STIRLINGSHIRE-based Graham’s The Family Dairy says its sales and distribution growth in recent years means that almost half of Scotland’s households purchase one of its products at least once a year. The firm is still looking for more, however, and plans to expand include the proposed development of a £20m dairy.
Managing director Robert Graham said: “Research from Kantar Worldpanel confirmed that more than 1.1m Scottish shoppers now purchase a Graham’s product at least once a year, almost half the households in Scotland.
“This contributed to our brand reaching number seven in the top 40 Scottish take-home food and drink brands in Scotland.”
He continued: “We are excited about the prospect of creating a purpose-built dairy that will enable a significant step change in our business.
“This will be incredibly important for the long-term future of the dairy industry in Scotland.
“It is subject to the outcome of our Airthrey Green development proposals currently with Stirling Council but the dairy would accommodate a new product development research facility and the creation up to 450 jobs including 50 local apprenticeships.”
Last year, Graham’s took over the milk distribution of Inverurie-based Mitchells Dairy and entered into a retail agreement to supply products to Scotmid stores in Scotland.
Robert Graham said: “Like us, Scotmid is rooted in Scottish communities while focused on exceptional consumer service and we really appreciate the opportunity to work with them to give consumers increased access to our range of products.”
And he said: “As farmers ourselves who continue to milk our own cows we understand the pressures farmers face.
“We are about to launch a new balancing scheme where our farmers will have the option to produce a certain amount for the liquid market and a percentage for manufacturing to provide them with more financial security and visibility for the future.”
As farmers who continue to milk our own cows we understand the pressures farmers face.
