Waitrose has become the first UK supermarket to offer British samphire year-round, breaking the traditional 12-week seasonal window for this rare and prized British vegetable.
In partnership with British growers Westlands, Waitrose will now stock samphire throughout the entire year as part of its commitment to supporting homegrown produce and local farmers. Tracey May, Fresh Prepared Produce Buyer at Waitrose, explained, “British samphire has traditionally been a fleeting summer delicacy available for only 12 weeks. We know how much our customers value British produce, so we’re thrilled to break that barrier and deliver premium, peak-season quality all year round.”
Through innovative and sustainable glasshouse farming techniques, Waitrose growers have successfully recreated the specific coastal conditions samphire requires to thrive. Hannah Stewart, Produce Technical Manager at Waitrose, revealed the method behind this breakthrough: “By using hydroponics—a soil-free growing method—along with LED lighting that mimics natural sunshine and carefully controlled saline solutions, we can extend the samphire season far beyond summer. This is a UK first, ensuring a continuous supply of samphire’s signature salty-sweet crunch even in the depth of winter.”
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Waitrose’s Senior Development Chef, Paul Gamble, highlighted samphire’s growing popularity: “Sea vegetables are central to the current obsession with rich umami flavours. Samphire has evolved from a niche ingredient to a staple on British plates. Its versatility is remarkable—it pairs beautifully with fresh fish and seafood, adds vibrancy to salads and pasta, and even offers a smoky edge when barbecued simply with oil, black pepper, and lemon juice.”
Adding to its appeal, Dr Joanne Lunn, Lead Nutritionist at Waitrose, noted samphire’s nutritional benefits: “Samphire is an excellent source of calcium and fibre, essential for a healthy metabolism. Naturally rich in coastal minerals, it provides intense flavour and texture, allowing you to enhance your dishes without relying on additional salt.”
With this innovative approach, Waitrose is not only supporting local growers but also delivering fresh, sustainable British samphire to customers throughout the year.