The UK’s #1 pulses & grains brand, Merchant Gourmet, is launching a new range of ready-to-eat, drain-free beans pouches, which will be available in Sainsbury’s, Waitrose & Ocado.
Merchant Gourmet’s new range comes as consumer demand for pulses & beans continues to rise. The prepared beans & peas category is worth nearly £1 billion in the UK with prepared beans in double-digit growth at +11%, and chickpeas growing by +23%. Merchant Gourmet is at the forefront of this movement, meeting demand with delicious new products.
Launching in mid-October, the new Merchant Gourmet Beans range features three pouches, ready to be eaten straight from the pack, or heated in the microwave for 90 seconds.
- Jumbo Chickpeas with Italian Extra Virgin Olive Oil – Bigger than your average chickpea, this jumbo variety has been specially selected for its rich, nutty taste and extra creamy texture. Perfectly cooked with a dash of Italian extra virgin olive oil and a pinch of sea salt.
- 5 Bean Medley with Italian Extra Virgin Olive Oil – Cooked Cannellini, Borlotti, Kidney, Black and Giant Butter Beans with a dash of Italian extra virgin olive oil and a sprinkle of sea salt to create a delicious combination of colour, flavour and texture.
- Smoky Black Turtle Beans with paprika, chilli & Italian Extra Virgin Olive Oil – Deep, earthy and slightly smoky, these Black Turtle Beans have been perfectly cooked with a dash of Italian extra virgin olive oil and lightly seasoned with smoked paprika, chilli and sea salt.
Richard Peake, MD at Merchant Gourmet, explains, “We’ve seen a convergence of three trends leading to an explosion of interest in the beans and pulses category: the movement towards plant-based, the continued education on the dangers of UPFs, and gut health becoming a real focus, with 9/10 not getting enough fibre.
So, consumers are hunting for minimally processed, high protein and fibre foods. And of course, we still want those foods to be easy and tasty. Beans are an incredible solution and need a little Merchant Gourmet magic to be incredibly tasty and versatile kitchen superstars.”
Michaela Neame, Head of Product at Merchant Gourmet says, “At Merchant Gourmet, we’ve listened carefully to demand for great taste and convenience; no more watery, bland beans.
Our latest range is made in Italy, enhanced with a few, simple ingredients to bring out the full flavour. Plus, they’re drain-free, faff-free, and free of any nasty chemicals.”
Merchant Gourmet Beans will be available from mid-October in Sainsbury’s and Ocado and from the 11th November in Waitrose RRP £2.50 / 240g.