Supermarkets have reported above-average sales, with figures from Tesco revealing demand for water melon is up 64 per cent on last year, peppers are up 42 per cent, raspberries up 38 per cent, apples up 37 per cent, oranges up 23 per cent and kiwifruit up 16 per cent.

The glorious weather has had an impact on sales, but there is some surprise at the dramatic growth, which has been linked to the publicity about the health benefits of detox diets.

Safeway has seen their sales of fruit and vegetables increase.

Though the surprise boom was in a drink called PJ Smoothie, which is on sale for £1.49 and is marketed as a 'daily detox smoothie'.

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