British growers predict full year-round supply of UK apples thanks to good volumes and quality
The British apple and pear season officially kicked off this week (26 September), slightly earlier than usual, with UK growers predicting a good year.
Favourable spring and summer weather has given rise to particularly flavoursome apples, UK grower organisation British Apples and Pears (BAPL) said.
Volumes and storage quality are also good, meaning the potential for a full year-round (12 month) supply of British apples for UK shoppers, it added.
In new season promotional activities, BAPL said it will be stressing the value offered by British apples in a new campaign theme #ValueAtTheCore.
Celebrity chef Raymond Blanc is also continuing his partnership with BAPL for the third year running.
Health-messaging will also feature strongly in the launch activities.
BAPL said it is working closely with leading nutritionist Rob Hobson to highlight the benefits of apples for heart health. Specifically, research has shown apples and pears contain several bioactive compounds, including flavonoids, dietary fibre, and antioxidants, that have been individually associated with a decreased risk of cardiovascular disease.
Ali Capper, BAPL executive chair, said: “With the cost of living rising significantly, British apples offer one of the best value, healthy snacks on the market. British apples also travel minimal food miles to reach our supermarket shelves, meaning they provide the optimal, environmental choice too - kind to our wallets, the environment and our overall health – everyone needs an apple a day.”
BAPL added that it wants to drive retailer support for British apples and pears to help British growers achieve their aim that 60 per cent of all apples available in stores are British by 2030.
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