17 November 2009
Graham's The Family Dairy named ASDA Scottish Supplier
of the Year
Bridge of Allan - based Graham’s The Family Dairy picked up the ‘Scottish Supplier of the Year Award’ at Asda’s Local Annual Supplier Conference in Northern Ireland last week (w/e 15 November). Graham’s secured the award in recognition of its business growth with the retailer and its support in terms of promotions, sampling and new product development.

Pictured at the event from left to right are; Nick Scrase, Asda’s commercial director, Robert Graham managing director of Graham’s The Family Dairy and Michael McCallion, Asda Northern Ireland buying team.

5 November 2009
Continual growth at Graham’s The Family Dairy
during its 70th year
Graham’s The Family Dairy, Scotland’s largest independent dairy company, has announced its year-end results to 31 March 2009.  Turnover increased by 20 per cent to £40m (2008: £33.4m) and pre-tax profits were £820,959 (2008: £721,953).

The year marked the 70th anniversary of the family dairy business, founded by the grandfather of current managing director Robert Graham. 

Robert Graham said:  “Graham’s growth is down to the considered investment we make in the business and the traditional way in which we do business.  We maintain our traditional values of integrity and excellent service but we also, importantly, listen.  We listen to what our customers want to stock and we listen to what consumers want to purchase.  All our product development has been based on close conversations we have shared with everyone we work with on a daily basis.

“Graham’s is very much a family business.  My father Dr Robert Graham is an active Chairman and committed to maintaining standards within the agricultural profession while my mum Jean gets involved with investment decisions.  My sister Carol is our marketing director and involved in all phases of brand development and innovation.  We can literally sit round the kitchen table in the dairy to make immediate business decisions and respond quickly to customer needs.

“Through the loyal commitment of our customers and consumers, we have expanded the Graham’s portfolio.  We created a delicious range of vanilla ice cream earlier in the year and will launch family favourite flavours next year.  The commitment we have placed to brand development has played a significant part to our growth and it’s heartening to see the positive recognition the Graham’s brand receives.

“The Graham’s brand also made its debut across the border.  Our Graham’s Gold Jersey milk can now be found on the shelves of Sainsbury’s in London and the South East.  It’s very encouraging to see the commitment retailers continue to place on quality Scottish produce.

“Graham’s has always taken a long term view with business planning.   We understand the impact of economic downturns and continue to deal with increased costs.  As farmers ourselves, it’s been crucial to support the farmers we work with throughout Scotland to protect their businesses while they support ours.

“We have always taken the view while we can afford it, that we can always pay our farmers that little bit more and accept a little less margin in order to have a good, confident and sustainable milk supply.

“We recognise the importance of our loyal workforce in our Bridge of Allan dairy and depots across the country and each play a part in our success - from our sales and office staff to our delivery drivers.

“The year ahead will see more Graham’s products, more widespread availability and hopefully a few more awards.”

The Grahams have farmed in the Stirling area for five generations, employ 300 staff and partner with more than 50 Scottish farmers.

1 October 2009
Luxurious Graham's Gold makes its Debut in England
From 26 September, Sainsbury’s shoppers across central London and the south-east of England have been able to indulge in the luxurious, creamy taste of Graham’s Gold Jersey milk, part of the award winning indulgent range of milk, cream, butter and ice cream produced by Graham’s The Family Dairy.

It is the first time in the 70 year history of the proud family business that a Graham’s branded dairy product has been distributed in England.  

Twenty-six Sainsbury’s stores, including Dulwich, Nine Elms and Balham in central London and south coast stores near Brighton (West Hove) and Eastbourne (Newhaven Harbour) will list the deliciously creamy milk that’s produced by Scotland’s largest independent dairy company and UK’s seventh-largest liquid milk producer.

Reared on lush Stirlingshire pastures in central Scotland, a prize herd of doe-eyed Jersey cows lend Graham’s Gold its rich, golden colour and creamy taste.  Packed with natural protein and calcium, it’s enjoyed as a refreshing drink and as an ingredient for indulgent desserts.

The quality of Graham’s Gold has been recognised with a clutch of prestigious awards including Marketing Initiative of the Year and Best Dairy, Confectionary & Snacking Product at the 2009 Scotland Food & Drink Excellence Awards.

 Carol Graham, marketing director of Graham’s The Family Dairy, commented:

“After enjoying a positive response in Scotland, the family is proud that customers in many Sainsbury’s stores across London and the south-east will now also have the opportunity to indulge in the rich, creamy taste of Graham’s Gold milk.”

Emma Metcalf-King, senior buyer at Sainsbury’s Supermarkets Ltd, commented: “Sainsbury’s firmly believes in offering its shoppers high quality, tasty dairy products, such as Graham’s Gold milk that’s produced by one of Scotland’s leading family dairy businesses.  Graham’s The Family Dairy is a welcome addition to selected Sainsbury’s stores in the south of England.”

www.grahamsfamilydairy.com/GOLD

11 August 2009
Spiteri Hopes Cuddles the Cow is a Festival Hit
Thanks to international singer songwriter, Sharleen Spiteri, Children’s Hospice Association Scotland (CHAS) and Graham’s The Family Dairy, Cuddles the Cow is to make her debut at the 2009 Edinburgh International Book Festival!

For the Scottish musician has joined the children’s charity and Bridge of Allan-based dairy – celebrating its 70th anniversary - to launch an illustrated children’s book.

