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Major British foodservice provider Compass Group UK has announced that it has committed itself to source 100 per cent of its apples and pears from the country during October and November.

Over the period, which coincides with the height of the English season, Compass estimates that it will supply 210 tonnes of apples and 36 tonnes of pears to workplaces, schools, hospitals and leisure centres across the UK.

Varieties sourced by the company during the two months are expected to include Royal Gala, Braeburn, Cox and Bramley and pear varieties Comice, Concorde and Conference.

In a statement, Adrian Barlow, chief executive of trade organisation English Apples and Pears, said: “We applaud Compass for this commitment to English apples and pears.

“It is important that the major players in the industry, who have such strong purchasing power, support locally-grown produce.'

Christine Forder, lead buyer for Compass Group UK & Ireland, said: “We strongly believe in purchasing and promoting produce that’s in season and we have committed to buying only English apples and pears across our 70,000 client sites when they are at their best.”