Sales of hot canned meats grew 12% in the last two years, as the Delia effect worked its magic, according to new research by Mintel. 

Hot canned meats have taken market share from cold canned meats, and now account for 56% of the canned meat market. 

Canned pies have been the “star performer”, said Mintel, benefiting from demand for value for money food. 

“In 2008 when Delia Smith launched her book 'How to Cheat at Cooking', some consumers were enraged at the suggestion that tinned mince could be substituted for fresh mince in the recipes,” said senior FMCG analyst Vivianne Ihekweazu. “However, it showed consumers the versatility of canned meats and the fact that it could serve as a substitute for fresh meat in recipes -something which appears to have resonated." 

Baked beans sales rose 45% over five years, with sales last year of £365m. 

Mintel said the introduction of healthier varieties including low in sugar and salt and the development of the Snap Pot format helped maintain interest in the category. Canned pasta fared worse with sales falling 9% in five years from £115m in 2004 to £105m.

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