Belton Farm announces major £1.25m investment plan

Belton Farm, an independent producer of award-winning British regional cheese, has announced a £1.25m capital investment programme to upscale and upgrade further the capabilities of its Shropshire-based dairy.

The move is set to complement the strong demand being experienced by Belton for its growing range of classic and contemporary British cheese, both at home and overseas.

The major investment will deliver greater production flexibility and productivity in line with Belton’s strategic development plan. It will include a significant upgrading of the dairy’s whey processing plant and milk standardisation capabilities.

The latest investment comes at a time when Belton Farm is experiencing a year of significant growth across a range of leading UK retailers, specialist cheesemongers and
delicatessen customers. While at the same time, it is also reporting strong export growth - particularly in the USA - driven by sales of its Belton Farm and Red and White Fox brands.

With the investment programme commencing and further growth forecast, Belton is now looking to recruit additional milk producers to its 80-strong dedicated group of local dairy farmers.

Commenting on the Belton Farm investment, Justin Beckett, managing director, said, “This latest site investment is fully in line with our strategic growth plan. It will enhance our production capabilities, increase our efficiencies and future proof the business. While, to complement our growth agenda, we’re now looking to recruit a small number of additional farmers to join our select milk producer group.

“We want farmers who wish to be part of a British family-owned dairy business that is growing and ambitious for the future, and who share our values and standards.”