Avara has announced plans to invest more than £100m over the next three years in a bid to strengthen its UK poultry operations, upgrade facilities and “introduce next-generation technology across its supply chain”.
According to the poultry giant, the investment programme will strengthen its poultry model by creating a more efficient, resilient and “future-fit” production network.
This year alone the organisation said it would be ploughing more than £40m into technology and facilities to improve productivity, provide sustainable job opportunities and support long-term retail and foodservice growth.
The development comes amidst widespread concern over British food security. Last week, the National Farmers’ Union released analysis showing the UK’s food self-sufficiency in 10 out of 11 everyday food items was lower now than 30 years ago.
Additionally, fellow poultry giant 2 Sisters attacked the country’s planning system, weak infrastructure and rising costs earlier this month, with 2 Sisters president Ranjit Boparan saying they were “holding us back”.
Commenting on the announcement, Avara CEO Chris Hall said the investment programme would ensure the supplier’s “existing position as a strong and sustainable partner to our customers supplying the affordable locally sourced poultry, produced to high standards, that British consumers demand”.
“This is a major investment in the future of our business and in the resilience of the UK poultry supply chain that reflects confidence in our people, our facilities and the long-term future of UK poultry production,” he continued.
Avara confirmed it would be making significant upgrades to key sites across its chicken supply chain. These involve “next-generation cutting capability”, “new automation” and a pledge to create a more efficient and resilience food supply chain.
“Our customers and consumers need a supply chain that is competitive, reliable and able to grow. Over the last three years we have completed a comprehensive restructuring of our business delivering improved financial performance,” Hall added.
“This investment plan meets the growing consumer demand for affordable, locally sourced poultry produced to high standards, while creating a stronger and more sustainable platform for the future.”
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