A new ‘superfruit’ grape that has been 10 years in the making has made its UK debut.
Available for a limited time through Marks & Spencer and Ocado (rsp: £3), Boombites Red Berry Grapes are said to contain elevated levels of anthocyanins – the compound that gives blueberries, cranberries and goji berries their ‘superfood’ status.
The new variety, which has a vibrant red pulp on the inside and an outer black skin, is aimed at attracting non-grape buyers and re-engaging lapsed shoppers through its health credentials.
The grape reportedly has antioxidant levels on a par with blueberries, and three times more resveratrol – a natural polyphenol known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, according to independent tests by researchers at the Spanish University of Murcia.
The health-driven innovation was the result of more than a decade of work by Bloom Fresh, the varietal innovation leader within the Amfresh Group, which is behind Cotton Candy grapes, explained Josep Estiarte, CEO of Bloom Fresh.
“We believe that the fresh produce industry needs to adapt to changing consumer needs and the trend towards healthier choices is at the top of that list,” said Estiarte. “So, for over 10 years, that has been a key focus of our innovation team in Murcia, Spain.”
He added that the creation had been made possible by crossing table grapes with old grapes, those typically used for wine production.
Research from Ainia Technology Centre in Valencia has also suggested that the Red Berry Grapes may support better blood sugar control, with early findings indicating significantly lower glucose uptake compared to standard grape varieties.
Dr Nisa Aslam, a GP and member of the Red Berry Grape Advisory Board, said the combination of phenols they contain helps to alter the way sugars are transported and absorbed in the gut.
“This potentially has major implications for weight control, insulin response and dietary advice around fruit consumption, because we know many consumers restrict intakes of these antioxidant foods because of concerns about the amount of sugar in fruit,” she said.
Consumer research commissioned by the Red Berry Grape Advisory Board found 60% of UK adults have already tried to reduce sugar in their diets, and a further 10% acknowledge they should.
“With 5.8 million people in the UK living with diabetes and 64% of adults estimated to be overweight or obese, blood sugar control is not only a hot topic, it’s also a personal and public health priority,” said Dr Emma Derbyshire, public health nutritionist and member of the advisory board.
“Increasing consumption of foods which help regulate blood sugars and maintain a healthy weight can help to reduce these risks.”
In July, The Co-op announced the launch of mojito cocktail-flavoured grapes.
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