Global dairy company Ehrmann is set to open a UK production plant following its acquisition of Cornwall-based Trewithen Dairy.

Ehrmann said it will expand Trewithen’s facilities to open a state-of-the-art 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 and are expected to account for 15% of Ehrmann’s global sales each year.

With a guiding principle of ‘from the family, for the family’, the Cornish dairy plant will start producing the full range of Ehrmann dessert products, such as high protein and grand dessert.

In addition to its long term commitment to grow sales of Trewithen’s portfolio of branded and own-label Cornish dairy products, Ehrmann will also make a £20 million investment in the dairy’s processing capacity and capabilities.

Chair of Ehrmann SE, Christian Ehrmann, said: “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.”

Trewithen Dairy

Ehrmann said its acquisition of Trewithen will bring together the leadership teams of both family businesses.

Trewithen Dairy at Greymare Farm in the Glynn Valley has been owned by the Clarke family since 1976.

The dairy farmers switched to crafting dairy products there in 1994, sourcing milk, cream and, more recently, butter and yoghurt from local cows to sell across the UK.

Owner of Trewithen Dairy, Francis Clarke, said: “We’re incredibly proud of our roots in quality pastures and cows that produce some of the best milk in the world.

“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.”

The acquisition will secure the jobs of over 260 people currently working at Trewithen Dairy, and moving forward, will lead to the creation of new roles for the local Cornish economy, Ehrmann said.

Chief executive of Trewithen Dairy, Paul Berne, said: “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.”