Metis – back on shelf following successful UK launch

Following its successful launch into the UK market last year, leading fresh produce variety development companies Star Fruits, in France and Spain’s Rusticas Del Guadalquivir, are excited to announce the unique stone fruit brand Metis® will be back on shelf in the UK this summer, with a brand-new design.

Developed by the world-renowned Glen Bradford of BQ Genetics in California, Metis® has been brought to market thanks to a collaboration between brand owners Rusticas del Guadalquivir and Star Fruits, along with growers from Italy, Spain and France. Coregeo®, the fresh produce brand marketing specialists have worked closely with the brand owners to exclusively bring this fruit back to the UK market.

This unique plum-apricot-plum blend is the product of natural cross-pollination by bees, using selected apricot pollen and plum blooms in the first step, the resulting varieties are then expertly crossed with plum trees to produce Metis®. The fruit of these carefully-bred trees offers consumers a firmer, more flavoursome stone fruit that is just as juicy as a traditional plum but is easier to eat.

The Metis® stone fruit family is made up of four family members each with individual characteristics, which this year have new innovative designs and names, offering consumers even more choice:

OXY SOLAR – with a deep black skin and blood flesh, Oxy Solar is rich in antioxidants with a crunchy bite and a juicy taste

SUNSET SKY – sun-drenched summers give this late August-ripening plum its passionate firm red skin and yellow flesh offering a soft, juicy bite

SAFARI STAR – a firm unique speckled skin and crunchy bite develops to a deliciously sweet pinkish flesh, making it a hit with children and adults alike

DARK MOON – with a firm deep purple speckled skin and yellow flesh, Dark Moon offers a full flavour experience with a distinctive taste and a strong, delicious aroma

Lynn Shaw, Marketing Manager at Coregeo®, commented: “This mouth-watering fruit was a big hit last summer with UK consumers and we are excited to be bringing it back to shelf for a second year running. Not only does it offer a consistently great eating experience, but it’s easier to eat and a lot more durable than traditional plums, meaning it’s great for lunch boxes and on-the-go snacking. With four to choose from, there’s sure to be a Metis® everyone will love.

“Metis® is the product of extensive work by Glen Bradford and his son-in-law Jon Quisenberry, guided by the fact that consumers’ tastes are constantly evolving, especially in the fresh produce aisle. We know consumers are always on the lookout for exciting new fruit, and we’re confident Metis® will catch their eye and deliver on flavour to secure repeat purchase.”

Metis® Oxy Solar is available in selected Tesco stores nationwide now – RRP £2.50 for a 325g pack