Through the central character, Cuddles, the book tells the story of life on a dairy farm, including how milk is produced and prepared for market.  On Sunday 16 August, the story of Cuddles the Cow will be incorporated by artist Julie Dawson into a special farm-themed children’s workshop being supported by Graham’s The Family Dairy (see notes to editor).

The book includes a foreword from Spiteri who wrote:  “I hope children enjoy reading about the wonderful life of Cuddles and learning a little about the journey her milk takes from field to fridge.  I am very proud that 50 pence from every book will be donated to CHAS, a very worthwhile charity that like Cuddles aims to bring sunshine into children’s lives.”

Graham’s The Family Dairy has pledged that 50 pence of every book sale (RRP £2.99) will be donated to CHAS.  Organisers of the festival also agreed to waive the commission fee for selling the book in the on-site bookshop for the duration of the festival from 15-31 August. 

Carol Graham, marketing director of Graham’s The Family Dairy, said:  “Graham’s is renowned for its yummy and award-winning products - including our recently launched vanilla ice cream.  However Cuddles the Cow is by far the most unusual innovation to be produced on our farm!  We value the kind support of Sharleen Spiteri and hope young children and their parents will enjoy reading about Cuddles – a venture supporting a wonderful children’s charity.”

Kerry Jackson, CHAS relationship manager, commented:  “CHAS is incredibly grateful to Graham’s The Family Dairy for choosing to support CHAS. We would also like to thank Sharleen Spiteri for lending her support to the book, which we are sure will become a favourite with young children.

“Sharleen has supported CHAS for many years and has done a great deal to raise awareness of the work we do to support children and families at our children’s hospices, Rachel House in Kinross and Robin House in Balloch and through our CHAS at Home service based in Inverness.

26 June 2009
Having an Ice Time
Six year-old sisters, Hannah and Rachel Webster from Edinburgh enjoy a yummy Graham’s Gold ice cream at the 2009 Royal Highland Show.

24 June 2009
University Honours Proud Stirlingshire Farmer
Robert Graham (senior), the son of the founder of Graham’s The Family Dairy, Scotland’s largest independent dairy, has joined (24 June) the President of Portugal and the new Poet Laureate, Carol Ann Duffy in being bestowed with a prestigious honorary doctorate by Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh.

Awarded by the Principal and Vice Chancellor, Anton Muscatelli in the university’s James Watt Centre, Robert Graham senior proudly received his Doctorate of the University in recognition of the Stirlingshire born farmer and businessman’s ‘outstanding contribution to Scotland’s dairy industry and for his demonstrated leadership in the context of small and family owned businesses.’

A proud husband, father and grandfather, 68 year-old (Dr) Robert Graham has been chairman of the family business since 1996.  Highly respected for his knowledge of Scotland’s dairy and farming industry, he is also internationally recognised for his expertise in livestock management, developing the quality of breeds for which Scottish farming is renowned.

Referring to his honorary doctorate, a smiling Dr Robert Graham said:
“On behalf of my wife Jean and family and in the 70th anniversary year of Graham’s The Family Dairy, I am very, very proud to receive this honorary doctorate from Heriot-Watt University. 

It is a tremendous privilege to be recognised in this way.  I know my dear parents would have been very proud to know that their boy who left school at the age of fifteen to help on the family farm would one day be awarded a doctorate from such a distinguished university. 
“While constant innovation and the loyalty and dedication of our staff and over 60 local famers has ensured Graham’s The Family dairy has grown from strength to strength, I also passionately believe that our customers and suppliers also respond positively to our true sense of family, a rich farming heritage and Graham’s honest belief that we are always striving to produce the highest quality of fresh dairy products.”

In 1939 Dr Graham’s parents, Robert and Isabella, bought Airthrey Kerse farm in Bridge of Allan.  At the tender age of twelve, Robert Graham senior started making milk rounds by horse and cart in the local village.  At the age of fifteen, he left school to support his parents Isabella and Robert in running the farm.  He worked in every aspect of the dairy; including milking, delivery and livestock management and aged just nineteen took the helm of the dairy, then producing 400 pints of milk per day. 

Today, the award-winning family dairy, managed since 1996 by Robert Graham’s son (also called Robert), employs 300 people, produces 360,000 pints of milk daily and has a turnover of over £40 million. 

Dr Robert Graham is also a respected judge at Royal Shows and was the first non-Frenchman to judge at the Paris show.  He is also a judge at the Royal Highland Show in Edinburgh this week (25-28 June). 

He has won every major show and championship in the UK with his Limousin cattle while his lifelong passion for farming is reflected by previous senior roles with a host of industry societies including past president of the Berrichon du Cher Sheep Society and past chair of the Murray Grey Beef Society.

In 2008, his unstinting commitment to the local business community, including as the founding chairman of Stirling Business Panel, was recognised with a Provost’s Award for services to business and the local community.

Dr Robert Graham is the third member of the Graham’s family to be recognised by Heriot-Watt University.  His son Robert and daughter Carol, respectively the managing director and marketing director of the family business, graduated with degrees from the university.

19 June 2009
Robert Graham named Regional Winner at Ernst and Young Scotland Entrepreneur of the Year Awards
Robert Graham, managing director of Stirlingshire based Graham’s The Family Dairy, Scotland’s largest independent dairy was last night (18 June) named a regional winner at the Ernst and Young Scotland Entrepreneur of the Year 2009 Awards.

 The 38 year-old managing director of the UK’s seventh largest liquid milk producer with a turnover of £40 million and employing 300 staff, fought off competition from 30 of Scotland’s leading business men and women to pick up the award at the Gleneagles Hotel in Perthshire.

