Cornish processor Trewithen Dairy has continued its rapid expansion with another year of double-digit growth despite the ongoing challenges in dairy.
The business, which won SME Brand of the Year at the Grocer Gold awards last year and also climbed the rankings in the latest Grocer Fast 50, increased sales 10% to £35m in the 12 months to 30 April 2015.
Operating profit climbed 20% to £332,000, and pre-tax profits jumped from £145,000 to £205,000.
Trewithen chairman and owner Bill Clarke put the performance down to a growing customer base, as well as benefits from a £11.4m new processing site. “We made good progress in growing sales of our branded and customer-label milk, butter and clotted cream to an increasing number of customers, including major retailers, symbol groups, wholesalers and foodservice operations,” he said.
“The dairy product market remains highly competitive and our investment in the new dairy will continue to show benefits in the future.”
Trewithen has undergone a rebranding in recent years, consolidating its milk, butter, cream and yoghurt products, increasing its workforce to more than 160 staff and expanding its pool of farms to 27 to reinforce its position as Cornwall’s largest milk bottler.
“In the current year, against the backdrop of a very difficult and volatile dairy market, the business is continuing to perform satisfactorily and we are witnessing strong sales growth from existing and new customers,” Clarke added. “We are continuing to invest in the growth and development of the Trewithen Dairy brand, expanding its sales and distribution, enhancing its product range and increasing our award-winning, innovative marketing activity.”
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