In response to growing sales of its gluten-free oat drink, the firm said the planned development is key to further business growth.

A spokeswoman told the food manufactory that the rise of a wider plant – based and healthy diet made the move an obvious decision.

“This falls to an increase in plant-based beverage consumption,” she said. You only have to look in the shops to see the explosion of the sector.”

The new development in Cambridgeshire, which still has no completion date, will see a complete overhaul of the structure, with the latest equipment built to the firm’s specifications.

“We are Europe’s largest producer, Miller and producer of certified gluten – free oats, supplying UK-grown oats of the highest quality to more than 30 countries,” said Rebecca Rayner, managing Director of Glebe Farm Foods.

Look at the philosophy shelf

“Our on-the-shelf seed philosophy is Central to our business and as oat drinks, especially oat drinks, continues to evolve, it is very important that we invest in our site, which is why we have invested several million pounds in the future proof of our business .  

“Work has begun on a new physical structure and we have the latest machines currently being built to our specifications and ready for installation within the next few months, giving us increased capacity to produce our oatmeal beverage to meet this demand.”

As previously reported by Food Manufacture, the Chilled foods Association (CFA) reported continued sales growth in the sector, with a surge in vegetarian and healthy options significantly boosting the rise.