A FOOD wholesalers based in Parkeston has poured £2 million into a new snack producing facility which will create 30 new jobs.

Surya Foods has created several new concepts with Thai Dragon sweet chilli prawn crackers, and Thai Dragon Thair cracker mix first off the new production line.

These two products have already secured listings at Aldi and are set to go on sale soon.

The facility will produce own brand snacks for Surya Foods as well as private label services across a range of products.

Surya Foods managing director Harry Dulai said: “During the past 20 years, in response to the UK’s more adventurous culinary tastes, we have taken Surya Foods from rice production and world food importers to a major manufacturer of leading mainstream brands.

“We are passionate about authentic tasting food products and have poured all our expertise into this new facility which will enable us to produce some of the world’s favourite snacks right here in Essex.

“Our large frying and blending facilities means we can offer a large product portfolio along with authentic bespoke, regional flavours to suit all tastes and target customers.

"Coupled with five packaging lines, and a highly experienced NPD team, we are confident we have a solution for any retailer out there looking to source authentic, tasty world food snacks produced in the UK, to high UK standards.”

The production facility is set within the firm's 11-acre site and the company's products are sold in more than 30 countries worldwide.