Ainsley Harriott launches range of cup-soups

LONDON - 'Ready Steady Cook' TV presenter Ainsley Harriott has lent his name to a range of "exotic" sachet soups aimed at women in their twenties and thirties.

Branding agency Kernel has worked with food manufacturer Symington's in developing the packaging design.

The Ainsley Harriott Cup Soup range includes Mild & Smooth Indian Curry & Lentil, Southern Cajun Gumbo and Aromatic Thai Chicken & Lemongrass variants.

The packet design uses coloured line drawings to symbolise the region from which each flavour takes its inspiration -- for example, Mexican Mixed Pepper & Chilli shows the outline of a cactus.

The packaging also bears the World Kitchen logo, Harriott's picture and a photograph of a cup of soup.

The range will go on sale from mid-February across all major multiples.

The introduction of the soup range builds upon the launch last summer of Ainsley Harriott-branded World Kitchen meal kits.

Kernel is working with Symington's on the future direction of the Ainsley Harriott brand and is planning further launches later this year.

Leeds-based Symington's also owns brands including Crosse & Blackwell and Rice & Simple.