‘Consumers are choosing to make lifestyle changes and demand for high quality, valued added plant-based ingredients.’

UK dairy company Meadow Foods has invested £4m to build a new facility at its Chester site for plant-based products.

The company is one of the UK’s largest independent dairies that operates from four sites in Chester, Peterborough, Holme-on-Spalding Moor and Dolgellau handling in excess of 550 million litres of milk a year and supplying value-added ingredients to some of UK’s best-known food manufacturers.

The new plant-based manufacturing facility is in response to the growing demands of high-quality plant-based products.

“This decision is in direct response to consumers who are choosing to make lifestyle changes and purchase new and innovative products as well as demand from our customers for high quality, valued added plant-based ingredients,” said CEO of Meadow Foods, Mark Chantler.

The investment will allow Meadow Foods to produce a range of plant-based ingredients including milks, creams, yoghurts, and custard before the end of 2020.

The base recipe for the range has been perfected after 12 months of meticulous research and consists of a bespoke blend of oats and rice necessary to achieve the right balance across taste and texture.

Plans to expand its food portfolio with vegan sour creams and soft cheese is also in the works.

Meadow Food’s foray into the plant-based market follows the acquisition of European company Nimbus Foods, which is renowned for manufacturing plant-based decorations, toppings and inclusions.

“We’re excited to be developing our capabilities and capacity to manufacture a range of plant-based products that extend the strength and depth of our product portfolio,” added Chantler.

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