Waitrose is to become the first supermarket to sell British-grown quinoa.
The retailer is planning to stock a range of prepared salads using quinoa from Bedfordshire.
Grown by The British Quinoa Company, the white variety of the popular seed marks a big step in the worldwide production of quinoa.
Traditionally produced in Peru and Bolivia, the recent sharp rise in demand for quinoa has instigated the development of production across Europe, to help stabilise a sustainable supply.
Praised for its high protein and impressive amino acid content, the grain-like seed has struck a chord with both meat and non-meat eaters alike.
Tom Moore, Waitrose salad buyer, said: ‘We have been looking to introduce a British-grown quinoa for some time, and are thrilled that we’ve finally found the right product. Quinoa sells particularly well at Waitrose, with sales of fresh quinoa salads up 240 per cent on last year, and it’s an exciting development in British agriculture which we’re really pleased to support.’
Sales of dried quinoa are currently up 36 per cent compared to this time last year as the trend for the seed continues to grow.
The range of British quinoa salads, on sale from November, will include: Feta & Lemon Quinoa salad (£2.75); Quinoa and Asparagus salad (£2.95); Orient Black Quinoa salad (£1.99); Tenderstem Broccoli, Kale and Quinoa (£2.99); Beetroot and Feta salad (£2.99).
No comments yet