A newly developed pea shoot designed for the Arabian market has rapidly caught UK consumers’ eyes and scooped a leading innovation award.
The Golden Snow Pea Shoot, developed by leading UK producer of organic sprouted seeds, pulses and micro-green, Aconbury Sprouts, became the Fresh Ideas Award Winner 2009 at the International Food Exhbition.
The product has also reached the finals in the fresh produce category for the Heart of England Fine Food Diamond Awards scheduled for May.
Originally Aconbury developed the shoots in response to a request from the Arabian culinary market but they have rapidly caught on in the UK due to their crunchy, high-energy stem.
Jim Hardy, managing director at Aconbury, said: “Aconbury has a serious commitment to creating tomorrow’s products and responding quickly to customer’s requirements. The shoots have rapidly become a winner and I am delighted with the impact they have made.”
The Golden Snow shoots are being marketed as perfect for salads or a garnish for main meals.
Last year Aconbury expanded into its new production facility to increase production capacity and develop its product range, which includes Sango Radish, Alfalfa, Mung Bean amd many varieties of micro-greens.
Sue Roberts, sales and marketing manager for Aconbury, said: “It’s an exciting time for Aconbury altogether; our products have now become more mainstream than ever before.
“I can sense the change in focus by the British population - they are taking health very seriously, eating more healthily and there is a definite shift towards ‘buying British’. Our products not only taste good but they do you good.”
Aconbury’s range is stocked by Waitrose, Asda and health store Holland and Barrett, among others.