Lunchboxes with a difference Sushi is rapidly becoming the smart alternative to lunchtime sandwiches and conventional party canapés ­ thanks to the efforts of Waitrose and Marks and Spencer among others. Waitrose was the first multiple to take this Japanese speciality mainstream when it introduced 11 lines in 1996. Since then the range has grown to 30 lines, is much in demand for its special order party service, and is available in 85 of Waitrose's 123 stores. Marks and Spencer followed suit in 1998 with four lines, now expanded to 20 (plus nine meat variants introduced last month) available in 200 stores. Sushi buyer Howard Barrett says sushi sales have increased fourfold since launch, with the majority of purchases being for lunchtime as a healthy alternative to sandwiches, and as party nibbles. Best seller is the £2.99 six-piece lunchtime box. Its range is made with smoked and cooked fish rather than raw fish in the traditional Japanese style, to accommodate British tastes. "Some consumers baulk at raw fish," says Barrett, "but we're now working on a raw fish range for more sophisticated tastes." Its new meat oriental' line is tailored to conventional tastes, however, and brings non traditional fillings such as teriyaki chicken and aromatic duck to the range. - With its hot and spicy flavours, Korean cuisine has many of the attributes necessary to be the next big ethnic food craze. G Costa & Co is giving it a push with the introduction of vibrantly packaged Nong Shim instant noodles and snacks targeted at the youth market. {{FOCUS SPECIALS }}

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