I wonder if pomegranates are experiencing a breakthrough: based on the volumes of the fruit appearing on supermarket shelves this week, it would appear so. However, as yet I have failed to spot any from California, which is preparing to enter the fray as a source for the UK market.

Historically, supplies at this time of year have been the prerogative of Spain, particularly from the Elche region, for as long as I can remember. Pomegranates from Israel and India among others, also arrive from time to time.

This week both Iberian loose and tray-packed fruit was available, although Morrisons’ Safeway stores must take the prize for trying to boost awareness. A four-pack and a six-pack on display together were equally priced at 99p. For those with an eye for a bargain the labelling even spelt out that the price per individual fruit was 24.75p and 16.5p respectively.

UK imports of the product are so small it is difficult to find an official figure, indicating that there is still a long way to go in developing consumption.

Bananas of course are at the other end of the scale. And in the same Safeway store there was also evidence that a new word has entered the retail vocabulary: bumper packs are now the in thing.

The term of course can mean different things to different people, but there was no mistaking the impact of Cameroon bananas carrying the Bouba brand. Two hands weighing a total of 1.5 kg were priced at 99p. In comparison, loose fruit from other sources was 74p a kg.

If tastes are changing, they are also affecting the grapefruit market and Tesco is now selling nets of South African red grapefruit for juicing.

The idea is not exactly new: the multiples cottoned on to juicing oranges some years ago. But perhaps we will see it extended to those delicious Italian Blood oranges which arrive around Christmas.

Nearer home, it was interesting to see that Kent cobs are now being given the recognition that they deserve. For years cobnuts have been a niche, seasonal product that mainly excite food writers. Like pomegranates they are so small in volume that they are often hard to come by except at the National Fruit Show where they put in an appearance annually.

So full marks to Sainsbury’s for offering an attractive pre-pack complete with Union Jack, and even a potted history of how the product developed - all at 99p for150g.

There are also further signs - this time at Marks & Spencer - that there are still opportunities to find new ways to retail asparagus.

Not content with selected giant spears or delicate tips, a new line is a specially sealed pack for £1.99 in which the product may be steamed.

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