Supermarkets are stocking an increasing range of bizarre exotic fruits and vegetables in an effort to fuel the consumer desire for novelty produce.
Asda has recently begun stocking the Pluot: an apricot and plum hybrid that is being marketed as a less hairy, less messy compromise between the two fruits.
Marks & Spencer is also jumping on the novelty bandwagon. It now sells flat-bottomed peaches, which do not roll; yellow-fleshed watermelons from Spain; and red bananas, introduced earlier this month. Its latest fruit fad is a new type of kiwi fruit with a blood-red centre.
Other products making an appearance in the UK market include black ‘midnight’ apricots; purple carrots with high levels of beta-carotene; micro melons; blue potatoes; and the gratsuma: a cross between a Satsuma and grapefruit.
It is thought that the new produce, which can command a hefty premium, spells more bad news for independent grocers who may have trouble competing on the range and price offered by major multiples.