Robert Graham joined the family business in 1991, after graduating with a degree in accountancy and finance from Heriot-Watt University.  In 1996, he succeeded his father, Robert senior, as managing director. 

Last night’s award was in recognition of his ability to provide strong direction to his family business over the past 16 years as it continues to drive market share in a competitive market.  In the 70th anniversary year of his family business, Robert Graham now joins 11 Scottish regional winners who progress to a national final in October to compete for the title of Ernst & Young Overall UK Entrepreneur of the Year.

Commenting on his award, a proud Robert Graham said: “To be named a regional winner at the Ernst and Young Entrepreneur of the Year Awards is a huge honour, both for my family and everyone connected with our dairy.

At Graham’s The Family Dairy, we passionately believe in continuing to offer our discerning customers the highest quality of milk, cream, butter and ice cream dairy products.  Integrity, honesty, family values and quality are principles that have successfully guided the Graham’s business for five generations. 

I am confident this approach and our constant drive to offer our customers innovative dairy products, including the recent launch of our first range of luxury vanilla ice cream, will continue to see Graham’s The Family Dairy prosper.”

The independent chair of the judging panel, Sir Bill Gammell of Cairn Energy plc commented: “Since taking the reins of the family business, Robert has shown himself to be a true entrepreneur and leader, totally committed to the business and prepared to be innovative around introducing new products in a very established market.”  

Jim Bishop, Ernst & Young Partner and Leader of Entrepreneur Of The Year in Scotland, commented: “The success achieved by Robert highlights the drive and determination of Scottish companies to succeed in today’s global climate and we wish him well in the national finals.”

Under Robert Graham’s guidance, the Graham’s The Family Dairy has placed product innovation at the heart of its business strategy to drive market share.  In May, the family launched its first range of luxury vanilla ice cream across its Organic, Graham’s Gold and Scottish Dairy range.  Earlier this year it also launched 100% Scottish Really Garlicky Butter. 

 Last month the family business saw its Graham’s Gold dairy products, produced by its prize-herd of doe-eyed Jersey cows, pick up both the award for Marketing Initiative of the Year and for Best Dairy, Confectionary & Snacking Product at the 2009 Scotland Food & Drink Excellence Awards

4 June 2009
Graham's the Family Dairy Promise an Ice Time at Book Festival
Graham’s The Family Dairy, Scotland’s largest independent dairy promised today (4 June) that young visitors to the 2009 Edinburgh International Book Festival (15-31 Aug) will have an ice time this summer.

The award winning dairy, celebrating its 70th anniversary this year is to sponsor various activities within the RBS Children’s Programme, including a special farm themed workshop and the reading and activity corner areas within the children’s bookshop that is one of the busiest in the country during the festival fortnight. 

On selected days during the world’s largest book festival, the Bridge of Allan based family business will be distributing free samples of its deliciously fresh milk and yummy, newly launched vanilla ice cream. 

It is the first time in the iconic festival’s 26 year history that a Scottish dairy company has supported the internationally acclaimed literary event that annually attracts over 200,000 visitors to over 700 separate events.

Earlier this month, the dairy scooped up a double award for its marketing and product innovation at the prestigious 2009 Scotland Food and Drink Excellence Awards – the ‘Oscars’ of the industry.

Carol Graham, marketing director of Graham’s The Family Dairy, commented: “Graham’s The Family Dairy is very proud and excited to be featuring within the children’s programme of the Edinburgh International Book Festival.  It promises to be a fun, interactive and family focused experience - and a chance for everyone to taste our award winning milk and ice cream.  Hopefully, we’ll also meet many of our customers throughout this fabulous event.”
A spokesperson for the Edinburgh International Book Festival added:

“We are delighted to welcome Graham’s The Family Dairy to the Book Festival this year.  Our partnership with Graham’s offers something for every age group from toddler to teenager.  What could be nicer for the wee ones than a delicious ice cream or glass of milk to enjoy after listening to their favourite story?”

29 May 2009
Graham's Launches Yummy Range of Luxury Ice Cream
Graham’s The Family Dairy is ensuring its customers will ‘have an ice day’ all year round with the launch in May of its own range of yummy, melt-in-the-mouth, luxury ice cream.

With summer just round the corner, children and adults alike are certain to find every spoonful irresistible as they tuck into the high quality ice cream packed with flavour and natural goodness. Shoppers can treat themselves to a 1 litre tub of Scottish Dairy ice cream, gorge on a 500ml tub of delicious Organic or opt for the luxuriously creamy Graham’s Gold 500ml tub, lovingly produced by the dairy’s prize herd of doe-eyed Jersey cows.

Renowned for its award-winning milks, creams and butters, every quality tub of Graham’s The Family Dairy ice cream is freshly prepared on the same Airthrey Kerse farm in Bridge of Allan, Stirlingshire where 70 years ago grandfather Robert first produced milk for the breakfast table.  

The launch of yummy Graham’s The Family Dairy ice cream is the first time in the family’s proud 70 year history that it has ventured into the frozen dairy market.

Moreover, consumers can revel in the succulent taste of Graham’s tasty vanilla ice cream offerings at an affordable price, with its sweet frozen treats available at selected Tesco, ASDA and Sainsbury’s stores throughout Scotland.

Robert Graham, managing director of Graham’s The Family Dairy said: “As a family, we have been producing quality dairy products for 70 years.  Ice cream is our latest exciting and tasty offering and the family’s first venture into the frozen dairy sector.  We are confident consumers will love the delicious and creamy taste as much as we do, produced to the highest standards and using milk sourced from our prize dairy herd as well as local farms.”

