![\"Westgrowers,](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wp.lancs.ac.uk\/sustainable-agriculture\/files\/2017\/07\/waitrose_13178644982467.jpg?resize=300%2C200\")
It\u2019s official: Vale of Evesham asparagus awarded PGI status<\/p>\nIt\u2019s official: Vale of Evesham asparagus awarded PGI status<\/p>\n
Today (Friday 21st April), Waitrose<\/a> announces the launch of British, Vale of Evesham asparagus<\/a>, which was awarded Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) status earlier this year.<\/p>\n To celebrate the acreditation, Waitrose will be the only supermarket to sell a dedicated pack of Vale of Evesham asparagus which will be available in shops from St. George\u2019s Day (Sunday 23rd April).<\/p>\n In order to be protected under PGI, a product must be produced, processed or prepared in the geographical area it is associated with. The mark is only given to a product if it is deemed to have a reputation, characteristics or qualities that are a result of that area. Other products which have the PGI mark include Yorkshire Wensleydale cheese and Cornish sardines.<\/p>\n Westgrowers<\/a> has been supplying Waitrose for almost 20 years with the highest quality British asparagus and for the last four years has worked closely with the supermarket and DEFRA<\/a> to gain PGI status for the area.<\/p>\n Jade Symonds, Speciality Veg Buyer at Waitrose, comments, \u2018There is nothing better than fresh British asparagus and it\u2019s great that the Vale of Evesham has been recognised and awarded PGI status for this fantastic product.\u00a0 Whether as an accompaniment to a main course, or wrapped in Parma ham and dipped in soft boiled eggs for breakfast or a light lunch, the versatile veg is not to be missed this summer.’<\/p>\n