Sainsbury's is expanding its Indian foods offer with dedicated areas in each store in an attempt to cash in on the increase in the number of people staying in to eat.

The retailer, which claims to be the UK’s number one retailer of Indian ready meals, will unveil its new Indian zones on Wednesday.

The zones will feature about 80 products, which Sainsbury's said would make it more convenient for shoppers to find everything they need for “the ultimate curry night”.

Citing in-house research showing shoppers wanted everything for a curry night in one place, the retailer also revealed it was launching its first Indian range under its Basics banner. The four-product range consists of two ready meals, samosas and naan breads priced from 45p.

Alongside the Indian zone, it is also launching a permanent curry meal deal where shoppers can buy any two curries and any two side dishes for £8.

The retailer said its research showed shoppers tended to be more inspired to make impulse purchases of products such as chapattis, pakora or dhal if they were positioned alongside ready meals.

The Indian zone will be a key feature of Sainsbury's main stores. It will take up to three bays and will feature special PoS to make it easier to find.