Ed Watts has been appointed chief executive of Ehrmann Cornish Dairy, the company formerly known as Trewithen Dairy, as the German-owned business enters the next phase of its growth strategy in the United Kingdom. The dairy, based at Graymare Farm near Lostwithiel in Cornwall, was acquired by the German dairy giant Ehrmann in 2024 for an undisclosed sum.
New chief executive takes the helm
Mr Watts steps into the role after a period of significant investment in the business, which has now returned to profitable trading. The company said it is focused on establishing the Ehrmann brand in the UK, expanding manufacturing capability and strengthening its position across branded and own-label dairy products.
Mr Watts joins from a strong commercial background, having previously held senior roles at Jacobs Douwe Egberts, Johnson & Johnson, Reckitt and Mars. Most recently, he served as chief commercial officer at Ehrmann Cornish Dairy, where he supported the integration of Cornish Dairy Co into the wider Ehrmann group. His appointment to chief executive reflects the company's confidence in his leadership and its commitment to long-term growth.
Investment in production and innovation
The business is currently investing in a new state-of-the-art desserts facility, which is scheduled for completion by the end of 2026. Alongside this major project, the company is undertaking a programme of initiatives expected to deliver significant cost savings by early next year. These investments are designed to enhance operational efficiency and support the company's ambition to become a leading player in the UK dairy sector.
"This is an incredibly exciting opportunity to lead a business with such strong foundations, exceptional people and genuine ambition," said Mr Watts. "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.
"My vision is for Ehrmann Cornish Dairy to become recognised 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."
Background of the acquisition
Trewithen Dairy was a well-known Cornish brand, run by the Clarke family since 1976. When Ehrmann acquired the business two years ago, the deal was hailed as securing the jobs of its 260 staff. The former owners, Bill and Rachel Clarke, retired after the sale was completed, while their son, Francis, remained with the business as chief procurement officer.
The acquisition marked a significant move for Ehrmann, a company with more than 100 years of history and a strong presence in Europe. At the time of the deal, bosses pledged to grow sales of Trewithen's portfolio of branded and own-label Cornish dairy products, and the appointment of Mr Watts as chief executive is seen as a key step in delivering that promise.
Growth strategy and future outlook
With the return to profitability, Ehrmann Cornish Dairy is now looking to expand its footprint in the competitive UK dairy market. The company's strategy focuses on three pillars: establishing the Ehrmann brand, increasing manufacturing capacity, and building lasting relationships with customers, farmers and retail partners.
The investment in the desserts facility is central to this plan, allowing the company to produce a wider range of products and meet growing consumer demand for quality dairy desserts. The anticipated cost savings will provide additional resources for innovation and market development.
As the business moves forward under Mr Watts's leadership, observers will be watching to see how Ehrmann Cornish Dairy positions itself against established UK dairy giants. With a strong heritage in Cornwall, a committed workforce and the backing of a global parent company, the prospects for growth appear promising. The company's aim to become one of the top three dairy names in the UK is ambitious, but with the investments already underway and a clear strategic direction, it is a target that Mr Watts believes is within reach.
