Ed Watts has taken the helm of Ehrmann Cornish Dairy, effective immediately.
The dairy owns both the Bavarian-founded Ehrmann and the Cornish Dairy Co. (previously Trewithen Dairy), following its acquisition of the latter in 2024.
Watts steps into the role of CEO, having served as chief commercial officer for the last year and a half. He brings more than 20 years of leadership experience across established FMCG players, having held senior commercial roles at Johnson & Johnson, Reckitt and Mars. Prior to joining Ehrmann Cornish Dairy in 2025, he was the UK commercial director at JDE Peet’s.
The move comes as the dairy continues to build on the successful integration of Cornish Dairy Co. and enters the next phase of its long-term UK strategy, with its sights set on becoming a leading UK dairy producer.
The Cornish Dairy Co. had previously been experiencing financial difficulties amid a tricky trading environment. Now, following a period of significant investment into its operations, the business has slid from red to green.
The group is now focused on accelerating sustainable growth, establishing the German Ehrmann brand in the UK, expanding manufacturing capability, and strengthening its position across both branded and own-label dairy.
At the helm, Watts will lead on the delivery of Ehrmann Cornish Dairy’s long-term turnaround and development plan, as the business continues to invest in production, innovation and operational efficiency.
This includes its new dessert facility, which is due to be completed by the end of 2026, alongside a suite of efficiency projects that the business says should start to deliver ‘significant’ cost savings by early 2027.
“This is an incredibly exciting opportunity to lead a business with such strong foundations, exceptional people and genuine ambition. We’ve already made significant progress in stabilising the business, investing in our operations and building long-term partnerships with customers and farmers, and now we’re focused on accelerating that momentum,” Watts commented.
“My vision is for Ehrmann Cornish Dairy to become recognised as one of the top three dairy companies in the UK. We have the scale, expertise and investment behind us to achieve that, and by continuing to innovate, investing in our manufacturing capabilities and delivering outstanding products for both branded and own-label customers, I’m confident we can establish ourselves as one of the defining businesses in the UK dairy sector.”
Watts’s appointment follows the departure of Paul Berne, who left the business at the beginning of the year. Bern, who had spent a decade in food and drink, exited the dairy and industry in January in favour of the sports sector. He is now leading Plymouth Argle Football Club as its CEO.
