An importer is hoping for success with the launch of a soft-skinned ready-to-eat coconut.

The C&C Group is bringing the coconut, which is harvested young before it develops its hard outer skin, from Thailand.

The nuts are described as having white, jelly-like flesh, and are packaged in film to prevent their green outer husks from drying out.

The group is targeting a wide range of customers including food processors, the licensed trade, caterers and restaurants, cocktail bars and fruit juice outlets, as well as multiples and fresh produce retailers.

It said the clear milk can be used as a mixer in cocktails and the flesh in many oriental dishes including curries, soups and desserts.

C&C Group is bringing containers of the fruit into the UK every three weeks between now and October.