Branded milk still lifting Wiseman sales
per cent in its first quarter thanks to a new milk supply contract
and continued branded milk growth.
Wiseman, the only one of Britain's top three dairy producers to report a profit rise over the last year, said the sales rise was satisfactory.
The group's first quarter trading statement suggests added value brands have continued to spearhead sales for British dairy firms.
Chairman Alan Wiseman said the group's extended shelf-life milk, Pure, had enjoyed "continued steady growth" under its exclusive supply deal with Tesco. Retail sales were running at an annual £10m.
The news will be promising for Wiseman, which plans to launch its own extended shelf-life milk called Puriti in the next few weeks.
A major ad campaign this summer on Wiseman's 'the One' milk, containing only one per cent fat, is expected to aid the firm over the coming months too.
Alan Wiseman said the group had entered a period of greater stability in terms of milk supply contracts with supermarkets and that this was inspiring more long-term investment.
Wiseman, which supplies nearly a quarter of the UK's liquid milk, recently began a new contract with One Stop convenience stores. It has also potentially bolstered its position in the southwest of England after signing a deal to buy the fresh milk division of Milk Link.
Work should begin on Wiseman's new state-of-the-art dairy factory in Bridgewater, Somerset, later this month.
