A diet firm has agreed a six-year distribution deal across South East Asia.

Ashford-based Forza Supplements, which has just signed ex-TOWIE star Maria Fowler as an ambassador, has teamed up with Malaysian company Anokhi to sell its products across 10 countries, which are home to 625 million people.

The region – known as the Association of Southeast Asian Nations or ASEAN – has the fastest-growing middle class population in the world, with obesity a growing problem as wealthier families turn to a Western diet.

It comes amid promises from David Cameron this week to make business deals worth £750 million during his tour of South East Asia.

Forza sales director Matt Banks said: “Forza views Malaysia and its neighbouring countries as a real growth opportunity.

“After 12 months of hard work on both sides, we are delighted to announce a six-year distribution agreement with Anokhi to present the brand across the ASEAN region.

“The ASEAN community will become easier to export to because they are developing a free trade market with a single tariff for imports and exports in all member countries.

“Harmony like this was seen in Europe in the 1990s, making trade flower easier and more lucrative for exporters.”

The expansion comes weeks after the firm signed up ex-TOWIE star Maria Fowler as its latest celebrity recruit.

The 28-year-old lost 22lbs and four inches off her waist on one of the firm’s weight loss programmes developed at the firm’s headquarters in Ashford’s Javelin Business Park.

Forza managing director Lee Smith, who lives in Mersham, said: “We view international expansion as a key area as obesity becomes a growing problem in so many new countries.”