Premier Foods, Eustace

Food minister George Eustice visited Premier Foods’ Devon site this week to see the results of the brand’s £12m investment in its Ambrosia Creamery.

The revamped site – which brings £30m to the local economy and employs more than 300 people, according to Premier – has created 20 extra jobs and brought in new factory equipment, and it recently recruited four engineering apprentices in a bid to encourage young people into the food and drink sector.

The UK’s food manufacturing sector generates in excess of £100bn for the economy, more than the automobile and aerospace industries combined, claimed Eustice.

“Premier is a great example of a business that is investing in technology and skills to drive growth,” he added. “These jobs and apprenticeships for Devon will help ensure every part of Britain benefits from a growing economy.”

Earlier this year, Premier announced a £3.2m media spend for the Ambrosia brand.

“As Ambrosia approaches its centenary year, we feel very confident about the future,” said Gavin Darby, Premier Foods CEO.