Waitrose’s ‘essential’ range for 2017 includes some very unusual items – including blueberries, cappuccino mousse and artichoke hearts

POSH high street supermarket Waitrose has revealed some of the products that are now covered by its “budget” essential branding.

The supermarket chain claims the value brand is worth a staggering £1billion in sales every year since it was first unveiled in 2009.

It was originally launched to help the retailer combat the rise of cheaper alternatives like Aldi and Lidl, but has now grown to become one of the most recognisable brands in the store.

Among its new items are baby avocados, coconut milk and Limoncello dessert.

Waitrose said: “Growing in line with food trends and responding to consumer demand, products as varied as artichoke hearts, coconut milk and tortelloni are now branded ‘essential’.

“Our changing tastes have in part been shaped by cuisines which have become popular since the essential range was launched, with Mexican, Middle Eastern and Greek foods now firmly in the mainstream.”