CornwallLive readers are outraged after it was revealed that a traditional Cornish brand has been sold to a German company. Trewithen Dairy, the renowned Cornish clotted cream maker, has been bought by Ehrmann, a well-known German dairy company.
Trewithen Dairy, based at Greymare Farm in the Glynn Valley, was established in 1976 and has been owned since then. Clotted cream lovers have been giving their opinion in our comments section and while some see the good side of the offering, others are not so happy with the sale.
One said such a sale was “never a good thing” and others suggested it would soon be moved to Germany, leaving Cornwall with one less clotted cream maker. Read on to find out what CornwallLive readers had to say about the sale.
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DAVIDKC writes: “Well, I hope they continue to make proper clotted cream; it’s much better than the solid stuff the bigger brands make these days.”
Dk_redruth says: “Being sold to foreign owners is never a good thing. Unfortunately there is hardly anything left in this country.” Pussinbootz points out: “Rowes Pasties have also been out of Cornwall for some time, there are probably more, business is business.” Cheriese Otley agrees: “It is still made in Cornwall and creates more jobs.”
Woody_1961 disagrees: “Foreign ownership is a fantastic thing. It shows that a global company wants to invest in the UK. Since Brexit, there is much more evidence of this.”
Teapot2 worried: “I’m pretty sure I can predict the future. In about six months, production will be quietly moved to Germany (citing cost issues), all jobs will be lost and the factory will be declared a brownfield site. This will ensure that planning permission is easily granted for hundreds of houses that no one will be able to buy locally because there will be no jobs after the factory is sold. Cadburys did the same thing in Bristol!”
Triggerandhisdoggo is looking forward to it: “I have never tried German cake and pudding before, but both me and my dog are excited to try them out!”
Over Facebook Stephen Bricknell says: “Well, now we have German clotted cream from Cornwall. And what’s next? CornwallLive broadcasting from Iceland??” Gary Bilkey agrees: “It’s always the same. Any successful company is always bought up by foreign investors. We don’t keep anything in this country.”
Sue Sainsbury writes: “What’s wrong with you sceptics? The article says the factory is staying, so there’s still Cornish Cream! I’m glad overseas companies are investing in Cornwall, I think that’s a positive thing.” Rosie Blowman agrees: “They also said the 260 jobs at Trewithen are secure for the future, while more jobs could be created to accommodate the £20 million expansion plans.” Why are people reacting sadly to this? It’s good news!”
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Jeremy Gist says: “So you said after Brexit nobody would want to invest in Cornwall. It’s still Cornwall and it’s a massive injection of money, so it’s not all negative.”
Tom Walvin is also satisfied: “They will continue to produce their normal products, they will continue to produce their branded products. Just because the management is German doesn’t mean they will change the products, does it?”
The dairy, located in the Glynn Valley, will be expanded to begin production of cakes and puddings, which are among the specialties Ehrmann exports to the UK market. Ehrmann management expects Trewithen Dairy to contribute up to 15 percent of annual global sales.
They have also given assurances that the 260 jobs at Trewithen will be maintained and that there is the possibility of creating additional jobs to support the £20 million expansion effort.
Olliewilks likes the news: “This is not good news for Cornwall. The dairy is expanding and bringing more jobs to the area. A success story and yet people are still complaining. – Unbelievable.” woody_1961 agrees: “Great news for Liskeard, great news for Cornwall. FANTASTIC!”
Cornishbusiness says: “It’s been like this since Trewithin stopped supplying small businesses in Cornwall with three days’ notice. Unfortunately many of us have now had to use national rather than local suppliers. A real shame, another Cornish business now focusing on national opportunities rather than what’s best for Cornwall, although additional jobs are welcome.”
What do you think about this news? Are you worried that your favorite clotted cream might lose its flavor? Let us know your thoughts in our comments section.