Biona, the number one organic food supplier to leading UK retailers, is pleased to announce the launch of a new range of organic World Bean Meals, which include a trio of heat-and-eat jarred meals inspired by global flavours. Made with certified organic ingredients and crafted around hearty beans and chickpeas, the range spans Bean Chilli Mexican Style, Chickpea Coconut Curry Indian Style and Chickpea Tagine Moroccan Style, all with an RRP of £3.49. The launch comes as the ready-meal category continues to expand, with branded ready-meal value sales up +20.9% and unit sales up +10.4% (Kantar Worldpanel, 52 w/e 4 August 2024), driven by shoppers seeking premium and healthier options.
Each meal is naturally plant-based, high in fibre and a source of plant protein (up to 18g per jar), with no added sugar, preservatives or artificial additives. Consumers simply heat through for a fast, nourishing lunch or dinner that feels homemade and not ultra-processed. Tapping into the current demand for wholesome, flavour-packed ready meals, the glass jar format offers shoppers a premium, plastic-free option, while bold world-cuisine recipes cater to flexitarians, plant-curious consumers and busy families looking for quick, satisfying meat-free meals.
When it comes to cooking pre-prepared meals at home, health is becoming an increasingly important factor, due to the growing recognition that many ready meals are highly processed and not particularly healthy. In fact, 65% of consumers say they believe ultra-processed foods are unhealthy and likely to cause health issues. (EIT Food Consumer Observatory, 2024) This has led many consumers to look for ready meals which not only contain ingredients which are visibly healthier but also have cleaner labels with no UPF, and in some cases more functional benefits too, such as protein, fibre or gut health. Plant-based ready meals such as these will therefore continue to tick a lot of boxes for those consumers seeking something a bit healthier into their evening meal repertoire.
Carmen Ferguson, Brand Manager at Biona’s parent company Windmill Organics, comments; “We’re hugely excited to enter the ready meal category with this new range of World Bean Meals and believe it’s a great time to do so, as many consumers are now looking for healthier and non-processed quick-cook options which are also premium, adventurous and a bit different to the norm, so this new range should really hit the spot.”
Comments are closed.