Cheese production to restart at Mona Dairy site this month

Anglesey-based milk processor Mona Dairy has reinstated its cheese line and is due to start small-scale production of Cheddar at its site later in May.

Mona Dairy went into administration last year with many of its suppliers still owed money.

However, after raising additional funding, it is due to relaunch under a new name and plans to increase production throughout the next year.

See also: Milk volumes hit record highs as farmgate prices hold

Local producers are likely to be wary after being stung last year. However, any additional processing capacity in the short term will be welcomed by industry with GB milk volumes currently at record highs.

It aims to invest £10m this year at the site, with the intention of producing continental cheese from next spring.

The team also have further expansion plans for 2026, with an additional £15m due to be invested.

Managing director Ronald Akkerman said: “We plan to reach out to our former farmer suppliers over the summer, with a proposal to compensate them for their 2024 loss, but this will be subject to a new contract, starting no later than 2027.”

A Dairy Producer Organisation will be formed for future milk supplies, which should enable suppliers to benefit from collective credit insurance.

Mr Akkerman added: “We retained 15 staff throughout the administration, and this has been incredibly important to enable a smooth restart.”