Robert Graham, whose grandfather Robert started the family business in 1939 added: “Aside from introducing a fabulous new ice cream product to the market, the family and everyone associated with the dairy are very proud to have launched what is the latest in a long line of innovative dairy products during the 70th anniversary of the family business.”

8 May 2009
Graham's Taste Double Success at Prestigious
Food & Drink Oscars
Graham’s The Family Dairy, Scotland’s largest independent dairy company and the seventh largest liquid milk producer in the UK, has won two major awards at the 2009 Scotland Food & Drink Excellence Awards announced last night (Thursday 7 May).

The Bridge of Allan-based dairy in Stirlingshire saw its Graham’s Gold dairy products, produced by its prize-herd of doe-eyed Jersey cows, pick up both the award for Marketing Initiative of the Year and for Best Dairy, Confectionary & Snacking Product.

Graham’s double win at the coveted awards ensures it is a triple celebration for Graham’s as the proud family dairy celebrates its 70th anniversary this year.  Over the past seven decades, the family business has grown from supplying its local Stirlingshire village with milk using a simple horse and cart to supplying major multiples across the country with a high quality range of fresh conventional, organic and Graham’s Gold milks, creams and butters.  

Carol Graham, marketing director of Graham’s The Family Dairy said: “Since its launch at the Royal Highland Show in Edinburgh last year, the luxurious Graham’s Gold product range, produced from the creamy milk of our prize herd of doe-eyed Jersey cows, has been enthusiastically received by our consumers and suppliers.  These prestigious awards are testament to the hard work our staff has put in to delivering a high quality product.

“70 years after my grandfather started the dairy, it is hugely rewarding for everyone connected with the dairy to receive recognition of how far the brand has come.  As a proud Stirlingshire family dairy, we are committed to developing our product range and ensuring the high standards we set ourselves continue to be met.”

Graham’s double award success follows the recent launch of Graham’s own range of luxury, yummy ice cream - the brand’s first venture into the frozen dairy market.  Packaged in 1 litre (Scottish Dairy conventional) and 500ml (Organic and Graham’s Gold) tubs, the new melt in the mouth Graham’s Gold and Scottish Dairy lines are now available at selected ASDA stores throughout Scotland.  Tesco is carrying all three lines in selected stores while Sainsbury’s will also carry Graham’s Gold, Organic and Scottish Dairy ice cream from 8 June. 

Now in their eighth year, the ‘Oscars’ of the industry are co-organised by the Royal Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland and Scotland Food and Drink.

26 February 2009
100% Scottish Reall Garlicky Butter Launches in Tesco
The Really Garlicky Company shows consumers it’s chic to reek
The Really Garlicky Company has combined forces with Scotland’s largest independent dairy company, Graham’s The Family Dairy, to create the 100 per cent Scottish Really Garlicky Butter, now available in Tesco stores throughout Scotland.

Garlic butter was one of the first products produced by The Really Garlicky Company since the company was established nine years ago.  The recent collaboration with Graham’s brings two Scottish farming families together, creating a quality product and reaffirming both companies’ commitment to provenance of ingredients.

From their farm at the foot of the Cawdor Hills in Nairn, Really Garlicky entrepreneurs Glen and Gilli Allingham are the only UK growers of Porcelain garlic.  After three years of growing trials cordon bleu cook Gilli and farmer Glen perfected a locally produced garlic that offers exceptional flavour with no bitter aftertaste texture and garlic renowned health benefits.

Based in Bridge of Allan, collaborative partner Graham’s The Family Dairy has been farming in the Stirling area for five generations.  Robert Graham, managing director at Graham’s commented on the partnership: “In our 70th year as a family dairy, supplying high quality Scottish produce to Scottish consumers continues to be of paramount to us.

“Our collaboration with Gilli and Glen underpins our commitment to supporting local food producers in Scotland.  The high quality of Really Garlicky Butter really sets the product apart from competitors.”

Really Garlicky Butter retails at £1.49 at selected Tesco Stores, delis and farm shops throughout Scotland.

5 November 2008
Graham's milk wraps up for Christmas

Two different designs have been produced for its conventional and organic range of milk products and in keeping with Graham’s strong family brand values, both designs include an image of toddler Douglas, the newest addition to the Graham family, with his proud dad Robert. 

Graham’s conventional milk carries attractive festive baubles and tinsel while the organic milk range features Graham’s trademark tartan wellies – fittingly transformed into a snug pair of snow boots for the festive season.

Above the smiling image of Douglas with his dad, the festive message reads:
“Christmas time in the Graham household is a joyous occasion.  With an extra grandchild added to the clan earlier this year, the atmosphere is certainly very special – if a bit more chaotic but then that’s what Christmas is all about.

We wish you a truly wonderful Christmas and Happy New Year!”

Graham’s run of festive on-pack labels, created by Three Brand Design in Edinburgh will appear throughout November and December. 

21 October 2008
Graham's announces further increase in Producer Prices
Graham’s The Family Dairy is increasing the price it pays to producers for their milk from 1 November 2008, by 1p per litre to 27.4p per litre for 4% milk before volume bonuses. 

This latest increase means Graham’s, Scotland’s largest independent dairy company and the seventh-largest milk producer in the UK, has provided Scotland’s farming community with a 1.8p per litre increase during 2008.

