Inverurie-based Mitchell’s Dairy has transferred its milk distribution business to Scotland’s largest independently own dairy company – Graham’s Family Dairy.
The move will see Graham’s taking over Mitchell’s milk distribution to households, shops, restaurants, hotels and offices across Aberdeenshire.
Graham’s managing director Robert Graham said: “We are very pleased to be taking over Mitchell’s milk distribution business and look forward to taking it to the next level.
“As a fellow family business in the dairy sector, our priority is looking after our customers, staff and our farmers and we’re looking forward to building on Mitchell’s high standard of customer service and extending customer choice.”
Mitchell’s was established in 1928 by Agnes and Elijah Mitchell and has been distributing milk for four generations. The retail business is now in the hands of their grandson Patrick Mitchell, his daughter Judy Whyte and son in law Keith Whyte.
Mrs Whyte said: “We are delighted to be handing our milk business as a going concern to Graham’s, a family dairy with similar values to our own, offering continuity to customers and staff.
“Operating at the scale of Mitchell’s over recent years has been tough, competing with low prices in the multiples and we are pleased to be able to hand over in a smooth transition to Graham’s who are far better placed to progress the business we have built.”
Following the transfer of the milk distribution business to Graham’s, Mitchell’s said it will focus on developing other aspects of its retail business, particularly its dairy shop and tearoom.
The move comes at a turbulent time in the dairy sector as Graham’s cut their milk price by 0.75p from August 1, taking its standard price down to 30.75p per litre.