Organics sales are still going through a tough time based on the Soil Association report published last week, although Tesco is pushing on to attract more customers with a three-for-any-two promotion across the range, as well as advertising it in the national press.

Very recently, as part of Climate Week, the retailer was even giving cooking advice on potatoes. Did you know that it is possible to reduce the crop’s carbon footprint by 80 per cent simply by boiling your spuds with the lid on the pot?

It was also interesting to see that the unofficial description for easy peelers - “soft citrus” - is now on Tesco’s packs of Argentinean Okitsu satsumas. They are priced at £1.25 for 600g for a fun pack designed to appeal to children.

It is linked to the magic of the Disney name, featuring Buzz Lightyear and Rex from Toy Story and a word puzzle all on the same label. What more could you ask for?

Trademarked Tenderstem broccoli must count as one of the biggest success stories in the history of brassicas, and further indications that it is now grown virtually worldwide was evident at The Co-operative, where its £1.70/200g packs are being sourced as far afield as Jordan.

One of the reasons for its popularity, of course, must be taste, although this is always difficult to define as palates differ. Nevertheless, Lidl is making the point with its peeled mini carrots in a microwaveable bag at 79p for 300g, grown by Watton Produce with the message that they are “specially grown for maximum taste”.

New terminology has arrived at Marks & Spencer in its prepared salad range in a sector where bags, boxes and in this case bowls are all part of the presentation.

The range is called “side salads” with French dressing, and includes one where Santini is part of the mix. This must be the first time that a specific variety has been identified at this level.

Apart from these (27 per cent), the pack for £1.99/195g includes iceberg lettuce, cucumber, radicchio, red and yellow peppers, red onions, baby spinach and wild rocket, although the quantities are unspecified.

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