The Moray-Firth-based supplier said it has responded to buyer trends, which indicate that supermarkets want to deal more with UK-grower-based companies.

Within the last six months, the firm has invested some £70,000 to increase its packing capacity by 60 per cent.

The investment has generated a lot of interest from UK multiples, according to Tio commercial manager Matt Foster.

'It's an exciting time,' he said. 'Everyone goes on about how over 70 per cent of organic produce available in UK supermarkets is imported. We're bucking that trend.' The four-year-old company already grows and packs for Tesco and Sainsbury's, and anticipates further retailers coming on board.

'We have emerged from a market that absorbed a wide range of quality standards, to one where customers expect a product that meets high standards all year round,' said Foster. 'We had an eight-month carrot season for the first time this year.'

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