First Milk expands with purchase of Blackmore Vale Dairy

Farmer-owned co-operative First Milk has acquired Dorset-based dairy manufacturer Blackmore Vale (BV) Dairy.

BV Dairy is supplied by farmers within 30 miles of its site in North Dorset and employs about 160 staff.

It produces a range of cheese, yoghurt, and cream products predominantly for the food service and manufacturing sectors.

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Jim Highnam, managing director at BV Dairy, said: “Having made the decision to sell the business, we wanted to ensure that the new owners would provide a secure future for our customers, colleagues, farmers, and suppliers.

“As such, I’m pleased to finalise this transaction and see BV Dairy become part of First Milk, as both businesses share a down-to-earth, pragmatic approach, balancing the needs of all stakeholders. I look forward to working with our new First Milk colleagues to continue to grow and develop BV Dairy.”

First Milk chief executive Shelagh Hancock added that she was delighted to complete the acquisition of BV Dairy.

Ms Hancock said: “The BV Dairy business has strong customer relationships and a reputation for quality and service across food manufacture and food service.

“This provides a genuine extension to our business, extending our manufacturing and market reach, offering a platform for the further growth and development of our business.”

First Milk also recently announced a 1p/litre increase in its farmgate milk price for its members in March, taking it to 38p/litre for a manufacturing standard litre, including the member premium.