The inclusion of bulbs, bedding and DIY salad kits has been on the rise in stores. However, even allowing for forecourts and atriums, most multiples are somewhat cramped for space as the holiday approaches, so real Christmas trees are usually available only in the car park.

But this has not stopped Tesco expanding in store, with potted holly bushes on the edge of the produce section at £20 each.

Meanwhile, a subtle change that has been apparent in apple packaging – presenting fruit in an open, elongated overwrapped cardboard carton – has now taken off big time. Apart from enhancing appearance, it has provided a medium where information is more easily displayed.

Sainsbury’s is featuring a range of British-grown fruit with several messages alongside the news that there are 52 varieties available between September and April.

Apart from adding a Union Jack to the design to make the point, it lists many by name, which include lesser-known Kidd’s Orange, Norfolk Red, William Crump, Ashmead’s Kernel and Winter Gem, as well as newcomers such as Shogun Fuji. And 10p from each purchase goes back to the Woodland Trust.

Using the same presentation, Sainsbury’s has come up with a French-grown lesser-known variety called Pinkgold at £2 for four.

Colour consciousness is also playing more and more of a part with vegetables. Chard is increasingly available, with M&S providing a new presentation. Bunched British-grown red and gold varieties are in a Rainbow Pack at £1.29.

Morrisons has added French-sourced pink garlic to its range at 78p per bulb, while a new Tesco pack of speciality beans features yellow and green varieties from Egypt and Guatemala. —