Australian stonefruit producers are looking for success in Marks & Spencer with their white flesh nectarines.
Wayne Prowse, export manager for Horticulture Australia, said the industry would be carrying out tasting sessions in a number of M&S stores in around a week’s time.
“We’re looking to give consumers a taste of Australian stonefruit in the winter. The fruit we’re bringing over is Sweet Pearl and that is a firmer variety than normal and very sweet,” he said.
Horticulture Australia is spending around £15,000 on the promotion and Prowse said the emphasis for the fruit is on high quality. “We want the consumer to have a good eating experience.”
He said the industry expected to air-freight around a thousand tonnes to the UK this season with fruit going to both M&S and Waitrose.
Fruit quality was good, following an excellent growing season in northern Victoria. “We’re seeing some of the best sizes and best quality we’ve seen for a number of years. We’ve had a number of tough seasons, with droughts and hails affecting the fruit, but this year has been excellent.”
