CIRIO, Italy’s leading tomato producer, has just launched three new products to retail- the first two products in a range of chopped tomatoes, in 390g tetrapaks, to include regular chopped tomatoes, and chopped tomatoes with basil; as well as an innovative, single-serve aluminium pot of double concentrate tomato purée. These products are now on sale from Sainsbury’s nationwide, as well as leading independent grocers and delicatessens.

The tetrapaks are easier for consumers to use, being much lighter than tins, easier to store at home and are fully recyclable. The CIRIO range is the first branded tetrapak range to offer chopped tomatoes with varieties – initially basil, but with other flavourings in development. The tetrapaks will be priced the same as tins, at 79p (RRP).

The single-serve purée packs have been created in response to demand from consumers, many of whom are now living in smaller households, and cannot get through a typical tube of purée before the product goes off. Tomato purée is ideal for adding extra flavour to pasta sauces, soups, meat and fish dishes. They are packaged as four 70g pots, and will retail at £1.69 (RRP)

CIRIO is Italy’s leading tomato producer, and is credited with creating the concept for preserving vegetables in tins in 1856. The CIRIO range includes peeled and chopped tomatoes, passatas (sieved tomatoes) and purées. The company will also be introducing its range of organic tomato products to the UK in 2009.

Balsamic and tomato roast chicken

4 chicken breasts
1 aubergine, cut lengthways into four slices
390g tetrapak of CIRIO chopped tomatoes (either plain or with basil)
2tbsp salted capers
4tbsp balsamic vinegar
1 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp brown sugar
few basil leaves, torn up
freshly ground black pepper

-heat the oven to 200 degrees

-arrange the four slices of aubergine in a large tin or dish, and top with the chicken breasts.

-mix the tomatoes, capers, vinegar, oil and sugar together, before pouring over the chicken.

-Bake for 25 minutes (until chicken is cooked). Top with basil leaves and pepper