One thing you notice as Christmas approaches is the increasing arrival of added-value produce on the shelves.

Tesco has unveiled a wide range of fresh prepared fruit salads and fruit fingers, priced between £1.50 for 150g and £2 for 300g, including variations on strawberries, grapes, blueberries, pineapples, mangoes, kiwis and passionfruit.

There is also a fruit platter at £3.50 and in its Finest range, berries with a tub of Rich Chocolate Dessert, brownie pieces and gold -dusted fudge on introductory offer at £3.49 for 260g, saving 50p.

It is also giving Spanish citrus a boost, displaying fruit in outers which are boldly printed in the red and yellow national colours with the message that customers should “celebrate” the occasion.

DIY guacamole – the spiced avocado dip which made Mexico famous – has come back in favour at Sainsbury’s, which several years ago linked the fruit with a packet of dry instant mix that eventually disappeared from the shelves. Now it is back with its own kit at £2.29 for 425g containing two avocados, a lime, two small red onions and a red chilli.

Some 12 years ago the English apple industry launched the Meridian at the National Fruit Show to herald the millennium.

While it has not disappeared from sight, appearances tend to be limited, reflecting its commercial success. However, Waitrose is providing extra-large fruit in a twin pack for £1 in its Limited Selection range. The store also has other lesser-known varieties available this week.

Due to advanced storage techniques, British onions are available year round, but there are still gaps in the market with Budgens providing netted white Italian bulbs at £1.29 for three under its Gourmet Culinair label. —