EHL Ingredients is expecting sales of its organic range to hit £3m by the end of the year, as demand picks up.

The family-run firm in Stockport, Cheshire, said it was the first time since 2007 that it had seen a sharp rise in profits for its organic range, which includes dried fruit, lentils, seeds and peppers.

Back in February, EHL Ingredients told British Baker it was looking to take its revenue to £5m, by the end of the year, after reporting a 20% increase in sales during December 2011.

In order to beat last year’s overall turnover of £3.8m, the company said it would be hiring four new members of staff, investing in new machinery and add further products to its portfolio, such as allergen-free spices and seasonings, Mexican chillis, and heat-treated herbs and spices.

Tasneem Backhouse, sales director at EHL Ingredients, said: "We have certainly noted a significant increase in demand for our organic ingredients during 2012, following a dip during the recession and up until the end of 2011. The summer months have been strong for us, with our bespoke organic BBQ blends, summer herbs and spices, and ingredients such as seeds and grains showing strong growth.

"This is positive news for us, and for the organic sector as a whole, as it shows there is a revival in consumer interest in organic foods."

She added that this year has been the firm’s most profitable and successful since before the recession and, looking ahead, EHL Ingredients is planning to add more products to its portfolio in a bid to strengthen its position in the marketplace.