Beanz meanz salez boozt.

BRITS haven't lost their taste for baked beans, despite rising prices, a report reveals.

Sales are rising slightly but the amount spent on beans soared by 13 per cent between 2001 and 2005 to hit pounds 265million.

More expensive "premium" types of flavoured beans - with the likes of Mexican, Thai and sweet chilli spices - have helped boost sales figures, according to market analysts Mintel.

In their Canned Meals and Meats report, they say Branston's baked beans, launched last year to challenge market-leaders Heinz, also boosted sales.

But the rock-bottom prices of supermarket own-brand cans have also risen since the "bean wars" of the mid 1990s.

This trend is expected to continue, with Mintel predicting sales will rise a further five per cent this year - and go on to hit pounds 360million per year by 2011.

Corned

Senior market analyst David Bird said: "Baked beans have seen phenomenal growth for such an old British staple.

"With health issues now high on the agenda in the UK, baked beans have been successfully repositioned as a convenient yet nutritious food."

The report also reveals canned meat is making a comeback.

Sales of Spam, corned beef and canned pork rose seven per cent between 2003 and 2005.

Spam is the "real shining star" in the sector thanks to an image update, Mintel's said.

Beans make up around 42 per cent of the canned meals and meats sector, followed by canned meat at 40 per cent and canned pasta at just under 20 per cent.

CAPTION(S):

MUCH-LOVED: Beans