Seasonal production at 2 Sisters Food Group-owned Matthew Walker will be boosted by the £250,000 investment, which is set to create 45 new jobs at the Heanor site.

Matthew Walker, part of 2 Sisters Food Group, has announced plans to boost its seasonal production with the creation of 45 new roles at its Heanor plant in Derbyshire.

The £250k investment in Matthew Walker, “the world’s oldest Christmas pudding maker” according to 2 Sisters, will fund a new extension at the site. It said in a statement: “Work is due to get under way shortly.”

Keith Packer, managing director at 2 Sisters, said: “We’ve seen strong year-on-year growth in seasonal puddings and this will provide us with a launch pad to drive further sales and build on the wealth of knowledge and experience that already resides on the site.”

Anil Ahir, site general manager, added: “We’re all very excited about the plans to expand and it will create new jobs in the local community, as well as allow us to grow and innovate our business.

“You might not be able to teach an old dog new tricks, but you can’t say the same about the world’s oldest Christmas pudding-maker.”