A FAMILY run frozen food specialist has secured a major Far East contract to supply vegetables to global food giant Heinz in Japan.

Frozen vegetables supplier JE Hartley, based at Thorganby, near York, is now working with international buyers at Heinz to secure more significant contracts with its overseas plants, including in South East Asia and the US.

The company’s contract with Heinz Japan is to provide frozen peas and mixed vegetables for products to be sold by retailers and used in the country’s food services sector including catering companies.

JE Hartley general manager, John Pick, said: “We are thrilled to win our first really large Far East contract with one of the world’s best-known food companies.

“We are hopeful that this will lead to additional arrangements with other Heinz overseas plants around the world and are excited about the future.”

JE Hartley, which is being advised by overseas trade specialist, Chamber International, already supplies Heinz in the UK, and had a “modest” contract with the company in Italy.

This latest contract win has allowed the firm to step up investment in its factory, where it has spent £6 million during the last five years.

Mr Pick said: “We are acquiring a new X-Ray machine which will enable us to achieve even higher levels of safety through more efficient screening and a new packaging machine which will increase our packaging options for clients, including longer-life zip seal bags.”

JE Hartley was founded in 1954 by Jack Hartley, whose son, William, is chairman and grandson, Tom, is managing director.

The business, which has 60 staff and a £16 million turnover, produces and sells frozen vegetables including 9,000 tonnes of peas and 8,000 tonnes of root vegetables.

The business, which has its own farm in Yorkshire and sources from 30 others in the UK as well as though 20 supplies across mainland Europe, produces and sells between 30,000 and 40,000 tonnes of frozen vegetables every year.

JE Hartley’s other customers include Baxters, Weight Watchers, Covent Garden Soup Co, and Ellas Kitchen Foods.