Mehadrin Tnuport Export (MTEX), Israel's major citrus exporting group, expects to ship at least 10 per cent more Suntina easy peelers to the UK, following the arrival of the first fruit with UK retailers.

UK managing director Dov Warmen said: 'It is good news for consumers because research has shown that demand is continuing to increase for this type of fruit. It not only looks very attractive with its bright reddish skin, but it is easily peeled and has a unique taste because of the high sugar to acid ratio.' The UK is the single largest and the most important market for the hybrid mandarin taking 40 per cent, or 250,000 cartons which all arrived palletised. The majority will be sold pre-packed, often carrying the Jaffa brand.

MTEX has been at the forefront of developing Suntina and the results so far this season look promising.

Warmen confirmed: 'We are very encouraged with the initial quality of the fruit, which is very juicy with a high sugar content.'

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