Skip to content
Search
AI Powered
Latest Stories

Medina Dairy announces price rises and closure of Hampshire site

Milk processor company Medina Dairy has announced price increases and a planned closure to its Watson’s Dairy site after being hit hard from ongoing the coronavirus crisis.

Increases in the company’s milk prices will jump by 1p per litre, charging an average of 25.75p per litre from 1st September.


Despite the sales increase, increase, Medina Dairy says this reflects a more positive market environment while also trying to recover from lost sales.

This marks the fourth consecutive price rise since June but says that prices will return to pre-coronavirus levels in the future.

Lockdown and the closure of the hospitality sector across the UK has also resulted in the decision to to shut their Watson’s Dairy site in Hampshire, leaving 144 jobs at risk.

Median Dairy said that the move is part of a streamline and money-saving strategy with sales in April being “almost zero” and the need “to create a more sustainable and appropriately scaled business”.

Sheazad Hussain, chief executive of Medina Dairy, said: “It is with much regret, that we have announced our proposal to cease operations at our Watson’s Dairy site.

“The proposal follows a major review of our business which concluded that by simplifying and consolidating our processing activity we will be able to create a more sustainable and appropriately scaled business.

“This in turn will enable us to continue to deliver a high level of service to existing customers and provide a platform from which we can respond to future market opportunities.”

The announced closure is expected not have an impact on any of its 156 farmer suppliers and customers as production at Watson’s is being proposed to be transferred to its others sites.

These include Buckley’s Dairy in West Yorkshire, Severnside in Gloucestershire and the Acton dairy in west London operated by Freshways, Medina’s processing partner.

More for you

David Murray promoted as pladis CMO, Mete Buyurgan takes UK & Ireland helm

Mete Buyurgan (L) and David Murray

David Murray named pladis CMO

Snacking giant pladis has announced David Murray, currently leader of its UK and Ireland enterprise, will transition to the newly created position of global chief commercial officer.

After five years at the helm of pladis UK&I, Murray’s new role will see him take ownership of the company’s global platform and brand strategy along with its commercial transformation.

Keep ReadingShow less
Illegal cigarettes in Meir

Illegal cigarettes

iStock

Thousands of illegal cigarettes seized from Meir shop raids

More than £20,000 worth of illicit tobacco and vapes were seized from multiple premises in an one-day operation in Meir by Trading Standards team along with officers from Stoke-on-Trent City Council and Staffordshire Police.

The operation is the latest across the city that resulted in 13 shops being closed in the last 12 months, and forms part of Operation Cece, which is a National Trading Standards initiative in Partnership with HMRC to tackle illegal tobacco.

Keep ReadingShow less
​Don Julio Tequila

Don Julio Tequila, owned by Diageo. The spirits giant sells billions of dollars worth of tequila and Canadian whisky in the US.

Photo by Anna Webber/Getty Images for Flipper's Boogie Palace

Diageo suggests tougher rules of origin requirements as alternative to Trump’s tariffs

Spirits giant Diageo has suggested the US government consider tougher rules of origin requirements in trade agreements as an alternative to tariffs, a letter to the US Trade Representative showed.

In the March 11 letter, Diageo, the world's top spirits maker caught in the crossfire of US president Donald Trump's effort to remake global trade, argued that new rules of origin could support his aims and benefit the industry.

Keep ReadingShow less
Asda store with Rollback pricing sign for 2024 sales strategy

Asda Express stores offset sales dip at the supermarket

Asda's profits climb despite sales decline, driven by George and Express

Asda on Friday reported a decline in its annual sales for the 2024 financial year, but the retailer has seen profits rising on margin gains.

The supermarket chain said its total revenue for the year to 31 December 2024 declined by 0.8 per cent to £21.7 billion, while like-for-like sales (excluding fuel) were lower by 3.4 per cent.

Keep ReadingShow less
Strategic Ranging of Premium Apple Cider Essential for 2025 Sales

Henry Westons Vintage 500ml is the number one cider SKU in the convenience channel

Crafted cider surge: Retailers urged to embrace premiumisation for sales boost

The unstoppable rise of crafted apple cider is setting the benchmark for success in the UK’s £1.1 billion off-trade cider market, according to the latest Westons Cider Report.

The leading cider producer advises that convenience retailers who prioritise premium products and strategic ranging will be best placed to drive sales in 2025.

Keep ReadingShow less