IF IT'S GOOD FOR M&S, IT'S GOOD4U

Pioneering Northern Ireland health food company, Good4U is celebrating winning its first business with Marks & Spencer, which has listed two of the company's sprouting products in 75 stores across the UK. This is the first time M&S has listed any sprouted products, which is a huge accolade for Good4U, which is owned by the Butler family. Based at the Food Business Centre in Cookstown, County Tyrone, Good4U specialises in the production of innovative products such as sprouted seeds, roasted seeds, healthy snacks, wheatgrass and functional drinks. The company has developed two new products specifically for M&S ??" Sprouting Peas and Super Sprouts. Explaining the products and their health benefits, Laura Butler, Sales & Marketing Manager with Good4U, said: ???The Sprouting Peas are a mix of sprouted green peas and chickpeas, which have a distinctive nutty taste and crunchy texture. High in fibre, folic acid, iron, calcium and protein - these are real superfoods with versatility. Straight from the pack you can add a powerful punch of nutrients to any salad, stir fry, soup or curry. ???The second product we have developed for M&S is our Super Sprouts - a mix of ruby radish, three-day old sprouted broccoli and alfalfa,??? she continued. ???The mix is packed full of antioxidants, while the broccoli and radish are high in sulforaphane, a natural chemical compound that helps the body mobilise its own natural cancer-fighting resources (as researched by the University of Ulster). Alfalfa is also very high in saponins, which help reduce cholesterol. This mix is quite delicate, so it is better used as a salad topping or in sandwiches and the purple radish gives it a lovely peppery kick.??? Commenting on the new business, Laura said: ???Securing this listing with Marks & Spencer is a fantastic boost for Good4U and proof positive of our ability to deliver the highest possible food safety and quality standards as well as our capacity to meet the demands of the largest and most prestigious retailers. ???Sprouts are a growing phenomenon in the food market as consumers become more aware of the intrinsic health properties and functional health benefits of eating them,??? she added. ???When legumes or vegetables are sprouted as opposed to being soaked or boiled, they are much more nutritious, as the sprouting process breaks down the enzymes and proteins, making them easier to digest and absorb. They are also very high in essential vitamins and minerals, which again are much easier for the body to absorb from sprouts.??? Established six years ago by Bernie Butler, Laura's mother, Good4U has pioneered the development of sprouted seeds and roasted seeds for increasingly health conscious consumers. The company has won a number of accolades for its products, including Sainsbury's Top New Product Award for Brocco Shoots in 2006 and four Gold Great Taste Gold Awards for their Brocco Shoots, Lentil & Bean Shoots, Vanilla Pumpkin Seeds and Wheatgrass and Apple & Lime Juice. Pic caption: The Good4U team, Karol, Bernie and Laura Butler, celebrate winning the company's first business with Marks & Spencer.