Genuine Coconut FLIA 2016 nominee

Genuine Coconut has been nominated for FLIA 2016

Marks & Spencer has this week launched one of the nominees for the Fruit Logistica Innovation Award (FLIA) into stores across the country.

Retailing at £3, Thailand-grown Genuine Coconut features an exclusive easy open ring pull system, and comes with a straw for easy drinking.

M&S has said it is the first drinking coconut available on the high street. Once water has been consumed the coconut can be broken open and flesh eaten as a snack, or used for cooking.The coconuts are not treated in any way or pasteurised, M&S said.

Buyer Shazad Rehman said: ““For those people that love coconut water this is the ultimate drink. Not only are they truly thirst quenching but they are fat free, low in sugars and can help to rehydrate the body.

“We’re always on the lookout for new and innovative produce and this one hits the mark of being a bit of a talking point as well as totally delicious.”

The launch comes following the ongoing trend for coconut water, which is popular with celebrities including Rihanna, Alexa Chung, Miranda Kerr and Gwyneth Paltrow.

Fruit Logistica takes place next week, 3-5 February, where the nominees for FLIA will be judged by a public vote.