Sainsbury’s has become the number one retailer of English apples and pears after selling 42,000 tonnes of the crop this season, according to new figures from industry body English Apples & Pears.

Gala remains the top-selling variety after the retailer sold 12,300 tonnes, equivalent to 71 million apples. In total, Sainsbury’s said it sold 26 different apple and six pears varieties during the 2014-2015 season, ranging from Bramley apples to Sweet Sensation pears.

Sainsbury’s also sold 46 per cent of the UK conference crop, equating to 7,500 tonnes.

“Sainsbury’s performance in increasing their sales of English apples and pears during the 2014/15 season by more than 6,000 tonnes has been exceptional,” said Adrian Barlow, chief executive of English Apples & Pears.

“Their share of sales of English to supermarkets has increased from 28.1 per cent to 31.3 per cent, almost double their share of the UK grocery market and they have sold more English apples and pears than any other retailer.”

Sainsbury’s apple and pear technologist, Theresa Huxley, said: “It’s fantastic to see customers making the most of the fantastic range of home grown fruit we have on offer. With over 32 varieties available throughout the season, there’s plenty to choose from.”

Barlow added: “The English industry greatly appreciates the support from Sainsbury’s and looks forward to working closely with them in developing further increases in sales in the future.”

Sainsbury's said it continues to use its Concept Orchards to help halt the decline of the British apple and pear orchards. “We are using these orchards to develop new varieties and increase yields through new and innovative growing practices,” the retailer said.