Cherries will be the next fruit to be developed so that individual supermarkets can be offered exclusive varieties, according to consultant Tony Webster.

The practice has already been adopted at Summerland, British Colombia, which is recognised as one of the main springs for research and is making a new range available.

Webster, formerly from HRI East Malling, has tipped Staccato, a late black cherry for English growers which are expanding their crops. He wants the industry to develop its own variety trials and test other fruit which might be suitable, like Chelan, Santina, and Skeena.

The UK crop accounts for 1,400 tonnes, worth nearly £3m.