Global dairy company Ehrmann has announced its acquisition of Cornwall-based Trewithen Dairy.
The German company Ehrmann said the move would see two family-owned businesses come together to bring a new portfolio of dairy products to UK consumers.
Ehrmann will expand Trewithen’s facilities to open a UK production plant at the site in Glynn Valley, Cornwall. Expected to open in 2026, Ehrmann pudding products distributed in the UK will be produced at the facility; the company anticipates this to account for 15% of Ehrmann’s global sales each year.
A £20 million investment will also be made into the facility’s processing capacity and capabilities.
Christian Ehrmann, chairman of Ehrmann SE, explained: “Ehrmann has enjoyed success in the UK over the last two years working with major supermarket chains to bring new dairy tastes to consumers.
“The acquisition is highly significant as it opens up local UK production; enabling us to reduce the carbon footprint and guarantee the freshness of our products. Choosing Trewithen’s impressively high-quality Cornish milk production, we’re delighted to bring German product innovation together with the very best of British milk.”
Securing jobs and guaranteeing pay
The acquisition will reportedly secure the jobs of over 260 people currently working at Trewithen Dairy, and the expansion of the production plant will give dairy farmers in the region a “major, stable purchaser” for Cornwall’s milk supply. Ehrmann said it would be paying a “competitive” milk price based upon a “guaranteed premium”.
“We’re incredibly proud of our roots in quality pastures and cows that produce some of the best milk in the world”, said Francis Clarke, Owner of Trewithen Dairy. “Quality and sustainable growth are core values we share deeply with our new colleagues at Ehrmann. That’s why we decided to join forces to breathe fresh air into the Cornish dairy industry as we enter our next phase of expansion.”
Paul Berne, CEO of Trewithen Dairy, concluded: “We’re delighted that we’re able to expand our offering, create more jobs in the local economy, and further bring the joy of quality Cornish produce to more tastebuds across the UK. The new products are already proven in other markets, so it’s great to be producing them with excellent British milk to be enjoyed by more British tastebuds.”
