While Cox remains king in the UK, the changing shape of the English apple industry continues apace. In a relatively short period Gala has become the second most significant variety.

Meanwhile, deep in the heart of Kent on two geographically different, secret sites a range of bicoloured varieties drawn from the four corners of the globe could fashion the next generation of fruit.

Several are looking particularly promising, according to Dr Drew Reynolds, technical director of Worldwide Fruit. As the second year crop is being harvested his colleague, trials co-ordinator Andy Russell, has been constantly checking size, colour, skin finish, sugar/starch levels and pressure readings on no less than 15 virtually unknown varieties.

Reynolds believes that growers' future profitability lies, at least in part, with niche apples and pears, and equally important minimising the time taken to introduce those with a potential to supermarket buyers.

“We are prepared to make the investment and take the risk in the initial stages in association with our retail customers. So our growers will in effect ultimately be planting fruit for an assured market,” he says.

Worldwide Fruit and its growers in return would receive a measure of protection through an exclusivity agreement linked to trade marks.

Reynolds is particularly enthusiastic about the New Zealand variety, Jazz, which has already made its appearance on the retail shelves of Marks & Spencer, Sainsbury's and Waitrose this summer.

“We expect the English grown counterpart to similarly remain crisp and fresh over a long period, with good storage potential and excellent shelf-life,” he says. “Fruit size is better than expected and the harvest date looks as if it falls nicely for UK growers in early October.” This Gala/Braeburn cross epitomises the WWF strategy to provide year round availability. Reynolds is so convinced over Jazz that French nurseryman Davodeau Ligonniere is already budding trees to meet potential demand.

It is a similar story with Taylor Gold pears, also from New Zealand, which has been a commercial success in the summer months for several years and is now being grown throughout the southern hemisphere.

Related to the Comice, but a rich solid russet golden, Reynolds believes this too can also make the climatic transfer.

Other apples, many of which are only identified by codes, include a selection of bicolour and red Braeburn clones and scab resistant hybrids. Several come from France, Belgium and Italy discovered in their own national breeding programmes which may also prove to be suitable. In some cases these have already been part of a joint WWF/supermarket evaluation programme.

“We are getting some very positive responses right through to the consumer,” reveals Reynolds. “More retailers are showing an interest and some are even earmarking varieties, even though their development is still in the early trial stage.”