Milk turns sour for Wiseman as dairy firm faces 'most difficult few months'

THE boss of Robert Wiseman Dairies has admitted that the last few months have been amongst the most difficult the company has ever faced.

Company chairman Alan Wiseman said rising costs of fuel and packaging costs had taken its toll, although he said a recovery in bulk cream prices in recent months, together with a rise in retail price, had partially offset the costs.

In the first three months of its financial year, sales volumes are two per cent ahead of the same time last year, the company said.

"I can say that the last few months have been amongst the most difficult we have ever faced as a business," said Mr Wiseman.

"However, we are confident that with a robust balance sheet, the most modern and efficient network of dairies and distribution centres in the UK, and the support of our customers, we can rebuild margins back to acceptable levels."

Its one per cent milk brand "The One" and its extended shelf life milk have continued to make "good progress", Mr Wiseman said.