Definitions at retail level have always been somewhat vague when it comes to describing produce. Sometimes naturally small items are described as large, but in other cases the scale has been elevated to being styled as “giant”.

Nets of oranges at Tesco are a current case in point, and also raise the topical question posed by the national media over what can be considered as best value.

Giant Lane Lates from Spain, quantified as being 87-92mm, are £2 for four. At the same time “large” from the same country is the term for 77-82mm at £2 for five. There are also Fairtrade Egyptian Navels (75-80 mm) at £1.40 for four or two for £2.50

At the other end of the scale Marks & Spencer has Baby Easy Peelers – unusually from Portugal – at £2.50 for 450g, and the store is also using a term not often seen in relation to its Spanish Sweet King strawberries at £6.99 for 600g. These very substantial berries are defined as “impressive”.

If consumers have not recognised by now that Fuji apples, among other sources, are imported from China, Morrisons has adapted its packaging to make the point. A tray of three, priced at £1, are now referred to as Oriental. It also carries the concept across to loose fruit at £3.49/kg, where they carry the name on a black sticker embellished with a red dragon.

The burst of recent warmer weather – this week notwithstanding – could have been expected to give salads a boost, and within the range of growing leaves Asda has purple radish shoots under the British grown Sow On brand at 50p.

For something more substantial M&S has an example of adding value. In its new Forager’s Choice range, it has introduced a lemon and fennel shoot salad with a sachet of dressing for £2 for 95g. —