Cornwall dairy bought by German food giant

Ehrmann group will invest £20m in a new production facility at Trewithen

Cornwall's Trewithen Dairy has been bought by leading German dairy company, Ehrmann group.

Bosses at Trewithen said the deal - for an undisclosed amount - would deliver job security for its 260 plus employees.

They added a £20m investment by Ehrmann would help fund a new desserts production facility and ensure a secure market for Cornish dairy farmers.

Trewithen Dairy has been owned and run by the Clarke family at Graymare Farm near Lostwithiel since 1976, producing cream, milk, butter and yoghurt.

'Safe hands'

A statement on Trewithen Dairy's website said the acquisition by the Ehrmann group would "provide a strong platform for the further expansion of Ehrmann’s range of branded dairy desserts into the UK market".

"Throughout our discussions with Ehrmann, it has been clear that we share complementary visions and values," the statement said.

"This, together with Ehrmann’s exciting plans to invest in the dairy, makes us very confident that the business and its position as being a leading light in the Cornish dairy sector is in safe hands for the future."

The company said Trewithen's founders, Bill and Rachel Clarke would be retiring from the business, with their son, Francis, becoming chief procurement officer.

The business will continue to be known as Trewithen Dairy.

The Ehrmann group is one of the largest milk processing companies in Germany.

Its website says it employs more than 2,400 staff and sells its products to more than 70 countries, worldwide.