Adrian Scripps Ltd has confirmed that it will be leaving OrchardWorld to supply Tesco exclusively through Richard Hochfeld. Wye Fruit is also leaving OrchardWorld and Worldwide Fruit is losing Alan Firmin Ltd.

OrchardWorld's Laurence Olins said: 'We have new suppliers coming on board and more production across the board. Following a difficult season for all English growers especially on Cox, which was not mirrored by the supermarkets, which had an extremely good offer and increased their market share, we are witnessing the inevitable fallout of disappointed growers and happy customers.

'The result for OrchardWorld is that we have lost some growers and gained others. Our business is still fully focused and committed to English growers and supplying their fruit to the supermarkets as part of our total offer.' The 2001 UK apple season started with plenty of promise as growers announced a large crop of excellent quality Cox. However, in general, fruit was not marketed swiftly enough putting downward pressure on prices. This was further compounded by disappointing storage quality. Grower returns have therefore suffered.

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