Commenting on the increase, Robert Graham, managing director of Graham’s The Family Dairy, said: “As farmers and producers ourselves, we recognise our 50-plus suppliers are facing significant cost increases.  These are largely oil, feed and fertiliser related, although the poor weather has hardly helped, leading as it does to lower milk yields and higher production costs.

“As a result, we’ve deemed it absolutely necessary to increase the price we pay our farmers in order for us to ensure their operations remain sustainable.

“Supply prices will have to move forward as a result, but we’ve consulted our customers who are appreciative of the extraordinary economic conditions we’re battling against and are supportive of our plans.

“We pride ourselves on providing some of the best prices around and this increase sees us remain at the forefront of those paid to producers throughout the UK.”

The news follows last week’s announcement that the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) has dropped its investigation into alleged breaches of competition law within the milk sector in Scotland.  The OFT decided there was no merit in continuing with its probe following consultation with the complainant.

Graham’s, which produces 360,000 pints of milk per day and employs 320 members of staff, responded by committing to a £1million development programme during 2009.

17 October 2008
Graham’s The Family Dairy commits to £1million investment as OFT closes allegation 
Graham’s The Family Dairy, Scotland’s largest independent dairy company and the UK’s seventh largest liquid milk producer, has been informed by the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) that it is to immediately close its investigation into alleged breaches of competition law within the milk sector in Scotland. The dairy can now commit to investing £1million during 2009, having previously put major business development decisions on hold.

The OFT began its investigation in June 2000 after complaints from Express Dairies – a rival company subsequently sold to the UK arm of Arla Foods in 2003.  At the end of 2002, the OFT concluded that these complaints were baseless and closed its investigation. Express Dairies appealed and as a result, the OFT began another investigation in July 2003 and the case was reopened in September 2006.

The investigation concerned Graham’s The Family Dairy and five other Scottish dairy businesses - Ballantyne, Quothquan, Renfrew, Scottish Milk Dairies and Robert Wiseman Dairies.

On 17 October 2008, Graham’s The Family Dairy was advised by the OFT that the case was closed following consultation with the complainant and confirmed its view that there is no merit in continuing with its investigation.

Graham’s 2009 £1million investment programme will go towards developing the Bridge of Allan-based farm and new product development. The firm has most recently launched a range of Jersey cow products, Graham’s Gold, as well as an unsalted organic butter.

Graham’s The Family Dairy managing director Robert Graham said:  “We are delighted that the OFT has closed the case which has been an emotional burden to everyone involved with Graham’s for the past seven years.

"We made it clear from the outset that allegations of impropriety on our part were entirely without foundation and worked with the OFT throughout the process to ensure the reputation of our family business remained intact.

“Our family business and its success are built on competing fiercely but fairly to deliver the best quality products, at the best price to our customers. Express Dairies failed in its attempt to build significant market share in Scotland - a country serviced by well-established and respected family companies.

"Three generations of my family have been involved in the dairy sector and farming in Scotland for nearly seven decades and this has affected everyone, from our 320 members of staff and their extended families, to 50 farmers who depend on us for their livelihood.

“The cost has been significant. Our legal fees are in excess of £500,000 - money which is not recoverable and would have been invested in developing our business. We committed a huge amount of management time working on this a case rather than focussing on improving this dynamic, award-winning Scottish business.

“As a family firm our reputation is of paramount importance and beyond price. We have secured that reputation and can now continue to serve our loyal customers with great Scottish dairy products."

22 September 2008
Unsalted Butter Lastest Innovation in Graham's Organic Growth
Graham’s The Family Dairy, Scotland’s largest independent dairy company and the UK’s seventh-largest liquid milk producer is launching organic unsalted butter – the latest innovation in its award winning organic product range. The dairy remains the only producer to offer Scottish organic butter on the UK market within an organic portfolio that includes milk and cream products.  

Since 2005, when Graham’s first launched organic milk on the market, demand for Graham’s organic products has soared to be worth £5 million and accounting for 10% of activity within the business.

Robert Graham, managing director of Graham’s The Family Dairy confirmed the decision to launch organic unsalted butter and further extend Graham’s organic presence in the market is a direct result of consumer demand: “Over the past 12 months, demand by discerning consumers for high quality, locally sourced Scottish produce has further boosted demand for our organic range.”

In the past year of trading alone, Graham’s weekly production of organic butter has increased by 93% while output of organic milk has enjoyed a 94% increase. Graham added: “We have had increasing enquiries from consumers and chefs asking us to produce unsalted organic butter, the production process of which is the same as our creamy organic, slightly salted butter.”

The dairy is continuing to enjoy considerable sales success of its organic range in the supermarket multiple sector. For example, since 2007 sales of Graham’s labelled organic milk within Sainsbury’s supermarkets in Scotland has helped ensure Graham’s organic milk now represents 12 per cent of this product category north of the border.

Graham’s The Family Dairy is confident the launch of organic unsalted butter will help further strengthen the Bridge of Allan based dairy’s presence in leading major and niche outlets. In addition to Sainsbury’s, Graham’s The Family Dairy also enjoys listings of its organic range in Tesco, Asda, Waitrose, Macdonald Hotels and in a variety of delicatessens and farm shops.

As his family dairy prepares to roll out its organic unsalted butter offering, Robert Graham believes consumers will welcome this latest product innovation. “Previously, organic products had to be transported from the south of England to satisfy the Scottish consumer.  However, since 2005 and the launch of our organic milk, Graham’s has enjoyed sustained market growth as the discerning shopper, mindful of the importance of maintaining a healthy diet keeps organic dairy products in the shopping basket.”

