Construction of the UK’s first sea salt plant that harvests direct from the ocean has begun in a unique location at Porthkerris on the Lizard Peninsula, following a six figure investment that will create up to 15 jobs in the region.
The Cornish Sea Salt Company will be producing a flaky, white culinary sea salt that will be certified-organic and hand-harvested from the clear Atlantic waters of Cornwall and is a purer, healthier and tastier alternative to traditional table salt.
The project got the go-ahead following a financial deal with Finance Cornwall, the YFM Group managed South West Ventures Fund, Bank of Scotland and the South West Investment Group.
Tony Fraser, Managing Director and resident of St Keverne, has worked on the idea for nearly 3 years and built on his experience as a natural resource specialist. His idea for the project came about after visiting an Iron Age salt production site on the coast of the Lizard. He set up the Cornish Sea Salt Company with the aim to establish the first ever sea salt facility in the UK to harvest directly from the ocean.
Tony stated, “Cornish Sea Salt Co will be providing employment for up to 15 local people and will utilize sustainable, energy efficient and environmentally sound methods. We have had tremendous support from the local community and we want to be a business that they can be proud of.”
“Deeply rooted in Cornwall, Cornish Sea Salt Co values its Cornish provenance and the brand will focus on Cornwall’s heritage and fresh, clean coastline,” says Ellie Bradshaw, Marketing Director for Cornish Sea Salt. “Born and bred in Cornwall, I am thrilled to be part of this new and exciting venture that will add to Cornwall’s already diverse and interesting culinary and gastronomic reputation. It is our intention to work closely with local retailers and chefs alike to bring Cornish Sea Salt to your table in the Autumn.”
Robert Seymour, Managing Director of Finance Cornwall, said: “We are always delighted to invest in projects that create or safeguard jobs in the region and are sustainable and environmentally sound. In addition it is great to be behind a brand that I have no doubt will grow and appear on shopping lists around the world.”
The project has already received support from Natural England, the National Trust, The Environment Agency and consequently Kerrier District Council.
Ends
Dated 24/07/07
Notes to editors
Cornish Sea Salt Co has received equity investment from funds managed by Finance Cornwall and from the YFM group managed South West Venture Fund.
Finance Cornwall is part funded by the EU through the Objective One Programme for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly and is a £20m venture investment fund targeting small and medium sized enterprises in this region with a range of equity, mezzanine and debt capital.
Finance Cornwall Fund Managers Limited is an investment company authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority registered in England and Wales, number 05010380, registered address 14 High Cross, Truro, Cornwall, TR1 2AJ.
The YFM group managed South West Venture Fund is a £25m Regional Venture Capital Fund which supports SMEs across the South West region and is authorized and regulated by the FSA.
John Nicholls Builders from Goonhavern are constructing the sea salt plant.
Contact:
For further information please contact:
Christian Konig or Ana Catarina de Neiva
Samphire Public Relations, for Cornish Sea Salt:
T: 020 7616 8484
E: christian@samphireuk.com / catarina@samphireuk.com
M: 07710146740
Or Stuart Elford
Formedia Limited for Finance Cornwall
T: 01752 762121
E: stuart@formedia.co.uk
M: 07796 957677 |
