UK | A quiet revolution is brewing in the realm of easy-peeler citrus fruit, promising the UK its finest quality varieties yet. British shoppers will soon savour the latest offerings in Mandarin hybrids – Meiravit, Havva, Orit, and Sigal – exclusively available at Tesco.
These innovative mandarin hybrids, cultivated through a collaboration between Tesco and its primary citrus supplier, AMT Fresh, boast superior taste, vibrant colour, delightful aroma, reduced pips, resistance to early season greening, and extended shelf life, thus curbing wastage.
The journey towards these exceptional hybrids began with a shift in consumer preferences – while the European market favoured seeded mandarins, UK consumers preferred seedless satsumas. As satsuma production declined in favour of mandarins, Tesco embarked on a breeding program to develop a seedless alternative tailored to British tastes.
James Cackett, Tesco Citrus Fruit Technical Manager, stated that this breeding program was a testament to its commitment to delivering top-notch produce to customers.
"The mandarin hybrids are a culmination of years of dedicated efforts in partnership with our suppliers and growers to meet the evolving demands of the UK market," said Cackett.
The popularity of these hybrids is soaring, with Tesco witnessing a doubling in sales from 2017 to last year. Bennie Smidt, Head of Agronomy at AMT Fresh, shared about the hybrid programme's intricacies, emphasising the painstaking process of cross-breeding and selecting the finest varieties to deliver an unparalleled fruit experience.
With each passing year, these mandarin hybrids are gaining traction among UK consumers, paving the way for a potential reduction in mandarin imports in the coming decade. As Tesco continues to lead the charge in revolutionising the citrus market, the future looks bright for British fruit enthusiasts.