All packaging of the organic range carries the distinctive tartan wellies that convey the wholesome farming heritage of Graham’s The Family Dairy.

In addition to the launch of unsalted butter within its organic range, Graham’s The Family Dairy also offers consumers a conventional portfolio of dairy products including its award winning, creamy and golden Graham’s Gold range of butter, milk and cream produced by doe-eyed Jersey cows.

25 August 2008
Graham's new Jersey Cow Range awarded
Gold Star by Sainsbury's
Graham’s Gold, the new range of Jersey cow products recently launched by Graham’s The Family Dairy, has been named ‘best in class for innovation’ at Sainsbury’s UK Dairy and Convenience Supplier Forum 2008. 

The annual event held in London brings together 150 suppliers from across the UK to present awards in three categories – innovation, customer focus and service. 
Simon Twigger, Sainsbury’s dairy and convenience
business unit director, presented managing director
Robert Graham with the accolade.

The winners are announced after judges have reviewed the performance of all Sainsbury’s suppliers over the last six months, evaluating what the have brought to the dairy category and the impact they have had. Other winners included WC Rowe, which was recognised for its customer service and Alston Dairy, for outstanding supplier service.

Graham’s Gold features 750ml bottles of milk, 284ml double cream pots and 250g packs of butter produced by the dairy’s award-winning doe-eyed Jersey herd.  Reared on the lush pastures of the Carse of Stirling, Graham’s herd delivers golden, creamy milk, high in protein and calcium and renowned for its unique taste.

Robert Graham, managing director at Graham’s The Family Dairy, said: “It’s a huge honour to have such a renowned name in retailing recognise our products.  As a family business, we are committed to new product development to enhance our offer to both customers and consumers.  Our thanks go to Sainsbury’s for its confidence in stocking Graham’s Gold from the day it launched.

“Being named ‘best in class for innovation’ is something that exceeds expectations and leaves everyone at the dairy filled with immense pride at their achievements.”

Simon Twigger, Sainsbury’s business unit director, Dairy and Convenience, said:  “Graham’s The Family Dairy is a forward thinking and ambitious company and Graham’s Gold is a further demonstration of its success.  The quality and taste of the luxury product has been important during our decision-making but also the excellent visual stand out its premium black and gold label displays.”

20 June 2008
Sainsbury's selects Graham's as cream of the crop
Family dairy to supply supermarket’s Scottish cream
Sainsbury’s today (20 June) used the Royal Highland Show as a platform to announce the selection of Graham’s The Family Dairy to supply the supermarket’s own-label cream for its Scottish stores. Sainsbury’s UK trading director Mike Coupe announced the partnership with the support of Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and the Environment Richard Lochhead MSP. The range of cream includes single, double whipping and extra thick from 150ml to 600ml.

The dairy, established in 1939 by current managing director Robert Graham’s grandfather, also supplies Graham’s organic and conventional milk as well as Graham’s Gold Jersey milk to more than 400 Sainsbury’s supermarkets. Emma Metcalf-King, Sainsbury’s senior dairy buyer said:  “At Sainsbury’s we’re committed to supporting local producers and providing consumers with high-quality, locally produced goods. 

“The introduction of Graham’s conventional milk to our Scottish stores boosted category sales by 2 per cent in just four weeks, while the launch of the dairy’s organic lines has helped grow our organic category by 4 per cent.  We know that extending our partnership with Graham’s guarantees superior products that are big favourites with our customers.”

Robert Graham, managing director of Graham’s The Family Dairy, added: “We’ve established a great working partnership with the Sainsbury’s team and they have demonstrated to us that they are as passionate about our products as we are.

“Sainsbury’s enjoys a discerning customer base who confidently knows that everything bearing the Sainsbury’s name will have the quality they desire and we know we can provide that.”

The Royal Highland Show is proving to be an eventful occasion for everyone connected with Graham’s.  Yesterday (19 June), the company launched the latest addition to its rapidly expanding product portfolio – Graham’s Gold – while Robert Graham was also made an associate fellow of the Royal Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland.

Photographer Rob McDougall has been commissioned to undertake photography should picture desks wish to source images direct by calling 07856 222 103.

19 June 2008
Graham's goes for GOLD with new range from Jersey Cows
Graham’s The Family Dairy guaranteed this year’s Royal Highland Show got off to a deliciously indulgent start with the launch of the latest addition to its rapidly expanding product portfolio – Graham’s Gold. Featuring milk, cream and butter, Graham’s Gold is produced by the dairy’s award-winning Jersey cows.  Reared on the lush pastures of the Carse of Stirling, Graham’s Jersey herd delivers golden, creamy milk, high in protein and calcium and renowned for its unique taste.

The new products, which will be available in a number of retailers in Scotland including Sainsbury’s and Harvey Nichols, were unveiled by Robert Graham Snr, chairman of Bridge of Allan-based Graham’s The Family Dairy, and Allan Burns, chairman of Scotland Food & Drink. Speaking at the launch, Mr Burns said: “The dairy industry is a vital component of Scotland’s economy, contributing enormously to the country’s food and drink GVA and agricultural output.

“Graham’s The Family Dairy is a forward thinking and ambitious company, and it gives me great pleasure to be involved in its latest, and hopefully hugely successful, product launch.”

Graham’s, Scotland’s largest independent dairy company and the seventh-largest liquid milk producer in the UK, has previously produced Jersey products on behalf of a number of leading retailers.

