Advanced technology continues to make its mark at retail level. Marks & Spencer has come up with an idea that opens up a whole new dimension to attract would-be purchasers, with a new form of display shelf barker. While the recent weather may not have been conducive to good conditions for watercress growers, the crop is one of two featured in 50 branches, with plans already in hand to install a further 25 similar shelf barkers.

The moving display bears alternating shots of the crop growing and being harvested, recipes and information on nutritional value. It has also been used to promote pea shoots, with the latest news from the M&S press office that fruit is also due to be on the menu.

Another new trend may be on its way, with the concept of providing a shelf reminder stating that wine is an adjunct to enjoyment. The stage was set some time with Valentine’s Day, with champagne being linked to strawberries. The newcomer this time is Sainsbury’s pomegranates, priced at £1.49 each, which are getting a boost with the suggestion that they go down well with a glass of Cava. In this case, however, the fruit does not come from Spain, the home of Cava, but rather the US. Appropriately, the variety concerned is called Wonderful.

India has also become a source of this fruit, adding to its export reputation for grapes and Alphonso mangoes - the latter being regarded by connoisseurs as among the best mangoes in the world. At one point, when there was an international shortage of apples, India even started supplying this fruit.

Now, doubtless fuelled by the average British consumer’s love of curry, it is not surprising that chillies also form part of the range supplied from India, with Tesco stocking a very hot, unnamed green variety at 70p for 80g.

And the point can be driven home even further that there are still plenty of options left when it comes to wild mushrooms, although they may remain a niche market. Portugal is now a supplier to the attractively packaged Found! range, which seems to be increasing in popularity, at £1.99 for 100g.

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