Waitrose has announced its Perfectly Ripe premium fruit range, made possible by technology which uses acoustic sensors to test for firmness and near infra-red equipment to test for sugars and internal quality.

The range assures optimum quality and exact ripeness on the day of purchase. Fruits are sourced from around the world.

The range's dedicated ripening facilities are able to combine heat, humidity and ethylene to control the ripening of the fruit very gently. It can take up to five days to achieve the optimum stage of ripeness for the Perfectly Ripe range.

A variety of fruits are seasonally available from 65 selected Waitrose branches. Prices range from 99p - £2.95 and the store says it offers consumers the reassurance of serving friends and family a perfect tasting product right from the shelf.