samphire continuously throughout the year using controlled-environment agriculture.

“By using innovative, sustainable glasshouse engineering, our growers can recreate the exact coastal conditions samphire needs to thrive all year round,” explained Hannah Stewart, Produce Technical Manager at Waitrose.

The secret is hydroponics – a soil-free method that allows the season to extend well beyond summer. 

By using LED lighting to replicate sunshine, and adjusting the saline solution, Westlands can precisely control the salt levels to achieve the “perfect” taste and texture. 

“It’s a massive UK first, ensuring a reliable, continuous supply of that signature salty-sweet crunch, even in the depths of January,” commented Stewart.

Embracing Sustainability, Reducing Imports

The development also supports broader sustainability goals at Westlands. 

Domestic year-round production will help Westlands to reduce reliance on imported supply, thereby reducing its carbon footprint associated with air miles from imports.

Westlands has also invested in renewable energy and resource-efficiency initiatives, including a solar farm installed on the roof of its packhouse and a combined heat pump system used to power LED lighting within the facility.

Water recycling has been a key focus of the production model too, according to Westlands Director, Will Boers, who pointed out that recycling water has been the company’s biggest sustainability success so far.  

"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,” Boers noted. “We recycle 85% of the water, filter it, clean it, then use it again.”

Nutritionally-Rich, Now Mainstream

Waitrose said growing consumer interest in restaurant-quality dining, British produce, and health-conscious food choices have all contributed to rising demand for samphire beyond its traditional niche market.

So much so that the vegetable has become increasingly mainstream among consumers, according to Paul Gamble, Senior Development Chef at Waitrose. 

“Our obsession with rich, umami flavours is huge right now, and sea vegetables are right at the centre of that,” Gamble stated.

“Samphire has evolved from a niche foodie secret to an absolute staple on the British dinner table. It’s incredibly versatile – beyond fresh fish and seafood, it adds a brilliant, vibrant pop to summery salads and pasta dishes. I love popping it on the barbecue for a smoky edge – simply toss in oil, black pepper and cook in a heatproof pan until tender, then finish with lemon juice!”

In addition to its culinary appeal, samphire is also valued for its nutritional profile. 

“Samphire is a great source of calcium and fibre – which are vital for a healthy metabolism,” explained Dr Joanne Lunn, Lead Nutritionist at Waitrose. 

“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.”

The launch of year-round British samphire at Waitrose represents another example of how advances in controlled-environment horticulture are enabling UK growers and retailers to extend seasonal availability, while maintaining domestic supply. 

It is a trend likely to attract increasing attention across the fresh produce sector.