A new purple-stemmed variety of Tenderstem with a more mellow flavour is set to be launched by leading fresh produce brand marketer Coregeo.
Tenderstem Royale, which will be sold at selected M&S stores in 180g packs, combines the distinctive purple colour of purple sprouting broccoli with the tenderness and ease of cooking associated with classic Tenderstem.
Coregeo added that the new variety has a balanced, buttery flavour; requires no prep time; is high in vitamins; and creates no household waste since it doesn’t need to be trimmed before cooking.
Jo Oliver, vegetable buyer at Marks and Spencer, said: “We know customers are on the lookout for healthy options, especially in January, and the new Tenderstem Royale offers them an exciting new ingredient to experiment with.
“It’s great for adding to stir fries, steaming or cooked on a griddle pan and drizzled with oil. We’re delighted that M&S customers get to try it first.”
Tenderstem Royale is the latest creation of vegetable breeder Sakata Vegetables Europe, which was also responsible for developing the original Tenderstem variety that launched in the UK more than a decade ago.
Sakata UK’s managing director Stuart Cox said: “The popularity of Tenderstem continues to grow, with year-on-year volume sales up 17 per cent. Consumers love that there’s no prep time, zero waste and that it’s easy to cook.
“We’re delighted that M&S will be stocking Tenderstem Royale, with its mellow flavour profile, we’re confident this new variant will have a wide appeal– purple is the new green.”
Fresh produce supplier Flamingo Produce will grow the new variety for Tenderstem, having produced the original cultivar for the brand for more than 15 years.
Managing director Ian Michell said: “It’s always exciting to work on a brand-new launch. We are delighted to be able to work with Coregeo to bring Tenderstem Royale to market.”
