Tesco claimed the first arrival of new-season 2007 English Cox when its Lunsford Park store, outside Maidstone, took delivery at midday on September 1.
The fruit was harvested and graded that morning only 10 miles away at Clockhouse Farm, aptly sited in the Kent village of Coxheath.
"It is one of the most popular apple varieties we sell," said store manager Derek Browgham. "It also reflects the importance that Tesco places on providing its customers with local produce."
In this area of West Kent, the early blossom period provided a long growing season, which has added to the flavour and size profile. Fruit has also coloured up well in the last few weeks, said grower Robert Pascall. "The result is that we have been confidently able to harvest the first fully mature apples a week earlier than last year, after ensuring that they meet the right levels of sugar/starch balance.”
"Initial results also promise well when they go into store giving our customers continuity of supply through until the spring."
Martin de la Fuente, Tesco's senior fruit buyer, added: "Tesco is once again championing the sales of English apples and pears with more Tesco stores than ever stocking English apples and pears.
"We've had a great start with our early varieties and will bring even more old and ancient varieties to our customers through the Heritage apple brand.
"Our growers have told us they are delighted with the support they have already seen from us. The season has now kicked off in earnest with traditional Cox, and we are confident that this year we will achieve our target of doubling our sales of English apples and pears."
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