Ehrmann expands UK presence with acquisition of Trewithen Dairy
Under the terms of the agreement, Ehrmann will inject £20 million into expanding Trewithen's facilities, including the establishment of a cutting-edge production plant in Cornwall's Glynn Valley region. Scheduled to commence operations in 2026, this facility will serve as the manufacturing hub for Ehrmann's popular dessert lines, such as High Protein and Grand Dessert, anticipated to contribute significantly to the company's global sales by accounting for 15%.
Christian Ehrmann, Chairman of Ehrmann SE, emphasized the significance of local production, stating, "This acquisition allows us to reduce our carbon footprint and ensure product freshness, further building on our successful collaboration with UK retailers to introduce innovative dairy products."
The acquisition marks a milestone in Ehrmann's century-long history, uniting two family-owned enterprises committed to delivering high-quality, sustainable dairy products. Trewithen Dairy, owned by the Clarke family since 1976, has earned acclaim for its branded and own-label Cornish dairy offerings.
"We take pride in our heritage of producing superior milk from Cornwall's pristine pastures," remarked Francis Clarke, owner of Trewithen Dairy. "Aligning with Ehrmann, who shares our values of quality and sustainable growth, will invigorate the Cornish dairy sector as we embark on our next phase of growth."
The transaction secures the jobs of over 260 employees at Trewithen Dairy and is projected to create new skilled positions within Cornwall's local economy. Additionally, the expanded production capacity will establish a stable market for local dairy farmers, ensuring competitive pricing for their milk supply.
"We are excited to expand our operations, boost local employment, and continue sharing the delights of Cornish dairy excellence with consumers nationwide," affirmed Paul Berne, CEO of Trewithen Dairy.
Ehrmann, with an annual revenue exceeding €1.1 billion, distributes its products across 75 countries through seven international production facilities and nine sales offices, underscoring its global presence and commitment to innovation in the dairy industry.
