The grower-owned marketer is responsible for half the peppers grown in the Netherlands and reports that the UK capsicum sector grew by seven per cent in value and 12 per cent in volume in 2002.

Marketing director Margreet van Harn sees bigger opportunities in 2003. She said: 'Penetration in the UK is at 62 per cent and this offers retailers a great opportunity to encourage more consumers to buy peppers, as well as encouraging increased purchase by existing users.' The Greenery expects interest to grow in Ramiro sweet pointed peppers, Sweet Bite orange baby peppers and brown, lilac, purple and white bell peppers.

Fruit size and quality are ideal after good weather so far this season and an increase has already been registered in demand for larger red and yellow varieties.

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