Sparkling results for Morrisons last week, with further good news that it is going to increase its fresh produce offer by some 30 per cent. There are already indications that in its 12 new concept stores the range of exotics is on the increase.

One example is the speciality mushrooms now arriving from lesser-known sources, albeit at a price far beyond those for flats, cups and buttons. These include the giant meaty King oysters from Korea at £1.70 for 100g and equally little-known Spanish Pied de Mouton at £3 for the same weight.

Another arrival may even start a demand for green tomatoes, which are commonplace in the United States. Spain is the source for loose Delizia, a small cherry type at £2.99/kg.

Meanwhile, on the home front even carrot snack packs have had a facelift. British-grown prepared Chantenay at £1 consist of four separate snack packs of 60g each.

It is a fair bet that outside the trade not many customers have the slightest idea about Fruit Logistica, but sweet seedless Angello peppers, which have been on M&S shelves for some time in its Exclusive range, are now carrying a sticker proclaiming them to be a winner in the show’s innovation category.

Ready to Eat and Ripen at Home are now well-established phrases in the retail armoury, and have mainly been applied to bananas. But Tesco has taken the concept further with its dual pack of South African Green Williams at £1.97 for four. Apart from the obvious colour difference, the less mature pears carry a “Keep Me” sticker to avoid confusion.

Sainsbury’s obviously feels there is an expanding market for chillies. Most retail packs are on the small side compared with the green 250g presentations of the Rocket variety at £1.49. -

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