Troubled apple growers warn of sharp price rise

The Grocer reported that apples hit a low of 50p per kilo at major supermarket chains in November.

The price rose to 69p per kilo last month, and the magazine today reveals that growers expect that in the coming months the price will reach the 80p per kilo seen two years ago.

Dwindling supplies are to blame for price rises after some growers turned their back on the crop, reportedly because of the low profit margins.

Adrian Barlow, chief executive of English Apples & Pears, told the magazine: "Producers suffered very badly as a result of poor prices at the end of last season. It's important there is an improvement in growers' profits and I'm optimistic prices will go up."