Bagged salads and vegetable producer Florette is set to double production with the expansion of its Lichfield operation.
Planning permission has been given for the three-year-old Staffordshire factory to boost production to more than 12,000 tonnes a year.
UK managing director Gerald Lacey said that the extension should be complete within 12 months.
"Rapid growth of sales and the Florette brand have allowed us to fast-forward our plans."
Brand owner Soleco estimates that the total prepared salad market is now worth about £350m at retail value, and it is looking to increase the emphasis on recruiting British growers, which currently account for 40% of the salad mix.
The company has now set up a buying office to recruit new growers, as well as expand the programmes of its current six suppliers.
A seven-week television campaign to promote its branded salads will be shown in September on GMTV.
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Planning permission has been given for the three-year-old Staffordshire factory to boost production to more than 12,000 tonnes a year.
UK managing director Gerald Lacey said that the extension should be complete within 12 months.
"Rapid growth of sales and the Florette brand have allowed us to fast-forward our plans."
Brand owner Soleco estimates that the total prepared salad market is now worth about £350m at retail value, and it is looking to increase the emphasis on recruiting British growers, which currently account for 40% of the salad mix.
The company has now set up a buying office to recruit new growers, as well as expand the programmes of its current six suppliers.
A seven-week television campaign to promote its branded salads will be shown in September on GMTV.
{{MARKET EDGE }}
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