The proof’s in the pudding: creamery brings boost to the south west

There's big demand for Britain's much-loved custard and rice puddings - so much so that Premier Foods has invested more than £12 million into its Ambrosia Creamery in Devon and recently created over 20 new jobs.

Food Minister George Eustice visited the creamery today to see first-hand the results of investment in the site - which now brings £30 million to the local economy each year and employs more than 300 people.

The factory has also recruited four new engineering apprentices in a bid to encourage young people into the food and drink sector. The investment boost has meant new and improved factory equipment - allowing the creamery to churn out hundreds of millions of the delicious desserts every year, using 67 million litres of British milk in the process.

Commenting on the visit, George Eustice said: "Our food manufacturing sector generates over £100 billion for the economy and is bigger than cars and aerospace combined. Premier Foods is a great example of a business which is investing in technology and skills to drive growth.
"They're also investing in one of our most important assets - our people. I want our food and drink sector to be seen as a top career destination, with a wide range of opportunities. These jobs and apprenticeships for Devon will help ensure every part of Britain benefits from a growing economy."

In the past few months, the Ambrosia brand has benefitted from a multi-million pound marketing campaign, following the launch of new Ambrosia Deluxe custards made with regional ingredients like West Country clotted cream and Ambrosia frozen custard, the first of its kind on the market.

Gavin Darby, Premier Foods CEO, added: "We're delighted to have the opportunity to show the Minister the investment we're making to grow our Ambrosia brand, as well as the important contribution we make to the regional economy in Devon and the south west. As Ambrosia approaches its centenary year, we feel very confident about the future."