Le Dauphin introduces ready-to-eat artichokes

The French vegetable exporter Le Dauphin has introduced a new artichoke concept: Artifrais. The idea of the concept came from the grower Pascal Roué, who has been growing artichokes in Saint-Pol-de-Léon (Brittany). "This grower has done market research throughout different years and realised many consumers dread preparing this vegetable. This gave him the idea to develop a ready-to-eat artichoke," says Jeroen Bosschaart.

"With Artifrais you have an artichoke that is immediately ready for consumption. The concept consists of steamed artichokes that can be eaten cold or heated up with a minute in the microwave," says Jeroen Bosschaart. Le Dauphin entered a collaboration with this grower and brings its experience in trade, quality management and logistical expertise into marketing the new concept.

The artichokes are 100% natural and free of additives or preservatives. They are packaged in a transparent plastic cup and can be stored for 20 days. "Artichokes are well known in Brittany, but in many European countries the consumption is at a low level. We expect to give the artichoke consumption a boost with this introduction. The first reaction have been very positive," says Jeroen.