GROWING Bridge of Allan-based firm Graham’s The Family Dairy extended its business in the north-east of Scotland, by buying the distribution operation of another family dairy firm Mitchells in Inverurie, in July.
All 21 Mitchells milk retail staff will transfer to Graham’s The Family Dairy.
The move means Graham’s takes over Mitchells distribution to houses, shops, restaurants, hotels and offices in Aberdeenshire.
Graham’s The Family Dairy managing director, Robert Graham, said the company was loking forward to taking Mitchells milk distribution business “to the next level”.
Mitchells was established in 1928 by Agnes and Elijah Mitchell who purchased a small grocery shop in Inverurie, bought milk from local farmers and delivered by horse and cart around the town. The retail business is now in the hands of their grandson Patrick Mitchell, his daughter Judy Whyte and son-in-law Keith Whyte.
Judy Whyte said: “Operating at the scale Mitchells has over recent years has been tough, competing with low prices in the multiples.
“We are pleased to be able to hand over in a smooth transition to Graham’s who are far better placed to progress the business we have built.”
Mitchells will now focus on developing other aspects of its retail business, particularly its dairy shop and tearoom.
• In June Graham’s The Family Dairy, renewed its UK licence to produce and distribute Gold Top milk on behalf of the farming co-operative Quality Milk Producers.
The 25-year agreement also marries the Graham’s Gold Jersey milk brand with the established Gold Top stamp to create a new identity – Graham’s The Family Dairy Gold Top.
It will ensure, the firm said, that Gold Top consumers will still be able to source the product easily while it grows the Graham’s brand south of the border.
