First Milk: A Leading Cooperative in the UK Dairy Industry

First Milk, with its headquarters in Glasgow, Scotland, stands out as a significant entity in the UK dairy industry. This farmer-owned cooperative is renowned for its dedication to sustainable and innovative farming practices, consistently making strides in enhancing the dairy sector under the leadership of CEO Shelagh Hancock.

Financial Indicators

First Milk employs a dynamic pricing strategy to adeptly navigate the complexities of the dairy market. Currently, the cooperative has set its milk prices at 34.72 pence per litre for standard milk and 35.85 pence per litre for manufacturing milk. Planned adjustments include an increase to 35.85 pence per litre in December, followed by a reduction to 30.25 pence per litre by February 2026. From July 2026, the manufacturing milk price will rise by 0.6 pence per litre to 31.35 pence per litre, inclusive of the member premium.

Important Events

Under Shelagh Hancock's leadership, First Milk has accomplished several significant milestones. The cooperative successfully acquired BV Dairy and achieved Certified B Corporation status. It also received the King’s Award for Sustainable Development and won 12 medals at the British and Irish Cheese Awards. First Milk has collaborated with Agricarbon on regenerative dairy farming and participated in the Gulfood 2026 event. Additionally, Robert Craig was appointed as an additional farmer director to enhance producer representation.

Company Plans

Looking forward, First Milk is heavily investing in sustainable farming and innovative solutions to enhance product value and environmental sustainability. It is actively involved in the Dairy Roadmap Coalition to promote environmental progress and is collaborating with 21 dairy farmers to improve soil health and groundwater capture. Through the WHEY2BUILD initiative, the cooperative aims to transform whey waste into low-carbon building materials, emphasizing its commitment to environmental stewardship.

First Milk is also investing £16.8 million to upgrade its Lake District Creamery, marking its largest single capital investment to date, aimed at enhancing production capacity and operational efficiency. The cooperative is committed to producing high-quality cheddar cheese and dairy ingredients, maintaining strategic partnerships, such as with Arla Foods Ingredients for whey protein. Furthermore, First Milk has partnered with Nestlé to reduce carbon emissions by switching to Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) fuel for milk transportation, with a goal for all milk transport and processing to use renewable fuels by 2030.

The cooperative's strategy also focuses on water quality across its 700 member farms, integrating nutrient footprinting with satellite mapping to effectively address water quality risks. Additionally, First Milk is involved in leadership development within the dairy industry, as evidenced by the launch of the Young Dairy Leaders program in partnership with Nestlé. A sophisticated nutrient footprinting system has been introduced on 700 farms in collaboration with the Farm Carbon Toolkit, including satellite-led risk mapping by Senus, highlighting the cooperative's commitment to credible data in regenerative dairy farming.

First Milk's Haverfordwest Creamery achieved notable success at the International Cheese & Dairy Awards, securing four major trophies. The cooperative, known for its quality cheddar and regional cheeses, won a total of 26 awards at the event. First Milk continues its legacy of producing high-quality milk and transforming it into award-winning cheese, with a long-standing record at the International Cheese & Dairy Awards.

Modified: 2026/07/08