Marks & Spencer has identified a new breed of consumer known as the ‘meat-reducer’ and is doubling its vegetarian range by introducing 12 new delicious vegetarian dishes over the next eight months.  The first six will be launched on 1st April in time for National Vegetarian Week in May, with the second phase due to be launched in October.

M&S has recognised a growing trend for consumers who want to reduce the amount of meat they eat, with increasing numbers of health and environmentally conscious consumers seeking tasty and innovative alternatives to meat. Recent research commissioned by TNS showed that vegetarianism is on the increase with ingredients such as tofu and soya experiencing a sales increase of over 5.%* last year.

The 12 new dishes have been eight months in the making with M&S food developer Gordon McDermott dedicated to creating vegetarian meals that will appeal to both meat and non-meat eaters by offering variety, delicious ingredients and fantastic flavours.

The new M&S range includes:

• Artichoke and Edamame bean risotto - cleverly combines two simple ingredients in a creamy risotto. The artichoke’s nutty flavour and the chunky texture of the edamame bean creates a deep blend of flavours and textures.
• Roast Butternut Squash Curry with rice- an indulgent Goan coconut based sauce that is scented with spices such as cinnamon, turmeric and mustard seeds; ideally served with fragrant basmati rice.
• Mixed Bean and Roast Pepper Filo Pies - the red and yellow peppers are roasted in oil and tomato sauce and folded with a mix of beans, to create an array of flavours, colours and different textures.
• Spicy Vegetable Tagine with Rice - based on a ‘Tagine’ style sauce with its wonderful blend of coriander, spice and tomatoes and cauliflower.
• Moroccan Feta and Couscous Pancakes - a continental twist on the classic crepe, this fabulous blend of cous cous, feta cheese, morrocan spices and herbs are rolled up in a buckwheat pancake drizzled with a spiced honey dressing.
• Butternut Squash and Goats Cheese risotto- roasting the butternut squash enhances its sweet taste, which is balanced by the savoury quality of the cheese flavour. Combined with creamy risotto rice and sweet red onions it’s a taste sensation!

Gordon McDermott, M&S Food Developer, says: “We are really passionate about creating new dishes that our customers will love, and are introducing them to exciting combinations of unusual and different ingredients. We think this is a fantastic range of meals that not only taste great, but offer something totally new for both non-meat and meat eaters.”

- ENDS-

For further information or images please contact:
Georgia Frost   Georgia.Frost@marks-and-spencer.com  020 8718 6508 

*TNS Worldpanel, The Grocer February 2nd 2008

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