Cocoa, cheese and agri-tech firms boost Northern Powerhouse
A northern cocoa house, a producer of fine cheeses and a ‘world-leading’ agri-tech firm have become the newest members of the programme, which supports commercial development in the north of England.
The first new member, Cocogreen UK, is one of the world’s largest bulk processors of coconut husks and works in the fields of agricultural manufacturing, research and sustainable innovation.
The Manchester-based firm has helped decrease the region’s reliance on food imports while extending production season in berries and fresh salads.
Adding value to rural economy
Artisan cheese producer Cows & Co Group was the second food firm to join the NPPP. With dairies across the north, including Appleby in Cumbria, its focus is on adding value to the rural economy through investing in premium food and drink, sustainable energy and consulting.
Stuart Maclennan, director of Cows and Co, said: “Appleby Creameries is delighted to join the Northern Powerhouse Partners programme. As an artisan food business, we are committed to championing all the great foods the north has to offer such as our award-winning cheeses.”
Finally, York Cocoa House was the third new firm joining the coalition, fresh off the back of opening the doors to its new manufacturing facility in York city centre. The manufacturer is now investing in premium food and drink, sustainable energy and consulting.
‘From across the north’
Northern Powerhouse minister Jake Berry MP said: “From a Cumbrian creamery to crop developers in the heart of Lancashire, food manufacturers and innovators across the north are joining our Northern Powerhouse Partners Programme just in time for British Food Fortnight.
“We’re seeing one of the greatest coalitions of private and public sector partners ever assembled all coming together to work for the benefit of a strong and resilient Northern Powerhouse economy that is fit for the future.”
The Northern Powerhouse is government’s vision for a super-connected, globally-competitive northern economy with a flourishing private sector, a highly-skilled population, and ‘world-renowned’ civic and business leadership.
Held in the autumn at the same time as harvest festival, British Food Fortnight is the biggest annual, national celebration of British food and drink.
