It would be interesting to know how many Asian pears are consumed in the UK. The product had a fairly shaky start when it first arrived on the scene, mainly because there was some confusion on the part of consumers as to what it was.

But this now seems to be history, judging by the fact that the fruit, at one point sold as the Ya pear, is now a regular line for most multiples.

Sourcing has spread, with an export trade having been built up by about a dozen countries. In the main, the fruit seems to be round and either yellow or brown, which is why those at Morrisons caught my eye. The variety, called Fortune, is more elongated and a pale shade of green, with a degree of russetting that makes it look much more like some of the better-known European dessert varieties. Priced at £1.48 for a four-pack, they originate and are exported from China. This adds weight to the country’s presence in the top-fruit market, in which Fuji apples of various shades make their presence felt year round.

There is another change of shape with the arrival of baby fennel, which instead of the usual heart shape is far more streamlined and at this time of year is arriving at Waitrose from South Africa and is sold at £1.69 for 150g.

The actual variety is not identified, as is the case for most fruit and a high proportion of salads. For this reason, Tesco seems to have come up with an alternative in its lettuce offer, in which there is a frilly leafed pre-pack, which covers a multitude of possibilities. Originating from Spain, it is labelled as Crisp Continental and is currently on offer at a bargain basement price of 95p.

Beetroot, too, continues to spread its appeal, with marinated packs described in Marks & Spencer as Baby Rosebud, priced at £1.59 for 180g. The extra information is that it is steeped in orange blossom honey, and balsamic and red wine vinegar.

In the same store, there is a new twist on organics, aptly enough on loose cauliflower, which has been enjoying a burst of publicity to boost sales. Apparently, the variety is “hand-picked” and “grows slowly for a fuller flavour”.

Meanwhile, the fresh-cut section continues to amaze with more and more products, and additions to the various mixes appearing on the shelves.

M&S has come up with a new addition to the range, which on first sight is melon, strawberry and blueberry at £2.29 for 235g. But the added attraction is that it contains blueberry-flavoured jelly.

And finally, snack packs at filling stations are now a regular offer, although apples and oranges together are spotted less frequently. This has not deterred Spar, however, with 60-65mm French Royal Gala keeping company with 67-76mm Egyptian Baladi.