Food manufacturers may increasingly turn to UK apples as an ingredient, as the cost of importing continues to climb, according to promotional firm English Apples and Pears.
Adrian Barlow, chief executive of the firm, estimated that imports from elsewhere in Europe would increase by about 15% next year due to currency rates and growing transport costs.
He estimated that UK varieties accounted for only 35% of apples supplied. "With the revival of the English apple industry, I think we could realistically see that market growing to around 55-60%. The change in exchange rates has made importing from Europe much less attractive - which gives UK-grown apples, such as Gala, a real opportunity."