John West wades into the ready meal space

Simplot is kicking off the New Year with the launch of John West Tuna & Rice, a new 'on-the-go' meal offering that will be supported with a $1 million marketing campaign.

The new range aims to offer consumers a healthy meal solution that can be ready to serve in 45 seconds. It comes in three flavours: Chilli & Tomato, Thai Green Curry and Savoury Tomato & Onion.

Stuart Sterling, group marketing manager of Shelf Stable at Simplot Australia, said that the latest offering from the John West range targeted workers seeking healthy and convenient lunch or snack options.

“Our research showed that consumers loved the convenience and health benefits of tuna, however they struggled with ways to consume it outside of the typical tuna sandwich for lunch. The John West Tuna & Rice range provides a new format in delicious, healthy lunch options,” Sterling said.

The marketing campaign for the new range will run across multiple platforms, and will include a consumer competition, ‘Search for the Ultimate Power Ballad’, which will be launched in partnerhsip with The Hamish and Andy Happy Hour radio program. Consumers will be asked to submit their own rendition of a power ballad to complement the ‘Ultimate Power Lunch’, John West’s Tuna & Rice, for their chance to win a $10,000 cash prize.

John West Tuna & Rice is available in Coles, Woolworths and Independent supermarkets from for a RRP of $3.99.