Ambrosia not for sale

Unite, which represents 300 workers at Ambrosia’s factory in Lifton, south Devon, has welcomed the announcement today (February 15) that the owner Premier Foods is no longer seeking to sell the plant.

The future of the factory was at risk when in November 2018 Premier Foods announced that it was seeking a buyer for the factory.

Premier Foods had come under pressure from activist investor Oasis to sell off the Ambrosia brand and plant in Lifton in an effort to tackle its ÂŁ500m debt pile. But since the departure of chief executive Gavin Darby, who first pursued the sale, the company now has said that it will take the brand off the market.

“A number of parties expressed interest in the business, and since the new year the company has been engaged in detailed discussions with a small group of potential buyers,” Premier Foods said in a statement on Friday (February 15).

“The board has concluded that in the present business climate the process will not result in a satisfactory financial outcome. As a result, these discussions have now concluded.”

Unite regional officer Mark Richards called the announcement is “good news for the workforce, who have experienced three months of uncertainty about their future.

“Unite will now be seeking urgent meetings with Premier Foods to seek strict assurances that the company is now fully committed to the long-term future of the factory and its workforce,” he added.

“The Ambrosia factory is a major employer in this part of Devon and its long-term future is vital to the existing workforce and the local community.”

The Ambrosia brand, famous for its Rice Pudding and Devon Custard, is more than a century old and has been produced in Devon since 1958.

Unite has been a firm defender of much-loved consumer goods long produced in local communities that have over time become these communities’ life-blood.

Unite played a central role in saving the future of cider-making in Shepton Mallet after a new buyer was found for the iconic Shepton Mallet Cider Mill, first put up for sale by Irish Drinks giant C&C. New owners Brothers Drinks now works closely with Unite as the workforce continues to grow.