In the wake of its major investment programme announced earlier this year, Trewithen Dairy near Lostwithiel has secured a deal worth more than £1 million a year to supply Launceston-based Kensey Foods with all its milk.
The move has been hailed as a big plus for Kensey, with the benefits of a single local source, and as a major boost for Cornish farmers.
“The expansion at Trewithen is great news for us as it means we can now buy all our milk from a single local source,” confirmed Jayne Stonehouse, Kensey Foods’ purchasing manager.
“Historically, we have had to buy milk from all over the UK and Ireland to meet demand during peak season, but now we are guaranteed fresh daily deliveries direct from Lostwithiel.”
Work has now begun on the first phase of an £11.4 million development programme at Trewithen.
The programme is supported by a grant of £5.7 million. This is the biggest awarded to date under the Rural Development Programme for England in South West England, delivered by the South West RDA. Spread over a three-and-a-half year period, the expansion will create 40 new jobs.
“We are thrilled to be building a long-term relationship with Kensey Foods,” said Trewithen managing director Bill Clarke.
“It fits well with our growth plan and in particular our aim of adding value to Cornish milk. It is a big plus for the economy and the environment, with more milk produced and used in Cornwall, securing local jobs and reducing food miles.”
Kensey Foods produces premium chilled desserts and quiches for Tesco and Cadbury, Mrs. Beeton’s, Ginsters and other brands.
Kensey Foods and Ginsters are both owned by Samworth Brothers and Trewithen’s latest deal follows the start last year of its supply of cream and butter to Ginsters.
