With production set to begin in the summer, the investment comes as part of the firm’s decision to offer a more diverse array of products and expand its consumer foods business beyond traditional eggs.
The new 10,000 square metre site will produce a range of pre-prepared foods and has the capacity to process more than 1.6m eggs per week at its peak.
Noble Foods is targeting the retail, quick service restaurant (QSR) and wholesale markets with products such as omelettes, egg bites and frittatas set to be made at the site. Meanwhile, the firm has a pipeline of new egg-products already in development.
The Leicestershire site also has the capability for anticipated expansion as the added value part of the business scales. Formerly dedicated to producing desserts, the converted site will create up to 150 jobs across its phased opening.
‘New facility is a big moment for Noble Foods’
Will Cadbury, added value business lead at Noble Foods, said the firm is excited about the investment and the possibility of bringing new products to market for consumers to enjoy.
“We already know that eggs are one of the most versatile and nutritious foods, with the lowest carbon output of any animal protein”, continued Cadbury.
“Opening a new facility is a big moment for all of us at Noble Foods and I can’t wait to see the products coming off the line in the coming months. It’s fantastic that our investment will create new jobs in Leicestershire too, and opportunities for colleagues to develop their careers.
“We will be bringing nutritious and convenient products to our customers, several of whom already share our excitement. Combining our deep understanding of farm to fork, along with food and manufacturing experience, gives our customers the confidence they’ll be benefiting from qualities synonymous with Noble Foods.”
David Parker, a commercial development chef who joined Noble Foods in September 2022, will also play a strategic role in the development of the added-value venture.
“The investment is an incredible addition to our capabilities and will open more opportunities for cooked egg products across the retail and OOH markets”, said Parker.
“We are lucky to supply one of nature’s most nutrient dense foods which can work across all meal occasions. By combining food trends, along with category and marketing expertise with Noble Foods’ new investment, we are gearing up to launch exciting new meal and snack solutions for the UK consumer market”.
In other news, animal feed producer I’Anson has made a senior appointment ahead of the opening of its £20m mill.
