Norman Collett’s managing director Andy Sadler likened the British fruit grower to at an endangered species at Agrovista’s Fruit Briefing Meeting in Ashford, but ensured delegates that there were some “fantastic opportunities” out there for top-fruit and stonefruit growers.

He said: “The UK grows only 36 per cent of the top fruit sold in the country and as we are the main supply for half the year, it could at least be 50 per cent. There is a lot to learn from the Netherlands and New Zealand about new technologies, etc. We have a fantastic market on our doorstep and retailers are keen to take British product.”

Sadler said that the retailer had to be looked after so they could make sure they could tick the relevant boxes and growers needed to make a sustainable profit.

“We at Norman Collett have got to have the right varieties and we invest in growers with interest-free loans to get these varieties,” he continued. “We believe in niche lines. Cox became popular and used to be the main British variety, but then we grew too much. Braeburn and Gala hold the most opportunity for growth.

“Look at new techniques and it is also useful to share what you have learnt with other growers.

“Tesco has also done a lot of work around the local markets, with growers on the pack, and roadshows going out to engage with consumers. There is also a great market out there for Conference pears and the UK does not grow enough, and what we do grow is mostly from old trees. But through new systems we can get new crops off the trees very quickly,” Sadler added.

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