Gone nuts for spread

PEANUT butter sales have risen four-fold in nine years to crash through the £100million barrier.

Health-conscious shoppers were switching away from jams and marmalades, said experts.

The spread is also being used in recipes and energy snacks for keep-fit fans.

Market analysts Kantar Worldpanel said as sales hit £101million: “We’re all going nuts for nuts.

“Peanut butter’s performance is driven by the perception that it is a healthier alternative to spreads such as jam or marmalade.”

Kantar said the boom came despite a 5.2 per cent price rise to £4.63 per kg.

Kirstie Hawkins of Whole Earth told Grocer magazine: “People recognise the nutritional benefits of peanut butter.”