Tesco sold the most UK apples in the 2023-2024 season, new data from British Apples & Pears has revealed.
Tesco sold 26,705 tonnes of British dessert apples, only just ahead of Aldi at 26,008 tonnes in the same period.
Aldi had topped the chart last year with a total 32,165 tonnes of apples sold.
In what has become a key battleground for retailers, Sainsbury’s came third, selling 21,563 tonnes.
“Tesco came second last year, and we know they were motivated to go one better this year,” said Ali Capper, executive chair of BAP. “We’re delighted they have achieved that.”
“From British orchards to our tables, our customers love delicious home-grown apples,” said Ashwin Prasad, Tesco’s CCO. ”We’re proud to work with British growers to provide the nation with more apples than any other supermarket. Whether it’s enjoying one as a simple healthy snack, as part of a packed lunch on the go, or making a classic crumble to enjoy with loved ones, apples have a special place in our hearts and in our kitchens.”
BAP also recognised the retailer who had achieved the best year-on-year growth performance, which was Lidl. The discounter increased the volume of its apple sales from 17,560 tonnes last year to 18,096 tonnes this year.
“Lidl have also done really well to sell more British apples this year than they did last year – no small feat when you consider the slightly reduced volumes overall,” she added.
“In a challenging year for the sector, it has been more important than ever that we back our British growers, and our significant over-index in British apple sales is testament to our ongoing commitment,” said Richard Bourns, chief commercial officer at Lidl GB. “We look forward to building on this positive development, as we roll out new varieties to ensure we’re stocking quality British apples throughout the year, whilst continuing to deliver market leading value for our customers.”
Several supermarkets also over-indexed for British apples, selling more than expected given their grocery market share.
Aldi sold 21% of all British apples compared to its grocery market share of 10%, Lidl sold 14.6% of all British apples compared to a market share of 8.1%, and Sainsbury’s sold 17.4% with a 15.3% share.
Asda, Morrisons, Co-op and Iceland all fell short of meeting the same percentage of apples sold as their market share.
“This year’s crop is looking good, and we’re hopeful that all UK supermarkets will work even harder this year to promote British apples and pears to their shoppers,” said Capper. “Buying British over imported fruit saves on food miles, and we know consumers want British if at all possible.”
Earlier this year, Aldi unveiled a £750m supply deal with AC Goatham & Son. The 20-year deal will see the introduction of the ‘Aldi Orchard’ – a 200-acre plot on New Green Farm in Gravesend, which will grow a mix of gala and braeburn apples for Aldi stores across the country.
No comments yet