From 29 October, Yew Tree Dairy was acquired by Müller Milk & Ingredients, in a move that Müller says shows ‘commitment to a better dairy future, investing in the UK dairy industry, and allowing local farmers to benefit from the global dairy commodities market’.
The NFU understands that there will be no immediate changes to existing milk collections and the Yew Tree contracts and payment terms will remain the same.
“It is vital that producers are continued to be kept fully informed and receive regular updates to ensure any impact on their farms and businesses is fully understood.”
NFU Dairy Board chair Paul Tompkins
An opportunity for growth
NFU Dairy Board chair Paul Tompkins said: “We are aware that the Müller takeover of Yew Tree Dairies has been officially approved by the Competition and Markets Authority.
“It's positive to see further long-term commitment and investment in the UK dairy sector by another dairy processor, demonstrating the potential and opportunity for growth in British dairy, especially when it comes to export potential.
Communication is key
“The NFU is aware that around 450 producers will be affected by this deal.
“It is vital that these producers are continued to be kept fully informed and receive regular updates to ensure any impact on their farms and businesses is fully understood.”
Müller says it is committed to meeting farmers who supply to Yew Tree Dairy and will arrange meetings in the coming weeks.
Müller Milk & Ingredients CEO Rob Hutchison said: “Over the next few months we will take time to understand the business and we are planning to invest significantly in the milk drying capability and capacity.
“We aim to become a major producer and international exporter of powdered milk products made in Britain, with milk from British dairy farms. For you as a supplier to this site this is good news and we want a long term milk supply going forward.”
The NFU will continue to monitor the acquisition and support affected members.
