The Cameo apple is consolidating its presence in UK retail with five UK supermarkets now stocking it - Tesco, Budgens, the Co-op, Booths and Somerfield.
Cameo is grown in Europe by members of the European Cameo Club, which controls all aspects of supply from planting to marketing. The UK is the second largest member after France in terms of surface area.
Fiona Davidson, European project manager, said 4,550 tonnes would be available this year with a target of 12,000
tonnes by 2008 as orchards matured. Further planting is planned in Europe and similar headway is being made in the southern hemisphere.
Cameo is not considered a particularly good looking fruit but has a taste that appeals to consumers. The apple is being promoted under the slogan: ‘The secret’s inside ...Taste it.’