Tesco will sell Northern Ireland-grown pumpkins for the first time this Halloween, with Loughgall-based producer Gilfresh supplying its Ghost and extra-large varieties to stores

Tesco is to stock Northern Ireland-grown pumpkins for the first time this Halloween, with Loughgall producer Gilfresh supplying their Ghost and extra large varieties to stores.

The Loughgall-based grower is supplying the supermarket giants with a selection of homegrown pumpkins for the spooky season, including white Ghost pumpkins and extra-large orange varieties, as part of Tesco’s continued support for local farmers, growers and producers.

Nigel Doherty, produce buying manager at Tesco NI, said: “We’re excited to be bringing great quality, locally grown pumpkins to stores across Northern Ireland for the first time.

"There’s something really special about seeing a Halloween favourite grown right here in Northern Ireland on our shelves, and we can’t wait to see how customers use them as part of their activities.

Gilfresh account and marketing manager Anne Mac Oscar, Nigel Doherty, produce buying manager at Tesco NI and Gilfresh farm manager Richard Gilpin.

placeholder image — Gilfresh account and marketing manager Anne Mac Oscar, Nigel Doherty, produce buying manager at Tesco NI and Gilfresh farm manager Richard Gilpin.

"We’re proud to support the farmers, growers, producers and suppliers across Northern Ireland who work tirelessly to produce some of the finest produce in the world.

While pumpkins are associated with autumn, the work behind the crop begins months before Halloween arrives.

Gilfresh starts by planting its pumpkin varieties in May, with harvesting beginning in September. Every pumpkin is picked by hand and carefully handled before making its way into stores.

Pumpkins are traditionally a warm-weather crop, thriving on sunshine, so growing them in Northern Ireland is not always straightforward. However, Gilfresh says its location in the Orchard County has proved particularly well suited to the Halloween staple this year.

Nigel Doherty, produce buying manager at Tesco NI, with the locally grown Ghost pumpkins.

Gilfresh farm manager Richard Gilpin said: “We’re surrounded by Bramley apple orchards, which means there is excellent pollinator activity in the area, and our soil type also suits the crop well.

"This year the very wet spring meant planting was delayed, but the warm, dry summer helped the pumpkins catch up and mature nicely in time for Halloween.”

Richard added: “To see our locally grown pumpkins going into Tesco stores for the first time is a lovely milestone for the team and a great reflection of the working relationship we’ve built with Tesco.”

And while most people will be reaching for the carving tools, Richard added that the pumpkins aren’t just for lanterns.

"They’re all edible too, so there’s plenty of opportunity to make use of them in the kitchen,” he said.

The Gilfresh Ghost and extra-large pumpkins will be available at selected Tesco stores across Northern Ireland.