Bambinella growing on UK supermarket shelves

They're crunchy, succulently sweet and so good the British want a bite too - the Maltese Bambinella pears are being sold at the Marks & Spencer chain in London and have been described as a huge success.

The small fruit is being exported on a trial basis by the Ta' Qali Producers Group, and three consignments have been sent this summer with another two on the way.

"This has been quite a breakthrough. We will be exporting five tons this year and the prospects are very good," Peter Axisa, speaking for the group, said.

He said contact with the company which supplies the major British retailer was initiated a few months ago and officials were sent to Malta to inspect the crop.

Very strict pesticide tests were carried out but this type of fruit requires very little. All the pesticides were approved, except for one which is used by very few farmers and has been discontinued.

"When the fruit started to ripen we sent them samples, they tested them and last month we sent the first export consignment. The fruit was very well received and the Daily Express even carried a small article. Other supermarkets have also shown interest," Mr Axisa said.