A NORTH Yorkshire egg supplier is predicting a 12 per cent increase in sales over the Easter period through its contract with supermarket giant Asda.

Thirsk-based James Potter Yorkshire Free Range eggs has been supplying Asda stores in the region for the past 12 years.

In that time demand has increased for its products, with 40 per cent growth seen in the last year.

The business currently supplies seven lines to 28 Asda stores in Yorkshire.

James Potter from James Potter Yorkshire Free Range Eggs said: "Over the past 12 years, our business has changed considerably as a result of supplying Asda stores in Yorkshire.

"Asda’s commitment has given us the confidence to grow our business, employing more local people in the area and have seen sales increase as a direct consequence.

"Having a presence in Asda stores has meant the awareness of our brand has improved which has meant demand has increased too – we just wouldn’t have been able to do it on our own."

Asda’s local buying manager for Chilled & Frozen, Terri Saunders, added: "We place huge importance in helping to support local suppliers to grow their businesses.

"In this case, James Potter Yorkshire Free Range Eggs has just gone from strength to strength as more of our customers want to see products on the shelves that have come from local suppliers."