First Milk: A Leading Dairy Cooperative in the UK

First Milk is a prominent dairy cooperative headquartered in Glasgow, Scotland. It plays a significant role in the UK dairy industry, adapting to market conditions with strategic pricing and a focus on sustainability.

Financial Indicators

First Milk has implemented a dynamic pricing strategy to ensure sustainable financial outcomes for its members. Recently, the cooperative increased its milk price by 1.25 pence per litre to 45.35 pence per litre. However, due to a demand-supply imbalance, adjustments were made, resulting in a current price of 34.72p for standard milk and 35.85p for manufacturing milk. These changes reflect First Milk's proactive approach to managing ongoing market challenges.

Important Events

First Milk has taken significant steps to enhance productivity and sustainability. They conduct annual carbon footprint assessments at Sychpant Farm to minimize environmental impacts. The cooperative has also successfully integrated BV Dairy, reinforcing their expansion efforts and dedication to sustainability. Their excellence was recognized at the British and Irish Cheese Awards, where they earned 12 prestigious medals for their cheese and dairy products.

Company Plans

Looking ahead, First Milk plans to invest further in sustainable farming practices and innovative solutions. They aim to enhance product value and strengthen environmental sustainability by leveraging their network of farms and forming strategic partnerships. Their involvement in the Dairy Roadmap Coalition underscores their commitment to environmental progress across the supply chain.

Despite challenging market conditions, First Milk remains dedicated to supporting its members and maintaining a resilient supply chain. As part of their regenerative farming programme, First Milk is engaging 21 dairy farmers in a project to capture groundwater and improve soil health. In December, they plan to reduce the standard manufacturing litre by 6p to 35.85p per litre, including the member premium, as a response to the ongoing supply-demand imbalance. A further reduction by 2 pence per litre, effective from February 1, 2026, will bring the price to 30.25 pence per litre, as explained by Vice-chairman Mike Smith.

A study led by First Milk, in collaboration with Agricarbon, has recorded measurable increases in soil carbon stocks. First Milk is leading a study that re-examined three farms nearly four years after initial baseline sampling, demonstrating that regenerative practices can lead to significant carbon increases.

First Milk has announced that its milk price for a standard manufacturing litre will remain at 30.75ppl starting from May 1, 2026. The company maintains a consistent pricing strategy and is involved in initiatives aimed at enhancing sustainable practices within the dairy sector. First Milk collaborates with Agricarbon to explore soil carbon gains through regenerative dairy farming techniques and showcased its award-winning cheese at the Gulfood 2026 event.

First Milk is committed to providing consistent returns to its dairy farmer members and promoting British dairy products internationally.

First Milk has seen significant growth and transformation under Shelagh Hancock's leadership, including major investments, acquisition of BV Dairy, and achieving Certified B Corporation status. It also received a King’s Award for Sustainable Development.

Modified: 2026/04/19