These days, eating grains is all the rage, from vegan diets to just looking for healthier meal ideas. Lentils, quinoa and wild rice are appearing in more and more recipes, but unfortunately, this enthusiasm can result in under seasoning and over boiling. That’s why Spider is delighted it has been appointed by Merchant Gourmet, the premium, ready-to-eat range of grains and pulses and other delicious ingredients, to raise awareness for the brand and its broad versatility.

Merchant Gourmet was launched in 1995 out of a passion for healthy, conveniently-cooked food by the two founders, brothers: Mark and Oliver Leatham. Not only did they introduce the first brand of ready-to-eat chestnuts to the UK market, but they are also one of the leading merchandisers of Puy lentils – the ultimate variety of green lentil which enjoys its own protected designation of origin in Le Puy-en-Velay in the South of France.

So where do Spider come in? Even though the UK has been munching on these delicious grains for quite a few years now, a lot of Brits are still in the dark about how best to prepare them and the simple way they can be incorporated into our daily diet. Spider is here to fix that!

Hosting a trip to Le Puy-en-Velay, the home of the Puy lentil, Spider is inviting key press and influencers on an authentic ‘Field to Fork’ journey, just in time for the lentil harvest. Showcasing the heritage and provenance of the humble lentil and the small cooperative of farmers who grow it, the trip will give guests a rare glimpse into the history and origin of the Puy lentil.

In addition to media trip, Spider will also be running a series of seasonal activations around one of Merchant Gourmet’s most famous products: Chestnuts! Taking on the challenge of convincing UK shoppers that these delicious nuts are perfect for more than just Christmas, with a series of tasty summer recipes and easy lunch dishes to really ‘crack’ the consumer market.

Over the next year, Spider will work to inform consumers on how Merchant Gourmet can be the perfect addition to any breakfast, lunch or dinner. We will aim to educate food lovers (both established and novice) on the delicious heritage of Puy lentils and the brand as a whole.

We’re excited to dig in!