DALEPAK is hoping to take a larger slice of the vegetarian food market by launching a range of frozen ready-meals.

The market leader in frozen vegetable-based, meat-free food is hoping to increase its presence in a sector which is worth £187m and expanding at a rate of five per cent a year.

Dalepak, which employs 320 people at its Leeming Bar, North Yorkshire, headquarters, said it was picking up on a growing trend among consumers to reduce the amount of meat they ate.

A number of supermarket chains, including Sainsbury's and Somerfield, are stocking the new products.

The company said it had commissioned research that showed meat-free consumers were demanding better tasting, higher quality and more adventurous dishes that retained the convenience of frozen food.

Charlotte Telford, marketing manager of Dalepak Meat Free, said: "The frozen ready-meal range is a significant development for Dalepak Meat Free and initial feedback from retailers is promising.

"The range communicates Dalepak's commitment to quality and innovation within meat-free, which is a major growth sector within the frozen foods category.

"The development of frozen ready-meals is an investment into the future expansion of the Dalepak meat-free division.

"As the sector grows, it opens up a wealth of opportunity for Dalepak, and we are committed to driving innovation and presenting consumers with quality products going forward."

Dalepak's meat-free division employs 150 staff at Leeming Bar.

Dalepak had a turnover of £30m last year.