Co-operative Launches Summer BBQ Lines

The Co-operative, the UK’s leading convenience retailer, is launching a raft of products, which it claims are perfect for outdoor dining and barbecues.

Following on from the conversion of its whole chickens, fresh chicken fillets and pieces to higher-welfare Elmwood British chicken, the retailer is introducing own-brand Elmwood barbecue chicken products for spring/summer 2009.

The range includes sweet chili chicken kebabs, chicken tikka kebabs and garlic and herb, Chinese-seasoned, or even hot & spicy chicken thighs and drumsticks.

Underscoring its ethical credentials further, The Co-operative is launching what it claims to be the world’s first fairly traded charcoal. It has been sourced from Namibia, in partnership with independent fair trade organisation, Traidcraft.

The retailer is also expanding its non-food range with outdoor eating accessories, including plates, tumblers, pitchers and salad bowls in mix and match plain raspberry, plain teal or floral designs. Matching picnic rugs and portable barbecues are also new. The summer ranges will be rolled out into stores from the end of last month (April).