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Papaya leads UK exotic fruit boom with 160% sales increase

Demand for exotic fruit in the UK is on the rise, with papaya emerging as the fastest-growing fruit. Over the past year, papaya sales have surged by nearly 160%, making it a popular choice not only as a standalone treat but also as an ingredient in healthy fish, chicken, and salad dishes. Other tropical fruits like kiwis, mangos, passion fruit, and persimmons are also driving strong demand in the UK.

Tropical fruit now represents the fastest-growing sector in the UK fruit market, with sales increasing by nearly 30%, bringing the market value to £460 million annually. In 2024, the fastest-growing tropical fruits include papaya, which saw an increase of almost 160%, followed by kiwis (up nearly 90%), mangos (up nearly 80%), passion fruit (up 50%), persimmons (up 45%), dates (up 35%), and coconuts (up 15%).

Maksim Ivanov, Tesco's exotic fruit expert, explained that fruits such as pineapples, coconuts, passion fruit, pomegranates, and nectarines were once considered exotic but have since become mainstream. Now, UK shoppers are seeking out more unusual varieties to excite their taste buds and impress friends at dinner parties. The increasing popularity of exotic fruits is also linked to the rise in travel to the Caribbean and Far Eastern countries like Thailand, where many people try these fruits and become interested in buying them once back home.

Papaya, in particular, offers significant health benefits as a rich source of Vitamin C, which helps protect cells from damage, supports collagen production, and strengthens the immune and nervous systems. It also counts toward the recommended 5-a-day intake of fruit and vegetables, contributing to a healthier diet.

The growing interest in exotic fruit is welcomed, especially given that most of the UK population still consumes less than the recommended five portions of fruit and vegetables daily. According to the UK National Diet and Nutrition Survey, only a third of adults and 12% of 11-18-year-olds meet the daily intake guideline.

For more information:
Tesco
Tel: +44 (0) 131 274 3630
Email: [email protected]
www.tescoplc.com

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