Noble Foods has announced a major investment in an added-value manufacturing site to help expand the consumption of eggs throughout the day.
The company said the move, which sees production begin this summer in Leicestershire, signals its decision to diversify its offering and expand its Consumer Foods business beyond traditional shell egg.
The new 10,000 sq metre manufacturing site will lead to the introduction of a range of pre-prepared foods using eggs. At its peak, the site has the potential to use over 1.6 million eggs per week, Noble revealed, and has the capability for anticipated expansion.
Aimed at the retail, Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) and wholesale markets, foods including omelettes, egg bites and frittatas will be made at the site, with a pipeline of innovative new egg products already in development.
The growth aligns with the Noble Foods’ mission to make eggs more accessible on a broader scale, catering to all meal occasions and consumer preferences.
More formats for eggs
Will Cadbury, added value business lead at Noble Foods, said: “I’m excited that our new investment will help us in our ambition to create more egg-based foods, in different formats, so that more people can enjoy eggs throughout the day.
“We already know that eggs are one of the most versatile and nutritious foods, with the lowest carbon output of any animal protein. This aligns brilliantly with our purpose ‘To better nourish people, animals and planet’ and our investment will really help to accelerate that, by providing more eggs, for more people, on more occasions.”
Phased opening
The Leicestershire manufacturing site, formerly dedicated to producing high-quality desserts, will offer up to 150 jobs in its phased opening and adds to a Noble Foods portfolio that already includes shell and liquid egg, animal feed, poultry, green energy, and agriculture businesses.
“Opening a new facility is a big moment for all of us at Noble Foods and I can’t wait to see the products coming off the line in the coming months,” Cadbury added. “It’s fantastic that our investment will create new jobs in Leicestershire too, and opportunities for colleagues to develop their careers.
“We will be bringing nutritious and convenient products to our customers, several of whom already share our excitement. Combining our deep understanding of farm to fork, along with food and manufacturing experience, gives our customers the confidence they’ll be benefiting from qualities synonymous with Noble Foods.”
David Parker, who joined Noble Foods in September 2022 as commercial development chef, will play a strategic role in steering the added-value venture forwards. “The investment is an incredible addition to our capabilities and will open more opportunities for cooked egg products across the retail and OOH markets”, Parker said.
“We are lucky to supply one of nature’s most nutrient-dense foods which can work across all meal occasions. By combining food trends, along with category and marketing expertise with Noble Foods’ new investment, we are gearing up to launch exciting new meal and snack solutions for the UK consumer market”.