The expansion forms part of a plan to move its production of fillings and sourdough from its site in Simonswood to a consolidated site, where Puratos UK has been making patisserie, bakery mixes and improvers for over 30 years.
The investment comes as the company has seen UK demand increase, with Puratos UK upping capacity for fillings and adding the capability to make patisserie glazes.
The expansion will also create 37 new job opportunities for the community within production, warehousing, research and development, quality and engineering, whilst also cementing Buckingham as its centre of technical excellence.
Alongside delivering to increased UK demand, the move also advances Puratos’s sustainability strategy in Britain, with plans to significantly reduce plastic packaging for its fillings.
In line with the company’s commitment to reduce the amount of single-use plastic in its operations, Puratos UK is moving away from ‘bag-in-bucket’ packaging to heat-sealed buckets and pouches for its range of chocolate, cream, caramel, and fruit fillings,
The facilities have also achieved BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) certification, supporting its 2030 goal of becoming carbon neutral. This certification focuses on reducing carbon emissions, while improving a building’s energy efficiency, with about 50% of its credits aimed at these goals.
“The UK is a large and growing market for sweet baked goods, driven by consumer desire for affordable treats and healthier indulgence. Alongside rising demand for fewer food miles and increased supply chain transparency, the Buckingham expansion is an important step in meeting the needs of our customers and British consumers,” commented Julia Darvill, managing director at Puratos UK & Ireland.
She continued: “With all our technical specialists in one location, we will be better placed to address our customers’ challenges, bring bakery creativity to life and help them succeed in today’s exciting but challenging market.
“The expansion is also an opportunity for us to continue our commitment to sustainability, by making all-important changes to packaging – aligning with both our own and our customers’ goals.”
The new production lines at Buckingham are due to come online in November 2025. The supply of all Puratos UK ingredients remains unaffected during this time.
