The company has added a manufacturing line in its Périgueux plant in France. The new line at Crown Food subsidiary Covi, which became operational in December 2016, has the capacity to produce 50 million (m) 7oz and 12oz cans per year.
Processor Covi, which produces approximately 20m cans of corned beef each year, welcomed the new line.
“This new production capacity will enable us to meet current levels of demand and to capitalise on the many growth opportunities in this sector, in Europe as well as in developing regions such as the Middle East and Africa,” said Patrice Bourigault, managing director of Covi.
Crown Food Europe said that production of corned beef cans has grown from over 10m units in 2013 to almost 25m in 2016, with demand from consumers set to increase further.
“Global meat consumption is projected to increase by more than 4% per person over the next 10 years thanks to more prosperous economies and expanding populations,” said Olivier Aubry, business development and marketing director at Crown Food Europe. “Our new line in Périgueux will add considerable value for our customers.”