Avara announces £100m investment in UK poultry

Avara is to invest more than £100m in its UK poultry operations over the next three years, with the programme focused on upgrading facilities, increasing automation and strengthening the domestic food supply chain.

The poultry producer said more than £40m will be invested during the current financial year in technology and facilities, with the wider programme designed to improve productivity, increase capacity and support growth across retail and food service.

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Avara said the investment would also support more sustainable margins, allowing continued reinvestment in the business.

The company supplies chicken and turkey to major supermarkets and restaurants and said the programme would help meet consumer demand for affordable poultry produced to high standards under UK oversight.

Planned upgrades include next-generation cutting capability, new automation and improvements across key sites in Avara’s chicken supply chain.

The company said the investment will create a more efficient and resilient production network, while supporting skilled employment in modern food manufacturing.

UK poultry confidence

Avara chief executive Chris Hall said the programme would strengthen the business as a supplier of affordable, locally sourced poultry.

“This ambitious UK investment programme ensures Avara builds on its existing position as a strong and sustainable partner to our customers,” he added.

Mr Hall said the investment reflected confidence in Avara’s workforce, facilities and the long-term future of UK poultry production.

The company said it had completed a comprehensive restructuring over the past three years, resulting in improved financial performance.

The latest investment programme is intended to simplify its operating model, reduce duplication and provide greater capacity at sites with scope for growth.