An international producers' club including members in France, Australia, South Africa and the United States has voluntarily agreed to use the With the Pink Lady apple trademark year round. Funds are available to take legal action against itinerant growers who may debilitate the brand. Members pack to common standards and the fruit is monitored by Gordon Winterbottom, md of a new company Coregeo which will also promote it. The scheme is still in its infancy, and Winterbottom admitted some mistakes were now being corrected, such as lack of colour on French fruit. But while he said the apple could at best reach 10% of UK sales ­ 10 times its current volume ­ the long-term strength lies in protecting and enhancing its unique characteristics. {{FRESH PRODUCE }}

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