FIFTY new jobs are coming to Hampshire as a major food supplier opens up a new branch in the county.

Harvest Fine Foods is preparing to open a new base in Totton next year after five years of company growth.

Managing director Richard Strongman has said he is thrilled to be bringing such a big employment opportunity to the area and he can’t wait to see what prospects it could bring for the company.

Harvest Fine Foods is a major food service company on the south coast, supplying goods to chains, pubs and restaurants, as well as some schools in Hampshire.

In February next year they will open a branch on the Calmore Industrial Estate.

Mr Strongman is currently looking for staff for all areas of the warehouse, including operators, delivery drivers, office-based customer services, food preparation, shift supervisors and bookkeepers.

He said: “For the past few years the company has really been growing and offering a lot of customers in the Southampton area our services so it made sense for us to be where our customers are.

“It’s so exciting that we will now get to be in the main hub of Hampshire. We are a 24-hour-a-day, seven-days-a-week company so we need a lot of loyal staff to keep the company going and offer companies access to our supplies.

“We’re very proud of the fact that we like to work with as many local companies as possible to offer their stock and everything we offer is fresh, good quality and easy for companies to use.

“We’re going to need people with all sorts of different skills to join the team and I’m really excited to see what kind of opportunities us moving may have in the future.”

In a bid to find a new workforce Harvest Fine Foods will be hosting a jobs fair this week.

The first event will be held at Eastleigh Football club tomorrow (wednesday) October 21 from noon to 7pm.

The other event will be at AFC Totton on Thursday, October 22 from noon to 7pm.

For more call 01202 023993, visit harvestfinefoods.co.uk or email calmorejobs@harvest.lls.com.