Waitrose and NFU to showcase seasonal horticulture

The NFU is teaming up with Waitrose to showcase the best of seasonal British horticulture at two Royal Horticultural Society shows this summer.

Waitrose sponsored the NFU display last year to take home a hattrick of gold medals at RHS shows and this year that relationship will continue at Chelsea Flower Show (May 22-26) and Hampton Court Palace Flower Show (July 3-8).

Stand designer Penny Riley will be aiming for her 16th consecutive gold medal at Chelsea with her renowned combination of seasonal British fruit, vegetables, flowers and plants.

NFU and Waitrose staff and growers will be on hand to talk visitors through the displays at the shows.

NFU horticulture adviser Dr Chris Hartfield said: ’We are delighted to be continuing our relationship with Waitrose for another year. The stand is always unique in that none of the featured produce is grown specifically for the shows as it is all destined for shops across the country. As a result the display is immediately accessible to visitors who can go away and buy the produce and plants in their local retailers.


’The shows at Chelsea and Hampton are a fantastic way to engage with consumers and help them to understand why buying British produce is so important.’

Sue Steptoe, horticulture buying manager at Waitrose, said: ’We are proud to be once again showcasing our great British growers and produce to visitors at these prestigious shows.’