Asda has introduced a rare and distinctive product to its shelves this summer: Scottish-grown golden raspberries. These berries, cultivated by Bruce Farms in Meigle, Perthshire, are available in selected UK stores for a limited time while stocks last. Distinguished by their yellow hue, the golden raspberries offer a delicate texture and mild tartness, setting them apart from the more common red varieties that dominate typical raspberry offerings.

Bruce Farms, a family-run operation with over 125 years of heritage, has been pioneering the cultivation of these golden raspberries as part of a passion project to diversify and innovate within Scotland’s soft fruit sector. Geoff Bruce, a director at Bruce Farms, emphasised their commitment to discovering varieties that flourish in Scotland’s unique climate while providing consumers with something both new and exceptional. "It’s been incredibly rewarding to see them being grown successfully here in Perthshire’s rich farmland," he said, underscoring the farm’s dedication to quality and long-standing agricultural tradition.

The introduction of golden raspberries to the Scottish market has drawn praise from chef Stevie McLaughlin of Restaurant Andrew Fairlie, Scotland’s only two Michelin-starred restaurant. McLaughlin has incorporated the berries into his fine dining menu, highlighting their delicate tartness and subtle hint of Scottish earthiness. He has also noted their versatility, suggesting they would be ideal for home cooks looking to add something fresh and seasonal to their desserts or fruit salads.

The availability of these golden raspberries in Asda stores is the result of a collaborative effort involving Bruce Farms and Scotty Brand, a family-run supplier with a deep commitment to promoting locally grown Scottish produce. Scotty Brand, founded in Coatbridge in 1948, plays a crucial role in supporting Scottish farmers, aiming to expand the variety of produce accessible to retailers and consumers alike. Andrew Young, Scotty Brand’s development manager, stated that their partnership with Asda has been instrumental in bringing this limited-edition product to market. He highlighted the importance of supporting growth and diversification within the local produce sector, while also championing sustainable farming practices.

Asda’s engagement with Scottish growers reflects its broader commitment to local sourcing and seasonality. Ashley Connolly, Asda Scotland’s local buying manager, remarked on the excitement surrounding the launch of the golden raspberries, emphasising that the partnership with Scotty Brand continues to flourish. Connolly pointed out that getting this unique product into stores so promptly showcases Asda’s dedication to supporting local agriculture and offering customers innovative, fresh, and seasonal options.

This introduction comes amid an expansion of Scottish berry production, with Scotty Brand and Bruce Farms also increasing the quantity of their traditionally red strawberries and raspberries supplied to UK supermarkets. Such moves underscore the growing appetite for quality Scottish soft fruit and the potential for further diversification in the sector.

While limited in quantity and availability, these golden raspberries represent an intriguing step forward for Scottish soft fruit growers and consumers eager to try something new. The collaboration between farm, supplier, and retailer exemplifies how innovative agricultural practices, combined with strong local partnerships, can lead to the successful launch of unique, high-quality products in the competitive supermarket environment.