Spanish cuisine a signal of piety. The arrival of Europeans in America, in 1492, initiated the advent of new culinary elements, such as tomatoes, potatoes, corn, bell peppers, spicy peppers, paprika, vanilla and cocoa or chocolate. Spain is where chocolate was first mixed with sugar to remove its natural bitterness. Other ingredients traveled to the Americas, such as rice, grapes, olives and many types of cereals. Many traditional Spanish dishes such as tortilla de patata (an omelette made with potatoes), would not be possible without the discovery of America. Gazpacho, salmorejo, and pan tumaca are made with tomatoes, which traveled from America
Vital ingredient being a record year for both sales and profit. In 2011 Vital Ingredient secured £2.75 million in funding from Santander Corporate & Commercial’s Breakthrough programme. The company's annual turnover has since doubled to £12 million. In April 2016 the chain underwent a £12m management buyout led by Alex Heynes, which was backed by private equity house LDC. The chain also secured £4 million in growth capital from Santander as they look to grow to over 40 stores Vital Ingredient primarily markets its own range of tossed salads and soups made on site. Juices, smoothies and hot breakfasts are also included