The multi-purpose role packaging plays is often forgotten. I once heard an expert give a definition which he said could be encapsulated in the succinct phrase “protect and enhance”, which reminded me of the various mottos seen on the side of highway patrol cars in the United States.

There are some good examples in the produce sections. With Valentine’s Day celebrated as FPJ went to press, Lidl, appropriately, has a heart-shaped punnet of Spanish strawberries at £1.59/340g. With convenience now a major factor, Asda is selling snack pots of Chilean cherries - Lapins and Kordia - at £1/100g.

In the same store a Fresh Thinking brand, further enhanced by a Love Salad description, is actually a beetroot and feta cheese cous cous salad with a maple and balsamic dressing at £2/255g.

Tesco has a bright eye-catching 500g pack at £1.99 to show off tamarinds from Thailand, imported by Wealmoor at £1.99. These do not appear too often and my suggestion is some preparation instructions might tempt new customers.

Courting the imagination is another aspect of selling, and while nothing could be more British than the selection of potato varieties now coming forward, Marks and Spencer has turned back the clock to remember the originators.

In its Limited Edition range it is offering Incas, named after the Peruvian people which had been growing the tuber for 7,000 years before it subsequently revolutionised our European eating habits. This variety, at £1.99/kg, comes from Suffolk and is called Mayan Twilight.

And finally Easter; although several weeks away, the holiday is already beng heralded in store. Yet another opportunity to ring the changes. -