A £246,000 investment could see jobs created at Forres.
Northampton-based Jerky Group Ltd have received the cash from the Scottish Government to refurbish a processing factory in the town in the latest round of food and drink funding.
The company is expected to operate from the former Highland Country Foods factory on the Greshop Industrial Estate, where it will package its beef jerky snacks.
As well as the Forres cash, more than £199,000 has gone to Reids Bakery in Thurso for new processing equipment; Connage Highland Dairy in Inverness will receive just over £15,300 for a new packaging area and office space, while the Scottish Crofting Federation benefits from £10,680 for a feasibility study into the development of an abattoir in the Skye and Lochalsh area.
The money is part of a £9 million investment in Scotland’s food and drinks industry.
Rural Affairs Secretary Richard Lochhead, who is also Moray MSP, said: "Food and drink is one of Scotland’s greatest success stories, thanks to our outstanding natural larder and delicious high-quality produce.
He added: "I am delighted that a new food company is locating to Forres, and their successful application to the Scottish Government’s food grant scheme has secured nearly £250,000 towards their investment.
"This means more local jobs and a further boost for Moray’s reputation as Scotland’s food and drink capital.
"It is a sign of confidence in the local economy that food businesses already based here are investing for the future and new players such as the Jerky Group believe that Moray is the place to be."
