Tesco will be the first UK supermarket to sell Tentation apples in commercial volumes, the multiple announced this week.

The retailer revealed it has signed an exclusive deal with supplier Hochfeld, giving it access to a large proportion of Tentation apples grown in the Loire Valley.

Tesco apple buyer Simon Latham said: 'Although we have dabbled with Tentation before, we have only sold the variety in small amounts. This deal will allow us to buy up to 6,000 cases a week.' He added that the fact growers had produced an excellent crop this year was a deciding factor in clinching the deal.

'It's been a fantastic year for the Tentation. The flavour has always been striking, but this crop is outstanding because the growing conditions have been near perfect.' The recent French variety is a cross between Golden Delicious and Grifer. And so far, the yellow and pink-tinted fruit has proved popular with apple connoisseurs on both sides of the channel.

'The Tentation really has a unique flavour, which is consistently strong and deep,' said Latham. 'Once customers try it, they are guaranteed to become addicted to the taste.' Tentation will be sold loose in most Tesco stores from November 25 until the end of March at £1.99 per kilo.

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