Pembrokeshire Creamery Opens State-of-the-Art Dairy Facility, Boosting Local Welsh Milk Production
Source: The DairyNews
Pembrokeshire Creamery celebrated the launch of its advanced milk processing facility in Pembrokeshire on July 2, 2024, marking a significant step in its mission to supply entirely Welsh-produced milk to consumers within Wales. This new facility, distinguished as the only BRCGS-accredited liquid milk facility in Wales, enables the supply of Welsh milk directly to major retailers, thereby enhancing supply chain efficiencies, reducing transportation needs, and supporting local communities.
By centralizing milk processing in Wales, Pembrokeshire Creamery eliminates the previous necessity of transporting Welsh milk to English bottling plants, significantly cutting food miles and fostering local job creation. The facility has already generated approximately 80 new jobs and, at full capacity, will process about 2 million liters of milk weekly. Notably, the creamery has secured substantial contracts to provide own-branded milk to Asda and Lidl stores across Wales.
The development of this creamery was part of a strategic initiative, starting with a joint venture between the Welsh Government and Pembrokeshire County Council to establish the Pembrokeshire Food Park, which provided the essential infrastructure needed for this ambitious project. Financial backing included a £5 million grant from the Welsh Government's Food Business Investment Scheme and an additional £1.4 million through the Food Business Accelerator Scheme, with further support from HSBC and a total investment nearing £20 million.
Mark McQuade, Managing Director of Pembrokeshire Creamery Ltd, expressed enthusiasm about the early successes and the positive impact on local employment and dairy farming. "We're not only creating new markets for authentic Welsh milk but also ensuring sustainable and fair pricing for our farmers," McQuade stated. He also acknowledged the local community's support, which has been pivotal in the creamery's development.
Huw Irranca-Davies, the Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs, emphasized the significance of this facility in enhancing the dairy sector's sustainability in Wales. "This investment is a testament to our commitment to local processing, which supports growth, productivity, and high sustainability standards in the dairy industry," he commented.
With a focus on fair market pricing, environmental responsibility, and animal welfare, Pembrokeshire Creamery is positioned to become a leading supplier of Welsh milk, fully sourced from local farms.
The development of this creamery was part of a strategic initiative, starting with a joint venture between the Welsh Government and Pembrokeshire County Council to establish the Pembrokeshire Food Park, which provided the essential infrastructure needed for this ambitious project. Financial backing included a £5 million grant from the Welsh Government's Food Business Investment Scheme and an additional £1.4 million through the Food Business Accelerator Scheme, with further support from HSBC and a total investment nearing £20 million.
Mark McQuade, Managing Director of Pembrokeshire Creamery Ltd, expressed enthusiasm about the early successes and the positive impact on local employment and dairy farming. "We're not only creating new markets for authentic Welsh milk but also ensuring sustainable and fair pricing for our farmers," McQuade stated. He also acknowledged the local community's support, which has been pivotal in the creamery's development.
Huw Irranca-Davies, the Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs, emphasized the significance of this facility in enhancing the dairy sector's sustainability in Wales. "This investment is a testament to our commitment to local processing, which supports growth, productivity, and high sustainability standards in the dairy industry," he commented.
With a focus on fair market pricing, environmental responsibility, and animal welfare, Pembrokeshire Creamery is positioned to become a leading supplier of Welsh milk, fully sourced from local farms.
