Noble Foods, the UK's leading egg producer, is embarking on its next venture with a substantial investment in an added-value manufacturing site, according to a company-issued press release. In addition to recent acquisitions in animal feed and agriculture, this strategic move, set to begin production in the summer in Leicestershire, signifies Noble Foods' decision to diversify its offerings and expand its Consumer Foods business beyond traditional shell egg.

As the leader in the egg industry, Noble Foods aims to build on its legacy at the new 10,000 SQM manufacturing site by introducing 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.

Aimed at the retail, Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) and wholesale market, 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.

"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," said Will Cadbury, Added Value Business Lead at Noble Foods.

“We already know that eggs are one of the most versatile and nutritious foods, with the lowest carbon output of any animal protein," he added. “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.”

The Leicestershire manufacturing site, formerly dedicated to producing high-quality desserts, will offer up to 150 jobs in its phased opening and adds a new dimension to Noble Foods' diverse portfolio, which already includes shell and liquid egg, animal feed, poultry, green energy, and agriculture businesses. This expansion reflects Noble Foods' commitment to future-proofing egg usage for both British farmers and consumers.

“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," said Cadbury. "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."

Driven by the growing demand for high-quality, low-carbon protein options, this added-value venture marks an exciting new chapter for Noble Foods. The company, renowned for its dedication to quality, service and sustainability, anticipates that the new facility will play a pivotal role in meeting evolving consumer preferences.

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," he said. 

“We are lucky to supply one of nature’s most nutrient dense foods which can work across all meal occasions," Parker added. "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."

Crucially, the site has the capability for anticipated expansion. An exciting factor which Noble Foods is readying itself for, to offer customers the scale and variety expected of the UK’s leading egg producer. In addition to manufacturing capability, the site’s opening and long-term expansion plans will offer career opportunities for the local area.