Comprised of 750ml bottles of milk, 284ml double cream pots and 250g packs of butter, the Graham’s Gold range features a distinctive, luxurious black and gold label, differentiating it from the existing red, blue and green packaging which dominates dairy products. Nevertheless, the label does retain the touch of tartan found on all Graham’s products, emphasising the company’s ‘Scottishness’ and helping to ensure consumers are aware of the fact they are buying locally-produced product.

Carol Graham, director of Graham’s The Family Dairy, commented: “The launch of Graham’s Gold comes as part of our ongoing development strategy, which has seen us enlarge our product offering, as well as revising and improving the way our products are packaged and promoted.

“Compared to conventional milk, milk from our doe-eyed Jersey cows is golden in colour, indulgent tasting and considered to be a luxury item.  The black and gold labels help the range stand apart from other dairy items while enhancing its premium proposition.

“The development of Graham’s Gold has generated huge levels of excitement around the dairy and we hope our customers share in this and enjoy the range as much as we do.”

The showcasing of new products at the Royal Highland Show, which is attended by more the 150,000 visitors each year, has become something of a tradition for Graham’s. Two years ago, the dairy used the show to launch its new brand identity, which went on to scoop the Brand Development award at the 2007 Scotland Food & Drink Excellence Awards, where it also won the Retail award for its organic range. More recently, Graham’s was named the Best of Previous Year’s Winners at the 2008 Awards.

12 May 2008
Graham's named Best of the Best at Food & Drink Oscars
Graham’s The Family Dairy, Scotland’s largest independent dairy company and the seventh-largest liquid milk producer in the UK, has won a top category award at the 2008 Scotland Food & Drink Excellence Awards.

The Bridge of Allan-based dairy, which won the Brand Development prize at the 2007 ceremony, in addition to the Best Dairy Product award for its organic range, was named the Best of Previous Year’s Winners in recognition of its ongoing development.

In the period since last year’s awards, sales of Graham’s organic milk have increased by an incredible 150 per cent, while its conventional milk has also experienced an increase in sales of 5 per cent.

Carol Graham, marketing director at Graham’s The Family Dairy, said: “This latest award win is testament to the hard work and dedication displayed by everyone at the dairy over the past twelve months.  This period has proved to be one of considerable success, helped in no small way by our double win at last year’s Scotland Food & Drink Excellence Awards.”

“We are fully committed to making further investment in our brand while continuing to look at ways of expanding and improving our current product range, and we believe the award was given in acknowledgment of that.”

The awards, organised jointly and co-sponsored by the Royal Highland and Agricultural Society and Scottish Enterprise on behalf of Scotland Food & Drink, are regarded the ‘Oscars’ of the industry.

The ceremony, held at Edinburgh’s Mansfield Traquair on Thursday 8 May, was attended by First Minister Alex Salmond and more than 300 leading figures from the Scottish food and drink industry.

12 May 2008
Graham's Increases Producer Prices
Graham's The Family Dairy, Scotland's largest independent dairy company and the seventh largest milk processor in the UK, has increased the price it pays producers for their milk by 0.8p per litre to 26.4p per litre for 4% milk before volume bonuses.  Over the last twelve months, Graham’s has provided Scotland’s farming community with a 7.4p per litre increase.

The Bridge of Allan-based family farming business has provided the increase to its 50 plus suppliers from across Scotland, following the dramatic rise in costs being incurred with feed and fertiliser in particular.

Robert Graham, managing director, said: "We are very aware of the cost that our dairy farmers are facing, and, as a farming business, we face these as well.  Due to these increases we have been speaking to customers regarding moving supply prices forward.  The market remains very competitive but we continue to invest in the Graham’s brand and this has continued to pay dividends. 

“Over the years we have taken the lead when it comes to prices paid to dairy farmers. This latest increase will keep us at the forefront of prices paid to producers throughout the UK.

"The milk market globally is facing an unprecedented double challenge with shortages and increased demand leading to spiralling prices.  As a family we have been in this business for three generations - almost seven decades - and we've never seen the marketplace at home and across the globe so upwardly mobile.”

Established in 1939, the Bridge of Allan-based company produces 360,000 pints of milk per day, employs 270 staff and is run by managing director Robert Graham, grandson of the dairy’s founder.

9 May 2008
Graham's The Family Dairy cooks up promotion with Nick Nairn
Graham’s The Family Dairy, Scotland’s largest independent dairy company and the UK’s seventh-largest liquid milk producer, has teamed up with TV chef and entrepreneur Nick Nairn to launch its first on-pack promotion.

Throughout June and July 2008, Graham’s customers will have the chance to win one of 40 full days at the Nick Nairn Cook School.  Also up for grabs will be 100 copies of the new Cook School Book.  The book is an indispensable guide to cooking for everyone from toast burners to soufflé kings and is packed full of tips, techniques and delicious recipes.

The promotion will feature on Graham’s whole, semi-skimmed and skimmed milk and its organic semi-skimmed two pint, which accounts for 80 per cent of all organic milk sales.   The partnership will also be promoted via specially created pages on both Graham’s and Nick Nairn’s websites

Commenting on the partnership, Robert Graham, managing director of Graham’s The Family Dairy, said: “Nick is a popular and well-respected figure and is viewed as something of an ambassador for fresh Scottish produce, so having him feature on our packaging is a real coup for us.

“We believe it is an indication of the quality of our products and look forward to working in synergy with Nick to ensure that more Scots become aware of, and ultimately introduce the best Scotland has to offer into their diets.”

