The Veetee factory on the Medway City Estate

by business editor Trevor Sturgess

Rice specialist firm Veetee Foods has been named among Britain’s 100 fastest-growing privately-owned companies.

The Rochester-based business - founded in 2006 by Moni Varma - was ranked 82nd in the latest Sunday Times Fast Track 100 with annual sales growth over four years of 56.43%.

Turnover has shot up from £3.5m in 2008-9 to £13.6m in 2011-12, thanks to the increasing popularity of its Dine In rice dishes.

The company based on Medway City Estate employs 43 people.

In October, Veetee was ranked fifth in the Kent and Medway MegaGrowth 50 listing, with sales growth of 113% between 2007 and 2011.

Veetee has doubled its production capacity in the last year and uses exclusive technology to steam natural white rice rather than the parboiled variety used in other convenience dishes.

In the last month, again using innovative technology, it has launched Veetee Dine In Pasta which is already in stores nationwide.

Production capacity in 2012 was doubled to meet increased demand from North America, mainland Europe, Australia and New Zealand, and the UK.

The Fast Track 100 is sponsored by Virgin, Barclays and RSM Tenon.

Virgin chief Sir Richard Branson (pictured left said: "The tough economic conditions of the last few years have continued throughout 2012.

"Despite the positive feelings and boost provided by the Olympic and Paralympic Games, the UK's recovery has been slow and uneven this year.

"Against this backdrop, the Fast Track 100 companies have performed especially well, growing strongly and creating all important jobs."