Fruit & Veg
Only the freshest produce for our stores
Our fresh fruit and vegetables are delivered to us seven days a week so that you only get the freshest, high quality produce in store. Our range always reflects seasonality and we are constantly sourcing new products to supplement our existing range
The seasons may come and go bringing their signature fruit and vegetables, but there is one thing that never changes and that’s the friendly, helpful advice you get from Skibereen’s Fruit and Veg manager Pat Collins.
Pat’s knowledge is not something that popped up overnight like a mushroom, it’s the fruition of 19 years experience working in the fruit and veg department at Fields.
He loves the ever-changing nature of his job. “It is always changing; you need to be in the know and aware of how different fruit and vegetables grow, what is in and out of season and what goes best with what”.
While Pat’s mother and brother worked in the SuperValu bakery section, it’s been in the fruit and veg section that Pat has witnessed dramatic changes over the years. Back when he started out, the only real exotic things around were some of the colourful characters that dropped in for groceries and a chat. “When I first started working here there was no such thing as mangoes or pomegranates” Pat says, adding that the word ‘tropical’ was only ever used to describe the odd great summer’s day. Just five years ago, people asked for blueberries once in a blue moon but now about 20 cases a week are sold.
He has also noticed a big increase in the demand for fresh herbs and spices. The benefits of using herbs and spices in food have also become common knowledge. “These are natural and good for us” Pat adds.
It’s not just the range of fruit and veg on offer that has improved but also the quality. Pat tells us that it keeps getting better and better and how SuperValu strive to sell only the best quality items. Their slogan is ‘only sell what you would buy yourself’.
Pat has seen his customers become more health conscious with a big growth in their appetite for organic produce. People are a lot more aware of what they are eating and how vital fruit and veg are for their diets. With no chemicals used, organic products not only taste better, but are also better for us. The perception that ‘organic’ means ‘expensive’ is no longer a valid one, Pat argues. “Organic products have become very competitive. They are not as expensive as they used to be. You can purchase a bag of organic carrots or celery for €2” he says.
Price is certainly an issue foremost on people’s minds in these tough times, so Pat advises people to be on the look out for deals. “We have great multi bag deals on fruit and veg. The best advice I could give is to take advantage of these deals. You can get a few days worth for €10”.
With so many ways to use fruit and veg, Pat finds waste sinful, especially in these times of recession. “Waste is the biggest sin. So use left overs to make soups or fruit desserts”.
We at Fields are friends to the local producers and we strive to suport them. Seasonally our producers change but the very best is always gauranteed such as potatoes from Cha Holmes, strawberries and raspberries from Union Hall and the most aromatic salad leaves from Dunmanway. Many of our suppliers have been working with us for over 20 years including Paddy O' Mahoney, Peter Ross, Thornhill Farms, Devoys, West Cork Herb Farm, Michael Nagle
Our Suppliers say:
‘Pat Collins and his team in the fruit and vegetable department, make it a delight to be a supplier. We cannot thank them, or the Field family enough. And we’d also like to thank the supermarket’s loyal customers, who have helped to create two full-time jobs and ten part-time jobs in our company.’
Union Hall Fresh Produce
‘I have had a good working relationship with John Field and his staff and I am pleased to say
there has always been a big demand for top quality local fresh produce in his supermarket'
Dan McCarthy local supplier for over 30 years
Only the freshest produce for our stores
Our fresh fruit and vegetables are delivered to us seven days a week so that you only get the freshest, high quality produce in store. Our range always reflects seasonality and we are constantly sourcing new products to supplement our existing range
The seasons may come and go bringing their signature fruit and vegetables, but there is one thing that never changes and that’s the friendly, helpful advice you get from Skibereen’s Fruit and Veg manager Pat Collins.
Pat’s knowledge is not something that popped up overnight like a mushroom, it’s the fruition of 19 years experience working in the fruit and veg department at Fields.
He loves the ever-changing nature of his job. “It is always changing; you need to be in the know and aware of how different fruit and vegetables grow, what is in and out of season and what goes best with what”.
While Pat’s mother and brother worked in the SuperValu bakery section, it’s been in the fruit and veg section that Pat has witnessed dramatic changes over the years. Back when he started out, the only real exotic things around were some of the colourful characters that dropped in for groceries and a chat. “When I first started working here there was no such thing as mangoes or pomegranates” Pat says, adding that the word ‘tropical’ was only ever used to describe the odd great summer’s day. Just five years ago, people asked for blueberries once in a blue moon but now about 20 cases a week are sold.
He has also noticed a big increase in the demand for fresh herbs and spices. The benefits of using herbs and spices in food have also become common knowledge. “These are natural and good for us” Pat adds.
It’s not just the range of fruit and veg on offer that has improved but also the quality. Pat tells us that it keeps getting better and better and how SuperValu strive to sell only the best quality items. Their slogan is ‘only sell what you would buy yourself’.
Pat has seen his customers become more health conscious with a big growth in their appetite for organic produce. People are a lot more aware of what they are eating and how vital fruit and veg are for their diets. With no chemicals used, organic products not only taste better, but are also better for us. The perception that ‘organic’ means ‘expensive’ is no longer a valid one, Pat argues. “Organic products have become very competitive. They are not as expensive as they used to be. You can purchase a bag of organic carrots or celery for €2” he says.
Price is certainly an issue foremost on people’s minds in these tough times, so Pat advises people to be on the look out for deals. “We have great multi bag deals on fruit and veg. The best advice I could give is to take advantage of these deals. You can get a few days worth for €10”.
With so many ways to use fruit and veg, Pat finds waste sinful, especially in these times of recession. “Waste is the biggest sin. So use left overs to make soups or fruit desserts”.
We at Fields are friends to the local producers and we strive to suport them. Seasonally our producers change but the very best is always gauranteed such as potatoes from Cha Holmes, strawberries and raspberries from Union Hall and the most aromatic salad leaves from Dunmanway. Many of our suppliers have been working with us for over 20 years including Paddy O' Mahoney, Peter Ross, Thornhill Farms, Devoys, West Cork Herb Farm, Michael Nagle
Our Suppliers say:
‘Pat Collins and his team in the fruit and vegetable department, make it a delight to be a supplier. We cannot thank them, or the Field family enough. And we’d also like to thank the supermarket’s loyal customers, who have helped to create two full-time jobs and ten part-time jobs in our company.’
Union Hall Fresh Produce
‘I have had a good working relationship with John Field and his staff and I am pleased to say
there has always been a big demand for top quality local fresh produce in his supermarket'
Dan McCarthy local supplier for over 30 years