A half hour TV programme on English apples last week set out the view that Golden Delicious could not be grown in the UK.

Historically, most media coverage on the crop at this time of year usually makes a sideswipe at Golden Delicious, probably based on deeply rooted misconceptions created in the 1970s when competition with French growers was at its peak.

Now, however, journalists will have to change their tune, as Marks & Spencer is selling the variety emblazoned with a Union Jack and grown by Robert Balicki, at £1.69 for four fruits or two packs for £3.

It even goes as far as to claim it has brought this fruit back into the fold, which probably harks back to the time when there were orchards in Hereford. Although if my memory serves me, it was mainly being sold in the wholesale markets by Louis Reece as Class II.

There are other lines that may be well known in their country of origin but are less so this side of the Channel. A case in point is persimmon, also called sharonfruit and kaki, which looks like tomatoes or even citrus on the shelves, often causing confusion. Spain, however, is doing sterling work with its Roja Brilliante variety by adding a recipe sticker to packs of three at Asda, priced at £1.

Getting customers to understand preparation is key to increased sales, which is one reason why the Potato Council is keen to establish improved cookery information on packs. Just how successful this will be remains to be seen at a time when more and more varieties are being stocked on an exclusive basis. One of the latest at The Co-operative is Suffolk-grown Baby Rose in its Limited Edition range, at £1.50 for 750g.

At Asda, pesticide residue-free brand Good Natured has taken another step forward with an attractive green kraft pack of Estima at £1.57 for 2kg under a sub-brand called Splendid Spuds.

Of course, points of difference come in many forms and while the shelves are bulging with different-sized carrots, both trimmed and bunched, Tesco has added the round Parisienne style to its Just Discovered range at £1 for 300g.

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