Herbs, spices and seasonings are booming because of the huge interest in ethnic food. Own label supplier British Pepper & Spice (BPS) anticipates that the market, currently worth £77m, will reach £83m by 2003 ­ an 18.5% growth. Seasonings are the driving force, growing the sector over 4% to £19m this year. Cajun and Thai are the star performers while Mexican is the up and coming seasoning to watch. Marketing and sales director Ian Kelland says: "More than nine million Britons regularly cook curries at home, experimenting with herbs and spices to pep up jar and powdered sauces and to boost ready meals." BPS recommends re-siting seasonings among meal solutions to capitalise on this growth. Other ingredients, such as coconut milk are seeing a similar upsurge. Bart Spices, which recently launched five coconut milk products, says the range is now one of its best sellers. It anticipates coconut milk being a very significant category within a couple of years because it features in so many cuisines. {{FOCUS SPECIALS }}