French margarine business St Hubert is increasing capacity to meet demand in France and Italy.

St Hubert is to up capacity at its plant in Ludres by 15% as part of an investment programme of almost EUR3m. The expansion is scheduled to come on stream next month. 

The company accounts for 39% of France’s margarine sales, with the plant producing over 35,000 tonnes of vegetable fats annually. Its Italian subsidiary, Valle, is a leading player in that market.

Acquired by Montagu Private Equity from UK firm Dairy Crest last year, St Hubert posted turnover for the 12 months to end the end of March of EUR136m, reflecting annual growth of 5% over the past five years.