MDC Foods has brought out a range of Rice Express bowl meals' under its Crop's brand. The microwaveable frozen range contains five varieties in 340g individual servings ready to eat in six minutes. They can also be cooked conventionally in an oven in around 30 minutes. The Luton-based outfit is manufacturing its latest offering at its new £5m factory in Belgium. Sweet & Sour Chicken, Chilli con Carne, Chicken Tikka Masala, Paella and Thai Prawn Curry are all low in fat and cholesterol and retail at £1.29. MDC is also claiming a difference over rival brands as it says the products come in the UK's first sleeved rice bowl with a flatter bottom edge so they can be merchandised upright. Managing director Mike Cullinane said: "Rice Express offers all the quality of chilled products with the convenience and pricing of frozen. The products are aimed at any retail outlet with freezer capacity, as well as at convenience catering operations such as convenience stores and forecourts." {{P&P }}