UK Launches Four New Climate-Resilient Apricot Varieties
Homegrown apricots developed to withstand extreme weather and frosty winters

Four new apricot varieties specifically bred for the UK’s unpredictable climate have been launched by fruit supplier Worldwide Fruit in partnership with breeding specialist Cot International.

The varieties — Rougeot, Delicot, Playacot, and Ladycot — mark a significant milestone in a 10-year development project aimed at enhancing resilience to extreme weather, including harsh frosts. These late-season, self-fertilising apricots are now available in UK retailers.

Since 2020, Worldwide Fruit has overseen the planting of over 5,000 apricot trees across the country. The Rougeot variety features a red skin, while Delicot boasts an orange hue. All four varieties are noted for their high sugar content and complex flavour profiles.

Hannah McIlfatrick, commercial director at Worldwide Fruit, expressed enthusiasm about the rollout:
“It’s a busy time of year for our growers, and we’re proud to see our first selection of apricots reach the market. These varieties offer a unique opportunity to disrupt the traditional supermarket offering with high-quality, British-grown fruit.”

She added that the company has invested further in late-season Cot International varieties this year, aiming to improve returns for UK growers:
“With apple and pear harvests approaching, we truly value the hard work and dedication our growers have shown in bringing this project to life.”

The introduction of these apricots supports a broader trend in British agriculture toward climate adaptation and localised fruit production, ensuring greater supply resilience in the face of changing environmental conditions.