The cheese packing equipment was acquired for an undisclosed sum from the liquidators of Wrexham-based Bridgehead Food Partners which ceased trading at the end of November.
Belton Farm said it hoped this purchase would ensure that the packing of its speciality cheese, previously undertaken by Bridgehead Foods, would be maintained and would secure continuity of supply for Belton’s customers.
The purchase of the cheese-packing equipment will see the creation of Belton Packing & Logistics Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Belton Farm Group Limited, which will operate from the existing Wrexham site. However, it is not expected to impact on Belton Farm’s existing relationships with other cheese-packing suppliers, which will continue to handle the majority of its cheese- packing requirements.
Justin Beckett, managing director of Belton Farm said: “The purchase provides us with the specialist capability to cut and pack our own traditional artisan British cheese. It will ensure continuity of supply for our customers of cheese that was formerly packed by Bridgehead Foods and will complement the strong ongoing relationships we have with other cheese packers. Indeed, it should be stressed that, first and foremost, Belton Farm will remain focused on being an award-winning maker of great-tasting classic and contemporary British cheese rather than being a major packer or consolidator.”
Meanwhile, Scottish dairy Graham’s reported a strong year of sales, which it attributed to the introduction of several new products to its range. Dairy Crest also saw an increase in sales when reporting its half-year results, thanks to the success of its core brands such as Cathedral City and Clover.
