The reality of a single selling desk for English apples and pears at a time when it has been claimed by several prominent growers that this is the only answer to maintaining premium prices in a shrinking industry, will again become a major discussion point next month. David Hughes, professor of marketing at Wye College, and Robert Balicki, chairman of Fruition and one of the chief exponents of a single desk, will hold an open debate at Fruit Focus, the industry showcase at East Malling on July 26. There will also be a presentation on the progress made by English organic growers with representation from M&S, which reinstated its range due to public demand. {{FRESH PRODUCE }}

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