Co Armagh grower Gilfresh supplies record 70,000 spooky Ghost & XL Pumpkins to Asda NI

Richard Gilpin, Head of Farm Operations, Gilfresh Produce and Lorraine Drennan, Customer Service Manager, Asda Portadown

As Halloween approaches, Co Armagh-based Gilfresh Produce is gearing up for its biggest pumpkin season yet, supplying over 70,000 pumpkins to all 17 Asda stores across Northern Ireland – including two new seasonal showstoppers: the pale and eerie Ghost Pumpkin and the giant XL Pumpkin, perfect for carving or autumnal displays.

Founded in 1965 by Thomas Gilpin, Gilfresh Produce has grown from humble beginnings in a 4-acre field to become one of Northern Ireland’s largest vegetable growers and suppliers.

Headquartered in Loughgall, the family-run business has partnered with Asda since 2008, supplying around 20 lines of fresh produce to stores across the region.

The pumpkin partnership first began in 2019, when Asda placed an initial order for 15,000 pumpkins. Since then, demand has surged, with Gilfresh now delivering more than four times that amount.

Richard Gilpin, who joined the family business in 2021 and now heads up farm operations, said:

“Asda was the first supermarket we supplied our pumpkins to back in 2019 and every year since then, the demand has been much higher, as we supply 20,000 more than we did last year – it’s great to see.

“We’re noticing a difference in what customers are looking for each year as it’s not just about the traditional orange pumpkin anymore – people want variety and something that stands out, which is why we have included the likes of Ghost Pumpkins which have become increasingly popular for both decorating and display.”

Ghost pumpkins are a white-skinned variety of the same species as traditional orange pumpkins, bred to achieve their distinctive pale hue. They require similar warm, sunny growing conditions, but to maintain their ghostly appearance, growers often shield them from excessive sunlight to prevent yellowing and may harvest them slightly earlier.

Reflecting on the challenges and opportunities within modern farming, Richard added:

“The industry has faced many challenges over the past number of years – climate change, population growth, resource depletion, changes in consumer demand and irreversible biodiversity loss.

“This is why continuing to diversify our offering and making the most of new opportunities is such a key part of our business. We’re proud that Asda are committed to working in partnership with Gilfresh Produce, as we continue to play our part in ensuring the sustainability of local supply chains – providing consumers with the quality local produce they want.”

Cathy Elliot, NI Local Buying Manager at Asda, praised the longstanding collaboration:

“Asda is dedicated to working with local suppliers which helps continue to strengthen our connection with the local NI farming community.

“Our partnership with Gilfresh has continued to thrive over the past 17 years which not only highlights our ongoing commitment to supporting local growers but how we are always working to offer Asda customers something fresh and unique.”

With consumer appetite for variety and locally grown produce continuing to grow, Gilfresh Produce’s expanding pumpkin range looks set to be a seasonal hit for both shoppers and spooky decorators across Northern Ireland.