Key players in the top-fruit industry met at the House of Commons this week to celebrate the bicentenary of the Bramley apple and look at ways to increase consumption of the fruit.
Delegates met for an update on the £150,000 Bramley Campaign in the Palace of Westminster ahead of a promising season which, despite some issues caused by the intense heat last weekend, looks to be heading towards a bumper crop when it is harvested in the autumn.
Bramley Campaign chairman Adrian Barlow outlined the story of the Bramley apple, which originated in Southwell 200 years ago, and told attendees they needed to play to the Bramley’s strength as an apple high in moisture content, with a light texture and tangy taste, caused by its high Malic acid levels.
Some 29 per cent of UK Bramley production is fresh and 71 per cent goes to the processing industry, with home cooking, catering, foodservice, manufacturing, cider and juice the most popular uses of the fruit.
The campaign has reportedly impacted upon 272 million consumers since last September - the equivalent of £2.2m in coverage, according to Barlow.
“I think it is very difficult to bring to mind any product that is only produced and used within the UK and has been on such a great journey as Bramley. There are a lot of people living in the UK today whose parents were not born in the UK who may not know it comes from here and is so versatile,” said Barlow.
Richard Brewer, technical manager for top fruit at Richard Hochfeld, told FPJ: “It is important we have a strong summer. We have had good weather so far and are looking to kick off the new season in August and September.
“Bramleys make up 18 per cent of our apple business, 85 per cent of which goes to retailers, so I think this campaign is fantastic for both consumers and the trade. It is vital that consumers know what they can do with Bramley as it has so much potential and is incredibly versatile.”
Attendees enjoyed hot apple pie, cider and apple juice during the event.
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