Merchant Gourmet has entered the baked beans category.
Gourmet, Barbecue and Masala are packaged in microwaveable pouches (rsp: £2/200g).
They offered an “elevated flavour experience, strong nutritional credentials” and “a clear trade-up opportunity within baked beans”, said Merchant Gourmet.
The range was designed to encourage shoppers to see baked beans as a potential component to a broader range of meal occasions, it added.
Gourmet and Masala are in Asda, while all three variants are in wholesale via CLF and CN.
“Baked beans are a true staple for many households, but shopper demands are evolving and the category must adapt to meet those demands,” said Merchant Gourmet MD Richard Peake.
“We saw an opportunity to bring something into the category that offers gourmet flavour, delivers on health, and is still affordable and accessible,” Peake added.
Merchant Gourmet has also expanded its Ingredients Beans range with Giant Butter Beans (rsp: £2.25/220g). They are cooked in extra virgin olive oil with a pinch of sea salt and will hit Ocado in mid-March.
Rival pulses brand Bold Bean Co unveiled its own range of “gourmet” baked beans in September 2024.
The range comprises Classic, Rich Tomato and Smoky Chilli (rsp: £3.50/325g), all made with Mediterranean tomatoes and cannellini beans, and packaged in glass jars.
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