December has only just arrived, but there are already signs that the multiples have Christmas very much in mind, probably as an adjunct to the bargain prices that are being trumpeted across the land.

Following my last stroll down the aisles, I noted that Sainsbury’s had discovered the Baltic as a source of cranberries - Latvia to be precise - and in the same store the net is being cast even wider now, with a pouch pack arrival from Belarus at £1.99 for 300g.

Things are also moving on the citrus front, with Tesco offering a Disney family pack of eight fruits for £2.50. The box has puzzles printed on it and inside is a DVD with two episodes from Disney Playhouse.

Not to be outdone, Sainsbury’s is offering a more quietly branded pack of Spanish Clemenules, complete with leaves, in a clear plastic 700g punnet for £2.49.

While examining the easy-peeler sector - a description which is well understood by consumers - at the other end of the price scale, Asda is selling Mioro Class II fruit in nets at 50p for 500g. While obviously a bargain, I was struck by the “soft citrus” label - terminology that is far less well known.

Supplying limes has usually been the prerogative of the Caribbean and South America, but production areas are getting closer due to ongoing discussions on the ultimate effect of food miles and carbon footprints. For 99p, Asda has come up with a pack of the fruit from Egypt, a country which is normally more associated with oranges, although years ago I reported on its exports of grapefruit.

And with the winter apple season now well underway, on offer is a new twist on French Golden Delicious, with which the public still seem to have a love-hate relationship dating back to traditional Anglo-French rivalries. Packs of 70-75mm fruit, which have a blushed skin, are being offered at Marks & Spencer as a new, sweeter selection for £1.79.

Meanwhile, the famous pink brand is still coming forward - even at this late stage - from South Africa to compete with European supply, especially some large fruit from Italy. Asda, which sells Cripps Pink rather than Pink Lady, has a polybag with nine fruits for £1.97.

Exclusivity continues to rule the roost wherever possible at M&S, where a speciality Brazilian black grape called Kiohi has made an appearance. Described as a new variety specifically selected for its flavour but with a limited season, customers are still having to pay for the privilege, at a hefty £3.49 for 500g.

Turning to the vegetable sector, I have always been amazed at the range of green beans available. Tesco has traditional runners sourced from Kenya at £1.29 for 265g, or two for £2. But right next to them is a similar 290g product described as “stringless” from Morocco, at the same price.

Presenting fruit like confectionery is an attractive idea, although it must add to the cost. Having seen button mushrooms arranged with millimetric exactitude, the idea has spread to tomatoes. Under its Extra Special label, Asda has a pack of 10 sweet plum (Flavorino) fruits for £1.28, which certainly stands out in a crowd.

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