04/07/08 The range boasts intriguing and versatile blends including Schwartz herbs and spices, combined with fruit and vegetable pieces to help bring alluring flavours and intense aromas to the dining table.

Schwartz is responding to consumer demand for modern dishes and flavours while extending the appeal of seasonings to ‘more able’ cooks and food lovers, who account for 36% of the UK population.

Taking advantage of a significant growth opportunity within the seasonings category, the exquisite Schwartz Cook Art range has three sub-ranges: Unusual Combinations, Richly Roasted and Sea Salt Blends – some of which have been inspired by the six culinary food trends identified by the 2008 Schwartz Flavour Forecast to define the year ahead (see notes to editors).

Unusual Combinations - Schwartz Cook Art Unusual Combinations are bold, vibrant and designed to spice up everyday meals by encouraging experimentation. Using their expertise and insight, Schwartz has identified six interesting and unusual combinations to excite the senses:

* Cinnamon, apricot & date
* Coriander, ginger & mango
* Chilli & cocoa bean (Flavour Forecast trend: Unusual & unexpected combinations)
* Basil, sun-dried tomato & apple
* Green chilli, lemongrass & cardamom (Flavour Forecast trend: Unusual & unexpected combinations)
* Ginger, sesame & citrus zest (Flavour Forecast trend: Contemporary sweet & spice)

The Schwartz Cook Art Unusual Combination blends are available in 40-50g square tins with an RRP of £2.49.

Richly Roasted - The Schwartz Cook Art Richly Roasted blends are available in three authentic flavours: Moroccan, Tandoori and Chinese. Demonstrating Schwartz’s commitment to delivering exceptional tasting products, each blend contains spices that have been delicately roasted to enhance the aroma and intensity of the flavours - each inspired by the traditional roasting methods in their country of origin.

The Schwartz Cook Art Richly Roasted range is available in 70g large round tins with a RRP of £2.99. Sea Salts Blends – Using their expertise Schwartz have created inspiring blends of natural salts, combined with authentic herbs and spices that can be used to season food during cooking.

They can also be used as a finishing salt - a tasty alternative to standard salt. Schwartz Cook Art Sea Salt Blends deliver a whole new flavour experience and are available in three flavours: Asian Spiced Sea Salt, Mediterranean Spiced Sea Salt and Salt Flakes & Mixed Peppercorns.

Schwartz Cook Art Sea Salt Blends are available in 55-77g round tins with a RRP of £2.29.

Available in major multiples from May onwards, the new Schwartz Cook Art range is packed into new premium brushed aluminium tins that are stylish and modern. Each size of tin has a small ‘window’ so that consumers can see the exciting ingredients inside.

The range design is vibrant and colourful, and is guaranteed to entice consumers to the fixture and create maximum stand-out on shelf. To ensure excellent execution of the Schwartz Cook Art range in-store, Schwartz merchandising teams will recommend optimum display, to maximize consumer purchase.

Sally Aisher, Schwartz spokesperson, says: “Schwartz is at the forefront of innovation and by bringing much-needed excitement to the herbs and spices fixture, this demonstrates our on-going commitment to delivering against the growing consumer desire for new flavours. This will encourage new shoppers to buy into the category and existing shoppers to buy more, both of which will drive growth in the category.”

The Cook Art range is being supported by a heavyweight press advertising campaign in weekend newspaper colour supplements and food/women’s magazines, website activity, couponing and consumer PR to educate consumers about the versatility and ease of using Schwartz seasonings to create delicious and exciting dishes.