Napolina is to introduce a new canned range of four pulses and grains that are drained and ready to serve, including the first canned quinoa in the UK.

The range also includes chickpeas, red kidney beans and cannellini beans, all available in 150g cans (rrp 70p). The grains and pulses are vacuum packed to ensure there is no liquid to drain, making them a convenient solution and ideal for on the go.

In line with growing flexitarian and vegetarian trends, the products are also low in fat and a source of protein.

Napolina commercial director Neil Brownbill said: “Our innovation in the category continues to be driven by consumer demand for products which provide solutions for everyday modern mealtimes. Our new drained and ready to serve pulses provide the convenience consumers crave, as well as a tasty protein alternative in response to the growing flexitarianism trend.

”We know that shoppers want us to help them bring their love of Italian cooking to life and we will continue to develop products which evolve the category.”

The range will be available to independents over the next few months.

A £2m marketing campaign including a national TV ad celebrating the romance of Italian food will back the Napolina brand this year. The ad will be supplemented by a digital campaign, including targeted influencer engagement campaigns across Instagram and an increased focus on the ‘Cooking with Napolina’ YouTube channel in order to drive inspiration and engagement with a younger audience.