Healthy food company Chopped is to create 90 jobs as it rolls out a new franchise programme that will see six new outlets open across Dublin.

The first of the new premises will open on Grafton Street in Dublin next month, employing 10 people.

Managing director and cofounder Brian Lee said the speed of growth at the company was "phenomenal".

"We knew Ireland wanted a healthier option and the fact that so many people approached us looking to franchise Chopped's really confirmed this," he said. "Franchising is the best way to maintain the growth of Chopped and it's a fantastic endorsement of the Chopped product that we have six franchises on board already."

The 90 jobs will be a mix of full and part-time roles.

The move comes after the company invested €250,000 in November in a new production facility in Artane to service the new franchises.

Chopped was established in 2012, and currently has stores in Baggot Street, Ballsbridge and Fairview, with a Chopped Raw juice and smoothie concession in Stephen’s Green shopping centre. It employs 69 people.