Avara Foods, a joint venture between Faccenda Foods and US firm Cargill, said the investment will help strengthen its UK poultry operations and upgrade existing facilities.
The sizeable new investment will also help introduce “next-generation” technology throughout its supply chain.
This is said to include “next-generation cutting capability”, “new automation” and a renewed commitment to creating a more efficient and secure food supply chain.
In 2026 alone, the manufacturer said it would earmark £40 million for technology and facilities to boost productivity, as well as provide “sustainable job opportunities” and support longer-term growth across retail and foodservice.
The announcement follows a summer of uncertainty in which the resilience of the UK food supply chain has been repeatedly called into question.
Recent analysis published by the National Farmers’ Union (NFU) sounded the alarm over the situation, revealing that the UK’s food self-sufficiency was lower in 10 of 11 categories today than it was 30 years ago.
This follows similar warnings from rival poultry giant 2 Sisters Food Group, whose owner and president, Ranjit Boparan, strongly criticised the state of the UK’s planning system, as well as what he perceived to be poor infrastructure and the high cost of doing business.
Speaking to sister publication The Grocer, which broke the story, Avara chief executive Chris Hall said the investment programme would ensure the supplier’s “existing position as a strong and sustainable partner to our customers supplying the affordable locally sourced poultry, produced to high standards, that British consumers demand”.
“This is a major investment in the future of our business and in the resilience of the UK poultry supply chain that reflects confidence in our people, our facilities and the long-term future of UK poultry production.”
He continued:“Our customers and consumers need a supply chain that is competitive, reliable and able to grow. Over the last three years we have completed a comprehensive restructuring of our business, delivering improved financial performance.
“This investment plan meets the growing consumer demand for affordable, locally sourced poultry produced to high standards, while creating a stronger and more sustainable platform for the future.”
