Tesco has been named the British Apple Supermarket of the Year 2024, by British Apple & Pears Limited (BAPL), the grower association. Over the year, the supermarket sold 26,705 tonnes of British apples, the equivalent of 192 million1 individual apples. That’s almost 22,000 apples per hour, or six every second.
The award recognises the top retailer of British-grown apples across the year (September 2023 – August 2024, inclusive). As the British public’s love for the fruit continues, Tesco shares some simple recipes and insight into the nation’s favourite varieties.
Ashwin Prasad, Tesco’s chief commercial officer, said: “From British orchards to our tables, our customers love delicious home-grown apples. We’re proud to work with British growers to provide the nation with more apples than any other supermarket. Whether it’s enjoying one as a simple healthy snack, as part of a packed lunch on the go, or making a classic crumble to enjoy with loved ones, apples have a special place in our hearts and in our kitchens.”
Tesco’s most popular apple varieties include the Gala and the Braeburn. This year the supermarket introduced the Family Bag (1.5kg apples) which included slightly larger apples to help British farmers utilise more of the crop, and for customers to enjoy a larger fruit, which are also great for using in the kitchen.
Ali Capper, executive chair of BAPL, said: “Congratulations to Tesco on this achievement, it’s great to see their support for British growers. This year’s crop is looking good and we’re hopeful that all UK supermarkets continue to work hard to promote British apples and pears to their shoppers.”
Tesco Apple Recipe Inspiration
Air-fryer apple crumble recipe
With a crisp golden topping and sweet fruity filling, this air-fryer apple crumble is the best way to warm up as we head towards winter. Made with just 5 ingredients, this comforting pudding is super easy to make.
Ingredients
- 900g peeled, cored and roughly chopped Bramley apples
- 4 tsp ground cinnamon
- 40g demerara sugar, plus an extra 2 tbsp for the apple filling
- 100g unsalted butter
- 200g plain flour
- single cream, to serve (optional)
Method
- Put 900g peeled, cored and roughly chopped Bramley apples in a 2ltr (20cm) firm-based cake tin (or line the air-fryer with foil and place the apples in a mixing bowl). Pour over 2 tbsp water, then sprinkle over 2 tsp ground cinnamon and 2 tbsp demerara sugar; toss well. Air-fry at 180°C for 10 mins. Stir well, then cook for a further 10 mins.
- Meanwhile, in a mixing bowl, rub 100g unsalted butter into 200g plain flour until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs. Stir in 2 tsp ground cinnamon and 40g demerara sugar. Tip the crumble onto the cooked apples and level, making sure it covers the apples. Air-fry for a further 10 mins until pale golden. Serve warm, with single cream, if you like.
Tip: Swap the butter with a dairy-free alternative and the flour with a gluten-free option, if you like.