Patak's productivity 2001

30 million jars 27 million poppadoms - twice the height of Everest 1,000 tonnes of chutney 2,700 tonnes of spices imported from around the world

Ms Pathak said: "I've met her on quite a few social occasions and, as a woman, I admire her.

"She adopts to other cultures easily but is forthright about what she thinks. Those are the qualities every British businesswoman needs."

Patak's was founded by Laxmishanker Gauri Pathak in the late 1950s when he started selling samosas from his home in North London.

From its humble beginnings, the company has grown into an empire selling sauces, snacks, chutneys and pickles, with annual sales topping �50m.

Patak's employ 400 people, 248 of whom work at the new factory in Leigh, and their products are used in an estimated 90% of the UK's Indian Resturants.

It now offers ready-made and microwaveable meals to the UK as well as Europe, Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Canada, the USA and more than 40 other countries worldwide.

The firm was forced to move to the 12-acre Leigh site in June 2001 to cope with demand for their products.

Mrs Pathak's husband, Kirit Pathak, said: "We are extremely proud and honoured that Cherie Booth agreed to officially open our new site.