Retailer, Morrisons is facing criticism after it was discovered that it is offering apples imported from China in a outlet which is situated under a mile from the lush Kent orchards that produces English varieties of Apples.

The company's Herne Bay store is selling Fuji apples from China, instead of those from local apple suppliers in the area, commonly referred to as the garden of England. The retailer's decision to stock Chinese grown apples in apple season in Britain angered local buyers as well as apple growers.

Morrisons has defended its actions by saying that, "We know being able to buy British is important to our customers. However, some apples not grown in the UK are popular with shoppers and we respond by stocking them too."

UK stores usually import apples from Australia and New Zealand and China, but mostly in the summer season when local varieties of apples are not available.

Adrian Barlow, chief executive of English Apples and Pears described the decision by Morrisons as disappointing as it had earlier made efforts to promote local apples.