Guernsey Dairy Faces Decline in Cream Sales Amidst Market Shifts

Guernsey Dairy has experienced a notable decline in cream sales over recent years, with production figures showing a decrease from 94,279 liters in 2020 to 89,095 liters by 2024. This trend has been attributed to consumers opting for more affordable varieties of cream, according to the dairy's management.

Production manager Dave Domaille highlighted the impact of these market shifts, noting a significant reduction in cream sales during the holiday season, from 18,000 liters previously to approximately 7,000 liters more recently. He stated that while consumers are choosing less expensive options, these alternatives are 'nowhere near as good' as Guernsey Dairy's cream.

In addition to challenges in cream sales, Guernsey Dairy made the strategic decision to halt cheese production earlier this year. The economic factors influencing this decision were revealed in September, showing the dairy incurred a loss of £2.37 per kilogram of cheese produced. Operations manager Andrew Tabel explained that the competitive landscape made it difficult to identify a profitable niche market for the cheese products.

These developments highlight the ongoing challenges faced by Guernsey Dairy as it navigates changing consumer preferences and competitive pressures in the dairy market.