Fruition, the largest top-fruit Producer Organisation, is to reveal the details of a massive £4 million planting programme at the National Fruit Show next week.
The programme, which is already underway, is intended to bring both new varieties to the market and expanding those which are already the most popular to replace others.
The planting programme which began in 2009-2010, will continue through this winter meaning that in three years over three quarters of a million new trees will have been added by Fruition's members.
The impact will increase Fruition's total volume from its current level of 50,000 tonnes by a further 15,000t.
Chairman Robert Hinge said: "It reflects that the industry is not just alive and well, but is taking very positive steps to safeguard its position on the market.
"Our members will be able to provide more Gala and Braeburn, and build on the demand for Jazz by planting a second significant volume of trees in 2010/11.
"We also are constantly trialling promising new apples, and this winter the first Envy, another Enza variety will be planted commercially in the UK following good feedback from our retail customers.
"We are still looking to improve our current offer on Cox which is the biggest selling homegrown dessert apple by replacing older Cox orchards with higher coloured clones.
"Modern production is all about producing high consistent yields of quality fruit which taste good, and can command premium prices. I am delighted that our members have the confidence to invest in such a significant programme over such a concentrated period."
Robert Balicki, chief executive of Worldwide Fruit which markets the fruit, said: “Just as significantly, fruit from the additional 375 hectares will reduce reliance on imports during the winter and spring months. The English climate has shown that we can grow these varieties to a quality that can match any alternative that comes from Europe.”
He added: "We are in the forefront of reshaping the UK industry which will allow us to compete more efficiently in the international market place.”
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