M&S is trialling Cox from Chile, regarded as an entirely new source. Four traypacked medium fruit were being sold at £1.49 with larger loose fruit making a premium at £1.99. The variety, which during the southern hemisphere season has been the domain of New Zealand, was discovered by importer Empire World Trade three years ago, according to md Dick Lowes. Lowes says there is a big long-term opportunity as many New Zealand growers have been grubbing up their orchards and this year this Cox crop is short. "Chilean pressures and sugar content have been excellent." It is being grown in the more southerly Ninth Region around Temuco and being shipped on an exclusive basis by Frusan. At present the season is about a month long during April and May, but Lowe says as volumes build this could be extended through CA storage. {{M/E FRESH PRODUCE }}

Topics