Guernsey Dairy Ceases Cheese Production To Prioritize Milk Packing

End of Cheese Production at Guernsey Dairy

Guernsey Dairy has announced the cessation of all cheese production, a move that has sparked disappointment among the island's farming community and retailers, who see it as a significant loss for the region.

The decision was made to free up space within the existing facility at Bailiff’s Cross to accommodate new milk packing equipment. This strategic shift is aimed at optimizing the dairy's core operations and ensuring the satisfaction of local demand for milk.

Reactions from the Community

Local farmers expressed their dismay at the announcement. Michael Bray, president of the Guernsey Farmers’ Association, noted that local cheese was a cherished product and lamented its loss.

‘The Guernsey Dairy is operated independently from farmers under the STSB umbrella and this is their decision and not one that the GFA supports,’ Bray stated, emphasizing the importance of cheese production in managing surplus milk and extending its shelf life.

Operations director Andrew Tabel highlighted the necessity of focusing on the dairy's primary objectives. ‘We need to re-purpose space within the physical constraints of the existing dairy to accommodate a new milk packing unit and all the peripheral equipment, without interrupting the processing and supply of fresh liquid milk. The strategic decision to cease cheese production will facilitate this,’ Tabel explained.

Market Impact

Matthew Bateman, director at Forest Stores, expressed his disappointment at losing a popular local product. Despite the cessation of production, the dairy has assured that cheese orders will continue to be fulfilled while stocks last, with retailers predicting depletion by April.

In 2023, the dairy sold £130,000 worth of cheese, marking a 10% increase year-on-year, underscoring the cheese's popularity among consumers.