GARETH GATES CUPPANUT

Coconuts might have thought they'd reached the peak of popularity when they won the 2016 Fruit Logistica Innovation Award, but it seems that was just the precursor for greater things - a new coconut tea brand has now been launched by pop star Gareth Gates.

Gates, who was runner-up behind Will Young in the first series of ITV's Pop Idol and scored a number of chart hits, has launched Cuppanut, biodegradable tea bags filled with real coconut.

Cuppanut is launching at the Food & Drink Expo in Birmingham next month, and comes in three variants - coconut; coconut and cranberry; and coconut ginger and turmeric. Unusually, the 'teas' do not actually contain tea, and are being billed as a healthy, caffeine-free alternative to the traditional cuppa.

The teas will be selling for £4.20 per box of 15 bags, and Cuppanut hopes to secure its first retail listing shortly.

Gates said: 'I am thrilled to announce the launch of a range of teas filled with health-bursting properties with real coconut as its main ingredient. Spurred on by my love of coconut and my continuing desire for a healthy lifestyle I often experimented in my kitchen for fun, never thinking that one day my teas could become a reality.'

Coconut is a celebrity favourite at the moment, and has received good press thanks to coverage referencing its rehydration properties, as well its ability to combat various medical conditions.