The Co-op has launched a range of measures to help apple farmers who are facing crop growth challenges due to hot weather and lack of rain over the summer months.
The supermarket’s support sees the Co-op increase the sale of mini apples to being available in nearly 1,300 of its stores, a move which will reportedly increase its selling potential by 120%.
Co-op has also extended its use of British apples, working with growers to switch between varieties to extend the season and sell apples in all 52 weeks of the year.
The nationwide retailer is supporting the National Farmer’s Union’s (NFU) Fruit and Vegetable pledge, and is committed to close working relationships with British farming and the fresh produce sector to support throughout the seasons.
This includes harvesting crops earlier, or later, than intended, and accommodating different size variations while also reducing waste.
“Co-op continually works closely with its farmers and growers to ensure that great tasting fresh produce does not go to waste – supporting our suppliers throughout the seasons is what we do,” Co-op director of trade for fresh, chilled and bakery, Sinead Bell said.
“Unfortunately, shoppers can all too often be put off by fresh produce that is a different size, colour or shape than they are used to, but our farmers are facing challenges, and we all must work together to ensure that delicious great tasting seasonal fresh produce ends up on our tables where it belongs.”
