Pembrokeshire Creamery: A New Era for Welsh Dairy Industry
The Welsh dairy industry celebrated a significant milestone on 2 July 2024, with the official opening of the Pembrokeshire Creamery, the first and only BRCGS accredited liquid milk facility in Wales.
This state-of-the-art facility marks a transformative step for Welsh milk production and processing, offering numerous benefits for local farmers, retailers, and consumers alike.
Pembrokeshire Creamery, strategically located within the Pembrokeshire Food Park, represents a landmark achievement in reducing food miles and enhancing supply chain efficiency.
By processing milk locally, the creamery eliminates the need to transport Welsh milk to bottling plants in England, thereby significantly reducing the environmental impact and supporting sustainability goals.
The new facility has already created approximately 80 jobs and has the capacity to bottle over 1 million litres of milk per week. It recently secured major supply deals with Asda and Lidl stores across Wales, ensuring that consumers can enjoy authentic Welsh milk processed and bottled within their own country.
What will be even more impressive is that as the creamery ramps up to full capacity, it will be able to supply around 2 million litres of milk per week.
The establishment of Pembrokeshire Creamery has been bolstered by substantial support from the Welsh Government and Pembrokeshire County Council, who initially formed a joint venture to create the Pembrokeshire Food Park.
Further backing came in the form of £5 million in grant funding through the Food Business Investment Scheme and an additional £1.4 million from the Food Business Accelerator Scheme.
To date, nearly £20 million has been invested in the site, underscoring the commitment to processing milk that is farmed, bottled, and sold in Wales.
The managing director of Pembrokeshire Creamery expressed pride in the facility’s early successes, highlighting the positive impact on employees and dairy farmers. They stated that this has been a great opportunity to celebrate their achievements and what they mean for their people and partners.
They went on to add that they are creating new markets for authentic Welsh milk and fulfilling their mission to deliver sustainably sourced milk, bottled right here in Wales, while offering fair and transparent prices to farmers.
Additionally, Pembrokeshire Creamery plans to enhance its production capabilities further with the development of a second milk processing line and the introduction of automated trolley fillers, promising even greater efficiency and output in the near future.
The Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs praised the new facility, noting that it aligns with the Welsh Government’s commitment to the dairy sector. They expressed that they are delighted that Pembrokeshire Creamery has started processing Welsh milk for Lidl and Asda.
They added further that this investment ensures that Welsh consumers can buy Welsh milk produced and processed in Wales, supporting their vision for growth, productivity, and sustainability within the Food and Drink industry.
The new facility’s impact is multifaceted. By providing a local bottling solution, it supports Welsh dairy farmers by ensuring they receive a fair and transparent price for their milk. This initiative is not only about economic benefits but also about preserving the local farming heritage and contributing to the community’s well-being.
Moreover, the environmental benefits of reduced food miles are significant. Transporting milk over shorter distances reduces carbon emissions, aligning with broader environmental goals and the push for greener supply chains. Pembrokeshire Creamery’s efforts resonate with the growing consumer demand for locally sourced and sustainably produced food.
In conclusion, the opening of Pembrokeshire Creamery represents a significant leap forward for the Welsh dairy industry. With strong governmental support and a clear commitment to sustainability and local sourcing, this new facility not only benefits the local economy and farming communities but also ensures that Welsh consumers have access to high-quality, locally processed milk.
As Pembrokeshire Creamery continues to grow and innovate, it sets a new standard for the future of milk processing in Wales, highlighting the importance of local production in fostering a sustainable and prosperous agricultural sector.
News Credits: Pembrokeshire Creamery opened after creating 80 jobs
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