Nisa’s Heritage ready meals drove volume sales in its retailers’ stores by 21% and added 15.7% in value in the past year.

The own label range includes 27 ready meals from British, Italian, Indian and Oriental cuisine, as well as three ‘Meal for 2’ 800g meals.

The company said “comfort foods”, such as Macaroni Cheese and Beef Stew & Dumplings, were the strongest performers in the 12 months to the end of May.

The core range is price-marked at any two for £5, which can be mixed with the brand’s pizza range.

Colin Smith, owner of Pinkie Farm Convenience (Nisa), in Musselburgh, East Lothian, said he had noticed a significant increase in his ready meals, with the symbol group’s focus on fresh & chilled now reaping the benefits.

“I find that the mix and match deal is really popular as it lets shoppers have a different meal to the rest of their family or partner. We stock the full range and our bestsellers tend to be the Italian varieties,” he added.

Tracey Redfearn, Nisa brand manager, said: “Consumers often need inspiration for their evening meal and our wide variety of own label ready meals helps our retailers to provide a strong range of easy meals.”