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 £20m investment in the dairy’s processing capacity and capabilities.
This includes a brand-new production facility set to open in 2026 which will produce Ehrmann pudding products and expected to account for 15% of its global sales each year.
Christian Ehrmann, chairman of Ehrmann, explained: “Ehrmann has enjoyed success in the UK over the last two years working with major supermarket chains to bring new dairy tastes to consumers.
Best of Britain and Germany
“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.”
The acquisition will secure the jobs of more than 260 people currently working at Cornish dairy, with plans to create many new high skilled roles in the future.
Trewithen Dairy chief executive 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.”
Strengthening its UK presence
Ehrmann has been selling its products in the UK through Aldi, Lidl, Iceland and the Co-op since 2022. The addition of Trewithen will support the group as it increases distribution of its products in the UK.
Francis Clarke, owner of Trewithen Dairy, added: “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.”
Meanwhile, Supreme has announced the acquisition of Clearly Drinks parent company Acorn Topco in a deal worth £15m.