M&S Launches Smallest Ever Tangerines

21/12/06 The smallest ever tangerines are going on sale exclusively at Marks & Spencer for the first time. Tiny Tangerines measure just 40 to 45 millimetres in diameter and are the size of a cherry tomato.

The distinctive-looking tangerines have a very sweet flavour and are very easy to peel. Easy peel citrus fruit is surging in popularity as more of us want to eat healthily but want food which is easy and convenient to eat. Sales of easy peel fruit have gone up by 10% in the last year, according to TNS.

This ancient variety has been grown in China for 1,300 years but this is the first time they have been exported outside South East Asia. The Tiny Tangerines was so popular among the upper classes in China most of the production was said to have been reserved for the Chinese royal family and the fruit was called "The Emperor's Delicacy."

Marks & Spencer Fruit Specialist Richard Brown said: "These Tiny Tangerines have a delicious sweet taste, are easy to peel and their size makes them really stand out. Children love mini versions of fruit so the Tiny Tangerine will be the perfect stocking filler, as well as being a charming addition to the Christmas cheeseboard. More people are looking for something different to buy and novelty fruit is more popular than ever so we expect Tiny Tangerines to have real Christmas a-peel!"

The mini fruit is ideal for children's lunchboxes and stockings as well as being an attractive novelty fruit to liven up the fruit bowl. Tangerines are always popular at Christmas time and Marks & Spencer's new Tiny Tangerines are adding new interest to the popular tradition of eating tangerines during the festive period. Tiny Tangerines are on sale priced at £2.49 for 300g.