Former Tesco fresh ­produce director Peter Durose has resurfaced as chairman of The Little Smoked Food Company - the company behind Moorish Smoked Humous.

Durose was at Tesco for 10 years in roles including director of produce and commercial director. He left to set up specialist food shop The English Grocer in Buntingford, Hertfordshire, in 2007. However, the store closed two years later.

The Little Smoked Food Company was formed two years ago by former BBC journalist Julie Waddell. Durose has been mentoring Waddell for the past year after meeting her through a business angel network.

“His experience and expertise in food retail is second to none and to have someone of his competence on board is a real coup,” Waddell said.

“He has a proven track record delivering results for some of the biggest retailers in the UK at a very senior level and has been a great supporter of Moorish.”

Durose added: “I have watched the company grow exponentially in a short period and I’m excited for the future. I am looking forward to building on the brand’s successes and fulfilling its very real potential.”