A CHEF who is helping to introduce the legendary Teesside Parmo to the nation after winning a deal with Asda has been commended for his efforts with a regional award.

Geoff Johns, who runs Jeff the Chef Foods, was named as best manufacturer at the Tees Valley Best New Business Awards, for his efforts to popularise the signature dish.

From being set up in a workingmen’s club kitchen, the business is now expected to expand, having seen a 100 per cent increase in turnover in six months.

Output has also increased from 1,000 parmos a week to more than 6,000.

Jeff the Chef has also struck a deal to see its parmo dishes – which consist of baked chicken or pork in breadcrumbs, with bechamel sauce and topped with cheese – stocked in numerous Asda stores.

Mr Johns was supported in making the Asda deal by the North-East England Food and Drink Group, which introduced him to Asda’s buyers at a Meet the Buyer event.

Mr Johns said: “Setting up Jeff the Chef was incredibly hard work and keeping up with demand once I had initially been listed in Asda was a 24/7 job.

“However, bringing the business up to this level and seeing it grow has been hugely rewarding and something I wouldn’t have been able to do without the food group.

“It is wonderful to receive recognition for what the company has achieved over the past year and we are optimistic that this year will be another great year.”