The humble baked bean ­ the most famous of all convenience foods ­ has been thrust back into the media spotlight this week as the battle to develop sufficient quantities of a commercially viable home grown product intensifies. For the innovative and patriotic marketer the idea of an all-British bean to compete with the millions sourced in the US has obvious appeal. Thus, after successful trials, the campaign to market a variety grown and processed in the UK in sizeable amounts is set for a boost as hot weather brings a premature harvest. But in the face of massive US production, will the initiative ever develop more than a niche market? An enterprising number of UK farmers, with the formidable support of Safeway and JS, are defying our unpredictable climate and turning their sights towards a larger crop. But even if they eventually beat the weather, their endeavours will be hampered by the lack of EU cash support. Our growers, although keen to take up the challenge to provide the raw material, claim they cannot make long-term production viable without subsidies from Brussels. In short, their beans would be priced out of the market. The Commission is certainly not anxious to upset its American friends on the world trading front, and thus it is not looking favourably at dipping into its shrunken subsidy coffers for the Euro-readies to back the drive. After all, another handout would hardly encourage harmony in the next World Trade Round! Undeterred, two multiples are preparing for the prospect of replacing at least part of the 100,000 tonnes (value £40 million) currently imported for processing. However, Safeway, which is fighting for financial aid for farmers, says if it is unsuccessful it will support the line for a further three years, after which all subsidies will be banned under GATT. In the cause of import substitution the plans have merit. But more global warming ­ not to mention Brussels sympathy ­ is needed before a UK crop makes a significant dent in the US imports. Until then the idea looks like surviving as a niche market founded heavily on patriotism. {{NEWS}}

Topics