Jobs will be lost at Rachel’s Dairy

A spokeswoman for the partnership told FoodManufacture.co.uk that an unconfirmed nubmer of jobs would be lost as the firm integrated the business into the wider UK and Ireland Lactalis Group.

The firm declined to say how many jobs were at risk. But Cumbrian News​ reported an unnamed employee at the factory saying it would be 45.

The spokeswoman said: “Rachel’s and … ​[LNCD] will work closely with the elected employee representatives and will do everything possible to keep those involved fully informed of developments during the consultation process.”​

LNCD said it was committed to maintaining the facility in Aberystwyth. Rachel’s was purchased by LNCD in 2010.

Separate operation​

The business has been run as a separate operation from the main group for the past two years but is now to be managed as part of the overall group.

The jobs losses are necessary to guarantee its long-term viability, LNCD added.

“These changes will strengthen and help sustain Rachel’s success for the future, and secure the long-term business relationships with local farmers and the area,”​ it said.

However, Welsh Assembly member for Ceredigion, Elin Jones raised concerns about the long-term future of the firm at a recent Assembly meeting. The job cuts could be an indication of plans to move production away from Aberystwyth, she said.

“I sincerely hope that cutting jobs now isn't an indication of the company's intention to move its factory away from Aberystwyth,”​ she said.

Jones had asked Alun Davies, deputy minister for food, what he intended to do to ensure the firm remains in Aberystwyth.

Welsh government​

Davies promised the Welsh government would work with Lactalis to safeguard Rachel's future in the town.

Rachel’s produces a range of organic dairy products including yogurts, rice puddings, milk, cream and butter.

LNCD is a joint venture set up between Nestlé and French dairy group, Lactalis in 2006.

As well as Rachel’s, the partnership produces dairy brands such as Ski and Munch Bunch.

The firm purchased Rachel’s in 2010 from US food and beverage company, Dean Foods.