Ed Watts has assumed the role of CEO at Ehrmann Cornish Dairy, effective immediately. The company encompasses both the Bavarian-based Ehrmann and the Cornish Dairy Co., previously known as Trewithen Dairy, after its acquisition of the latter in 2024.
Watts transitions to this leadership position after serving as chief commercial officer for the past 18 months. He contributes over two decades of experience in leadership roles within notable FMCG companies, including senior positions at Johnson & Johnson, Reckitt, and Mars. Before his arrival at Ehrmann Cornish Dairy in 2025, he held the position of UK commercial director at JDE Peet’s.
This leadership change coincides with the dairy’s ongoing efforts to effectively integrate the Cornish Dairy Co. as it embarks on the next phase of its long-term strategy aimed at becoming a prominent dairy producer in the UK.
The Cornish Dairy Co. had faced some financial hurdles amid challenging market conditions; however, after substantial investments in its operations, the company has successfully turned its performance around.
The organization is now set on fostering sustainable growth, establishing the Ehrmann brand in the UK market, enhancing its manufacturing capabilities, and solidifying its presence in both branded and private-label dairy sectors.
In his new position, Watts will spearhead the execution of Ehrmann Cornish Dairy’s comprehensive turnaround and development strategy, maintaining a focus on investments in production, innovation, and operational efficiency.
This initiative includes the construction of a new dessert production facility expected to be operational by the end of 2026, as well as a range of efficiency projects anticipated to generate significant cost savings by early 2027.
“This is an incredibly exciting opportunity to lead a business with such strong foundations, exceptional people and genuine ambition. We’ve already made significant progress in stabilising the business, investing in our operations and building long-term partnerships with customers and farmers, and now we’re focused on accelerating that momentum,” Watts stated.
“My vision is for Ehrmann Cornish Dairy to become recognized as one of the top three dairy companies in the UK. We have the scale, expertise and investment behind us to achieve that, and by continuing to innovate, investing in our manufacturing capabilities and delivering outstanding products for both branded and own-label customers, I’m confident we can establish ourselves as one of the defining businesses in the UK dairy sector,” he added.
Watts’s appointment comes in the wake of Paul Berne’s departure from the company earlier this year. After a decade in the food and beverage industry, Bern shifted his career towards sports and is now leading Plymouth Argyle Football Club as CEO.
