Took time to think about this irritation. IME it's only a problem with fruit that was not grown in these islands. The UK plums (a super harvest) & cherries (not as good a crop as last year, but that's how farming is) have been ready to eat, or ripe within a day or two. I haven't seen many UK apricots this year. The strawberry, raspberry & blackberry crops have been good; some of the supermarket produce has been nearly as good as the friut I've bought from the local markets.
By way of contrast, the supermarkets have messed up a promising crop of English apples. Beauty of Bath should have been available early in August. Worcester Pearmain should be an early variety (by the end of October they usually become indistinguishable from cotton-wool), but have only just appeared (Waitrose). The supermarket shelves have been full of apples from the southern hemisphere at precisely the time when UK fruit are at their best
. Meanwhile, the local market has provided a choice of Lord Lambourne, Laxton's Fortune & Newton Wonder - Fresh, crisp & ripe. I hope to replenish on Friday
.