Through its dedicated group of 270+ farmers (Sainsbury’s Dairy Development Group), its fresh British milk and cream is currently processed by Arla and Muller Milk & Ingredients. From next year, supply will also be processed through Tomlinson and Medina.
Tomlinson’s Dairies, a processor based in Wrexham, Wales will take on milk distributed to stores in Wales and parts of England and Medina Dairy will supply a number of stores in the South of England.
NFU dairy board chairman Michael Oakes said: “This announcement from Sainsbury’s will obviously impact on some of our members’ businesses and we will review it carefully. What we do know is that Sainsbury’s is continuing to show its long-term commitment to liquid milk through the Sainsbury’s Dairy Development Group.
“As with any change it is now absolutely vital that Sainsbury’s make it very clear to all their 270 suppliers how they will be affected by this change. We need to ensure fairness and transparency throughout the supply chain for both aligned and non-aligned farmers.”