The forecast European crop of Cameo for 2004-05 is 4,550 tonnes and this tonnage is expected to increase to 12,000t by 2008.

This season is the fourth year Cameo is being marketed in the UK, said European Cameo manager, Fiona Davidson, pictured.

The UK and France are the largest markets in Europe, for the fruit from 190 growers (30 in the UK) and eight marketers.

Grower Nigel Bardsley has been growing the variety for five years on four hectares and said yield in the fourth and fifth years is 20-30t/ha of good quality apples, and next year he anticipates yields to increase to 40t/ha. "The harvesting window has come forward to the end of September and first week of October which is better for English conditions," said Bardsley. "This is a niche variety returning good prices, £250 net per bin – it beats Cox," he said.

Marketer Norman Collet has exclusivity on Cameo and md Andy Sadler said all 350t picked last season were sold between January 1 and mid February. He said: "This is not a commodity apple and it is important we get the technologists from the supermarkets on board – so far Tesco, Booths, Somerfield, Budgens and the Co-op have been involved."

Sadler added that similar volumes will be marketed post-Christmas this year to avoid congestion, and fill a gap when there is a shortage of good dessert fruit. "We want to develop it as a strong brand, available all-year round. We need to get the retailers on board and command the shelf-space."

Sun 31 Oct 04

 Norman Collett Ltd - English Apple and Pear Marketing