Israeli growers are leaving mangoes on the tree longer so they can be offered to UK supermarkets as tree ripened. Fruit will incur extra expense as it will have to be airfreighted said summer fruit sales manager Yaron Yarchie. The UK is programmed to take around 700 tonnes, half the export crop. The season starts in August with Tommy Atkins followed by Kent and Keit. This month will also see the first-time arrival of an early plum called Vanya, an indication that Israel has been able to widen its marketing season. Historically stored plums have found a niche market between September and December. This year Red Rosa and Castlemain will be joined by new fresh late variety Autumn Red. {{M/E FRESH PRODUCE }}