Dairy Crest gives 1.78p/litre December milk price rise

Dairy Crest is raising its farmgate milk price by 1.78p/litre from 1 December.

This puts the Davidstow core litres milk price at 26p/litre and marks the fourth consecutive monthly increase.

Producer group Dairy Crest Direct (DCD) has agreed the increase on behalf of the 370 or so producers supplying the processor.

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“Dairy Crest has paid a consistently higher price for milk than other major liquid/cheese manufacturers during the downturn,” said DCD group chairman Steve Bone, who runs a 220-cow herd in West Cornwall.

Ruth Askew, head of procurement at Dairy Crest, said the company was committed to ensuring a sustainable supply of top-quality milk for its British cheese brands, Cathedral City and Davidstow, and for its growing infant formula business.

“During the unprecedented deflation we have seen in dairy markets over the past 18 months, Dairy Crest established a clear track record in maintaining a consistent and stable price for our dedicated pool of farmers in the South West, paying a premium above other major processors,” she added.