This year’s harvest of the Sunburst apple from Scion Fruit is now complete with no major issues reported by the growers. Sunburst is a cross between Gala, Falstaff and the purple-fleshed Pink Pearl and is now in its fourth year since planting.
“Everything has been picked and graded,” said Martin O’Sullivan director at Scion Fruit. “Tesco have included the Sunburst in the ‘Best of British’ range and around 80 high-end restaurants have taken the apples too.”
This year 60 tonnes of Sunburst was harvested, next year will be the first big volumes with between 300-350 tonnes expected. Martin said that there has been interest from all the major retailers as well as from Middle Eastern buyers.
The were no issues reported from the growers, there were additional costs due to the COVID pandemic, but this is across the board in fresh produce with all packsheds having to implement social distancing and erect screens etc.
Demand for apples in general increased during the first lockdown, and as a second lockdown looms in England, Martin said they are monitoring the situation daily.
For more information:
Martin O' Sullivan
Richard Hochfeld Ltd
Tel: +44 (0)1732 885566
[email protected]
