First Milk: A Leading Dairy Cooperative in the UK

First Milk, headquartered in Glasgow, Scotland, is a prominent player in the UK dairy industry. Known as a leading dairy cooperative, it has adapted to market conditions with strategic pricing and a strong emphasis on sustainability.

Financial Indicators

First Milk employs 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, adjustments were necessary due to a demand-supply imbalance, leading to a current price of 34.72p for standard milk and 35.85p for manufacturing milk. This reflects First Milk's proactive approach to managing ongoing market challenges.

Important Events

First Milk has taken significant steps to enhance productivity and sustainability. It conducts annual carbon footprint assessments at Sychpant Farm to minimize environmental impacts. The cooperative has 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.

First Milk is engaging 21 dairy farmers in a project to capture groundwater and improve soil health as part of their regenerative farming programme. 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. The company maintains a consistent pricing strategy and is involved in initiatives aimed at enhancing sustainable practices within the dairy sector.

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

Modified: 2026/05/09