Ornua, an Irish dairy group, has announced its plan to sell its powder blending and manufacturing business in the UK. The business, which is part of Ornua Ingredients Europe, is located in Leek, in the English Midlands. The company has negotiated a sale agreement with Roger Wertheim-Aymes, the founder of Aymes, a medical supplement operation. The Leek facility supplies various customers and produces a range of products including dairy ingredients, bakery products, breakfast cereal, sports nutrition, and health and well-being products.
The financial details of the deal were not disclosed. The facility will continue to manufacture products under the trading name Allicio after the completion of the transaction. Ornua’s spokesperson has confirmed that the powder blending factory has 85 employees and that all of them are expected to transfer to Allicio. The deal is planned to be completed later in January, subject to consulting with transferring employees.
The new ownership will focus on growing existing customer relationships at the facility. Ornua Ingredients Europe, on the other hand, will concentrate on enhancing its leadership position as a supplier of innovative and high-quality cheese ingredients to leading food manufacturing, foodservice, and QSR customers. The sale “will not impact Ornua Ingredients Europe’s other sites, nor Ornua Foods UK.” Additionally, Ornua Foods UK’s major cheese cutting and packing plant located in Leek continues to perform strongly and will be the subject of further major capital investment this year.
In October last year, the company invested €40m in a dairy plant in Ireland, aiming to support growth in its global Kerrygold butter brand.
Ornua’s global sales total more than €2.5bn annually. It operates from 15 subsidiaries worldwide and exports to more than 110 countries.
The decision to sell the UK powder blending and manufacturing business reflects Ornua’s strategic focus on strengthening its position in the food and beverage industry. As the company continues to invest in its dairy business, it aims to capitalize on food and beverage industry trends and consumer demand for high-quality products.
