Record UK sales of California Bing Cherries are being predicted for this season.

Growers in California anticipate the record 1,556 tonnes of Bing cherries exported to the UK last year will be surpassed this year. Bings represent more than 70% of the state's cherry production, with the variety grown on about 26,000 acres.

Bing cherries, which will be on shelf from May to July, were popular among British consumers because of their luscious red appearance, good taste and the fact they heralded the start of the main stone fruit season in UK supermarkets, said Neil Gordon, chief executive of UK Bing marketers NMG Consulting. They were also versatile, low in calories and full of vitamin C and antioxidants, he added.

"We have a portfolio of ideas designed to sell more cherries, including in-store posters, nutritional and recipe leaflets, and a long history of participating in highly successful in-store promotions and tastings," said Gordon.

Winter conditions produced a good number of chill hours, while growers had pruned plants to produce better fruit size this year, reported the California Cherry Advisory Board.