Arla Foods Launches £179M Mozzarella Facility in Devon
Arla Foods, the UK’s largest dairy cooperative and a global leader in cheese production, has officially begun construction on its £179 million mozzarella production facility in North Tawton, Devon. Scheduled to become operational by 2027, the facility will significantly expand Arla’s capacity to produce mozzarella for pizza toppings, targeting growth in international dairy exports.
The new plant is part of a broader strategic push by Arla Foods to solidify its role in the global dairy value chain, following its announcement of over EUR 1 billion in global investments in 2024.
Supporting British Dairy and Local Employment
The investment will enhance operations at the Taw Valley Creamery, introducing cutting-edge production technology and creating over 100 new skilled jobs, including roles for apprentices. Arla’s UK VP of Production, Fran Ball, described the project as a milestone that showcases British dairy innovation and Arla’s role in shaping its future.
In addition, Arla plans to invest £90 million into its Lockerbie plant to strengthen domestic supply resilience.
Arla Foods: Global Dairy Powerhouse
Headquartered in Denmark, Arla Foods is one of Europe’s largest dairy companies and a cooperative owned by over 9,000 farmers. The company is a top exporter of dairy products including butter, cheese, and milk powders, with strong markets in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.
Mozzarella is among Arla’s fastest-growing product lines, driven by rising demand from the global foodservice and frozen pizza sectors. The Devon investment will increase the UK’s share of Arla’s mozzarella output, helping meet growing demand across Italy, Germany, the US, and China.
In 2024, the UK dairy export value exceeded £2.1 billion, with cheese exports contributing £810 million, up 13% year-on-year. Arla’s new plant is poised to capture a significant portion of this momentum.
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