The demand for exotic ingredients, from pomegranates to acai berries, is growing from European manufacturers as they target the healthy end of the bakery market. Last year, 81 new bakery products containing exotic fruits were launched in Europe and 13 of these from UK companies alone, reports www.foodnavigator.com.

The emergence in the bakery industry of more unusual varieties of fruit such as coconut, pomegranate, mango, papaya, acai, and guava is widely attributed to increasing consumer awareness of health-related concerns.

Pomegranates contain polyphenols and it has been suggested that they are effective in reducing the risk of contracting certain cancers and lowering blood pressure; the acai berry, originally found in Brazil, is believed to improve sleep, enhance digestion and increase mental acuity.

According to Mintel's Global New Product Database (GNPD), the British chain, Marks and Spencer, released a lemon and passion fruit shortbread range, priced at £1.30, containing lemon, passion fruit and maracuja extracts.

Tesco and Sainsbury's also followed the trend. Coconut delights, by Tesco, were released in June of last year, priced at £0.85 and Sainsbury's brought out a coconut and cherry loaf cake, retailed at £0.99.

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