Tesco Northern Ireland are championing local produce growers as their stores prepare sell more than 10 million portions of locally sourced vegetables in the run-up to Christmas.

The supermarket forecasts sales of around 2.5 million potatoes, 6 million sprouts, 1.5 million carrots, 0.5 million parsnips, 60,000 leeks, 0.5 million onions, 20,000 swedes and 10,000 red cabbages before the big day.

The produce is supplied by growers across the region: potatoes from Wilson's Country in Armagh; leeks from Roy Little in Strangford; carrots, parsnips, swedes and red cabbages from Gilfresh Produce in Loughgall; onions from Milgro in Limavady; and Brussels sprouts from both Gilfresh Produce and Andrew Herron's farm on the Ards Peninsula.

Nigel Doherty, Produce Buying Manager at Tesco NI, said: "We plan to be ahead of last year, and have increased volumes to deliver even greater availability for our customers." Tesco NI is also introducing its exclusive Finest Northern Irish Potatoes for the first time this Christmas — with potatoes still the top seller by tonnage. "We are a country of potato lovers, and whether they are mashed, roasted, dauphinois, or hassleback, Christmas sees demand for potatoes like no other time of year," he commented.

Doherty noted that shoppers are updating classic sides with trend-led twists. "With new vegetables coming into the scene, more people are choosing recipes that elevate these traditional ingredients, like air-fried sprouts, sprouts glazed with marmalade or even Marmite, parsnips with a miso glaze or carrots cooked in herby butter. It is the perfect mix of tradition and innovation," Nigel said.

"Customers want to shop local, and we're proud to champion Northern Ireland's growers by bringing their produce to tables across the country. Choosing locally supplied veg doesn't just guarantee great freshness and flavour but also supports the farming families and communities who make our festive traditions possible – and makes every Christmas dinner mean that little bit more."