Budget supermarket Asda is set to sell Jersey Royal potatoes ahead of rival stores.

The UK chain has cited increased customer demand for the move.

Des Wilson, produce buyer said: “Jersey Royals are our customers’ favourite potato and they fly off the shelves as customers look forward to indulging in them for as long as the season will allow. We have worked closely with our growers this year to make sure that our customers get a special potato treat earlier than anyone else.

“We have speeded up the process of cultivating these delicious spuds by growing them in glass houses to protect them from the harsh winter weather, and they taste just as good as in season potatoes. We plan to give the competition a proper roasting this year.”

Known as the ‘Champagne’ of the potato world, Jersey potatoes are the only vegetable to have Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) status which limits production solely to the largest of the Channel Islands

The popular potatoes are available next week for £1 per 1lb.