Avara Foods, the joint venture formed by Faccenda Foods and US-based Cargill, is investing heavily to reinforce its UK poultry business and modernise its existing sites.
The programme will introduce “next-generation” technology across the company’s supply chain, including “next-generation cutting capability” and “new automation”. Avara also plans to improve efficiency and strengthen the security of the food supply network.
During 2026, the manufacturer expects to allocate £40 million to new technology and site improvements. The investment is intended to increase productivity, create “sustainable job opportunities” and support future expansion across the retail and foodservice sectors.
The announcement comes after a period of heightened concern about the resilience of the UK food supply chain. Research from the National Farmers’ Union (NFU) found that the country’s level of food self-sufficiency had declined across 10 of 11 categories compared with 30 years ago.
Those concerns echo criticism from poultry competitor 2 Sisters Food Group. Its owner and president, Ranjit Boparan, has challenged the UK’s planning system, infrastructure and the broader cost base faced by manufacturers.
The investment also reflects wider food and beverage industry trends, including the need to respond to changing food manufacturing trends, advances in food processing technology and evolving food distribution trends. At the same time, businesses are placing greater emphasis on food and drink industry innovation, food and drink sustainability, food and drink regulations, food and drink packaging, food and drink marketing and shifting food and drink consumer trends.
Speaking to sister publication The Grocer, which first reported the development, Avara chief executive Chris Hall said the programme would reinforce the company’s “existing position as a strong and sustainable partner to our customers supplying the affordable locally sourced poultry, produced to high standards, that British consumers demand”.
“This is a major investment in the future of our business and in the resilience of the UK poultry supply chain that reflects confidence in our people, our facilities and the long-term future of UK poultry production.”
He added: “Our customers and consumers need a supply chain that is competitive, reliable and able to grow. Over the last three years we have completed a comprehensive restructuring of our business, delivering improved financial performance.
“This investment plan meets the growing consumer demand for affordable, locally sourced poultry produced to high standards, while creating a stronger and more sustainable platform for the future.”