Scottish producer Angus Soft Fruits has unveiled what it’s calling the ‘World’s Largest Strawberry Crown’ to mark the arrival of the AVA Magnum strawberry onto shelves.
Inspired by the St Edward’s Crown used in this year’s coronation of King Charles III, and measuring 30 inches in diameter, 31 inches in height and weighing eight kilos, the crown was constructed from more than 400 AVA Magnum strawberries and took over 50 hours to craft.
It was created by food artist Prudence Staite, whose other designs include a 10kg chocolate labyrinth to celebrate the launch of the Maze Runner films, a replica Angel of the North made out of chips, and a We Wish You a Merry Christmas playing chocolate vinyl record.
Grown exclusively in Perthshire, Fife and Angus, AVA Magnum strawberries are bred to develop sugar slowly. This, Angus Soft Fruits says, results in an “exquisite” sweetness. They are currently sold as premium lines including M&S Red Diamond, Aldi’s Specially Selected, Sainsbury’s Taste the Difference and Asda’s Extra Special.
More than 87,000 tons of UK-grown strawberries are sold every year across the country. Demand peaks around Wimbledon, where organisers estimate in the region of two million strawberries are eaten during the championships.
Jill Witheyman, Head of Marketing at Angus Soft Fruits, commented: “The AVA Magnum represents a true triumph in the world of strawberries, where flavour, sweetness, and quality converge to create an extraordinary sensory experience.
“The strawberries will now be skilfully transformed into strawberry jam and gifted to friends of AVA Berries.”
