A natural supplements company has increased the distribution of South America’s favourite ice cream flavouring by securing a listing with Holland & Barrett.

Lacuma powder - the dried and ground pulp of a Peruvian fruit - is currently available as a health supplement in UK independents but Devon-based importer Naturya said its sweet taste and versatility gave it broader potential appeal.

“It has a butterscotch-like taste and is a really interesting alternative to sugar because it only contains 17% simple sugars and can easily be used in cooking and baking,” a spokesman said. The ground fruit (rsp: £11.99/300g) was also rich in vitamins, minerals and fibre, he added.