24.03.06
Cornish poultry brand hits the shelves

The only large scale supplier of Cornish poultry has made a successful launch on the market and can count a prestigious Michelin starred restaurant amongst its customers after receiving investment from Business Link Devon and Cornwall.

Cornish Poultry Ltd, based in Slaughtersbridge, Camelford has taken over a 20,000 sq ft purpose built facility. The company is currently supplying local quality independent butchers in Cornwall and is looking to see the market grow significantly in the next few years.

The chickens are all sourced from local farms but as managing director Alan Gilchrist explains, with demand so high, they will soon be looking to bring more producers on board. "Recently, we've experienced a huge amount of interest in the product and have been able to see the potential demand for it. For us now, it's a case of meeting that interest and showing customers, sometimes for the first time, what quality we can bring to the industry. It's obvious that there's a huge demand in the region for the high quality locally sourced poultry we can provide."

Alan continued: "Ewan McClymont at Bishop Fleming Chartered Accountants first put me in touch with Business Link Devon and Cornwall and the funding I received from them has been essential in updating the facilities here and securing the long term future of the business. We've invested the money in up-to-date equipment, capable of processing larger quantities of birds. In another few years we're looking to raise production and create another 10-20 jobs on top of the 20 that are already in existence."

Chef Paul Ripley, owner of Michelin Star rated Ripley's Restaurant in St Merryn said: "We try to source as many of our ingredients as locally as possible and it's great that there's now a provision for fresh poultry within Cornwall. Food provenance is becoming an increasingly important issue for people when they cook at home – but even more so when they are eating out."

Graham Woolcock, manager of Business Link Devon and Cornwall's Food and Drink Programme said the company had spotted a huge gap in the market. "At the moment it's fairly easy to source good quality red meat within Devon and Cornwall, but outlets looking for poultry on a large scale have up until now had to go further a field. Cornish Poultry branded birds will be introduced to the market in the next couple of months which will really help customers make an informed choice about how they source their meat. I think, especially when issues like the recent bird flu scare arise, it's reassuring for consumers to be able to pinpoint exactly where the meat they are eating has travelled from, and in this case they can trace it back to the individual farm."

Business development manager at Bishop Fleming, Ewan McClymont put together the company's business plan and helped them with access to further investment. He said: "We are delighted to have been able to assist Alan and his team with their funding package and wish them every success for the future."

Jason Knights, inward investment manager with Cornish Pure Business added: "We are delighted that Cornish Poultry has decided to relocate their business in the county and are doing so well. It demonstrates the value of such a resource and infrastructure ready for investment through the Objective One Programme. Cornish Poultry are further evidence that the food and drink sector in the county continues to grow in strength and diversity."

For further information please contact press officer Maxine McAdams on 01566 771862 or email: mmcadams@marketing-pr.co.uk.

The Objective One Programme for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly has invested in Business Link through the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and the European Agricultural Guidance and Guarantee Fund (EAGGF). The Programme has also invested in Cornwall Pure Business through the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).

Editor's notes:

Business Link provides a free information and enquiry service via an information gateway on the web www.bldc.co.uk and via the telephone on 0845 600 9966 to all businesses and those considering starting a business. Additionally It provides impartial business advice and support through a network of partner organisations, which it co-ordinates, and a register of independent business practitioners. Business Link for Devon and Cornwall delivers the national Business Link service to the region under contract from the South West RDA. Business Link has received Objective One investment (European Regional Development Fund and EAGGF) to help companies improve performance and grow.

Cornwall Pure Business is an initiative of Cornwall Enterprise and is designed as a red carpet service to target and attract inward investment in key sectors through a co-ordinated one stop service for businesses. The service will bring together all marketing and support activity for inward investment to promote a clear and positive image of the Cornwall as a place to do business. Cornwall Pure Business has been developed to work in close liaison with Business Link Devon & Cornwall, the South West of England Regional Development Agency, the Combined Universities in Cornwall and the range of other business support initiatives which are available in Cornwall.

Clare Morgan
Media Relations Manager
Objective One Partnership Office
Castle House
Pydar Street
Truro TR1 2UD
Mobile: 07973 813647
Telephone: 01872 223439

cmorgan@cornwall.gov.uk

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