Nick Nairn added: “The basic philosophy taught at the Cook School centres around using the best produce, which is why we use Graham’s products every day.  All our produce is sourced with great care and for us it has to be the best in its class.  Graham’s supreme standard range certainly falls within this bracket.”

In addition to appearing on pack, Nick will also make a special guest appearance at the Graham’s stand at this year’s Royal Highland Show on Sunday 22 June.  A further space at the Cook School will be raffled at the event to raise money for the Children’s Hospice Association Scotland (CHAS), Graham’s nominated charity.

3 February 2008
Sainsbury's increase local milk sales in Scotland through Graham's Partnership
Sainsbury’s commitment to sourcing local produce is paying dividends in Scotland, with the company today (3 February 2008) announcing that the introduction of conventional milk from Bridge of Allan-based Graham’s The Family Dairy has increased milk sales by 2 per cent in Scotland.

Graham’s whole, semi-skimmed and skimmed milk was launched in Sainsbury’s Scottish stores due to customer demand on 4 January and, just four weeks later, is proving to be a great Scottish success story accounting for 9 per cent of the leading food retailer’s total conventional milk sales.

The retailer’s investment in nurturing the relationship with Scotland’s largest independent dairy company and seventh largest milk producer in the UK has certainly paid off, as Graham’s business with Sainsbury’s has quadrupled over the last 15 months and the partnership is now worth an estimated £4 million per annum.

Sainsbury’s is dedicated to selecting the best local suppliers and achieving economic growth at a local level.  Senior Sainsbury’s executives have worked extensively with the family-owned, Bridge of Allan-based dairy to form a long-term partnership.

The dairy’s organic lines, which have been available in stores since July last year, have helped grow Sainsbury’s organic category by 4 per cent.  Graham’s organic milk now represents 12 per cent of Scottish organic milk sales.

Emma Metcalf-King, Sainsbury’s senior dairy buyer said: “We are delighted to be able to underpin our commitment to supporting local food producers in Scotland.  Our customers want to be able to buy quality local produce, which is reflected in our sourcing policy that focuses on obtaining the best local produce from the best local suppliers.

“Graham’s The Family Dairy is well-known for its high-quality products and the sustainable and ethical farming practices it has adopted, so we were confident that this will prove to be a popular line.”

Robert Graham, managing director of Graham’s The Family Dairy, said: “Sainsbury’s has invested considerable time in developing our partnership, supporting the development of our business and driving sales of our products in its stores.

“Supplying Scottish products to Scottish consumers is paramount to us and this is mirrored in Sainsbury’s procurement process.  Our successful company-wide rebranding exercise placed emphasis on our Scottish roots and family values and we believe our strong brand identity has proved reassuring to Sainsbury’s customers who are looking to buy locally-produced goods.”

The partnership between Sainsbury’s and Graham’s stretches beyond the retailer’s shelves.  Robert Graham has spoken on the benefits of supermarket / local producer collaborations during an event at the Scottish Parliament and the companies joined forces during the inaugural BBC Good Food Show Scotland.

17 January 2008
Graham's the Family Dairy set to Build for the Future - Bridge of Allan Headquarters poised for Extension
Graham’s The Family Dairy, Scotland’s largest independent dairy company and the seventh largest milk producer in the UK, is set to embark upon an expansion project at its Bridge of Allan headquarters. Work on a 4,000 sq ft extension to Airthrey Kerse Farm’s loading bay will commence this month (January) and is due for completion in June of this year. The expansion has been designed, and will be constructed, by Algo (Blairgowrie) Ltd, the Perth-based commercial and farm building contractors.

The development will increase the dairy’s loading and distribution capabilities, as well as creating additional space for the unloading of packaging and is being carried out as part of the company’s commitment to increased efficiency in 2008. It will be the first time extensive work has been carried out on the dairy since 2003, when the cold storage area was converted to allow for the upgrade of the firm’s processing and packaging plant.  A second cold store and new parking and loading bays were included.

Established in 1939, Graham’s The Family Dairy produces 360,000 pints of milk per day, employs 270 staff and is run by managing director Robert Graham, grandson of the dairy’s founder.

Commenting on the extension, Robert said: “We are constantly looking to build upon success and expand the business, and it became clear that an extension was required in order to have the infrastructure in place to support our increasing customer base, expanding product range and rising sales.

“A period of minor disruption comes with any major development, but our customers can rest assured that we will continue to offer the excellent and reliable service and award-winning products they’ve come to expect.”

The past 15 years has been a period of continual growth for Graham’s.  During that time, the company has acquired more than 20 businesses, relocated its Glasgow operation to Port Dundas (following a six-figure refurbishment of the site) and underwent a re-branding exercise, reinforcing its family values and farming heritage. The bulk of Graham’s business continues to be in milk – whole, semi-skimmed and skimmed – but the company also produces a variety of award-winning dairy products, including the salted and unsalted butter, single and double cream, Jersey milk and cream, as well as organic milk and cream and Scotland’s only organic butter.

04 January 2008
Marathon Milk Man Delivers over £6,000 to Charity
The managing director of Bridge of Allan-based Graham’s The Family Dairy is set to hand over £6,000 to charity after completing the New York Marathon. Robert Graham, who also lives in the village, completed the marathon – his first – in an impressive 3 hours and 47 minutes in aid of the Orchid Cancer Appeal.

Set up in 1996, Orchid was the first registered charity dedicated to fund research into diagnosis, prevention and treatment of both testicular and prostrate cancer, and to increase public awareness of these previously neglected diseases.

Speaking after the gruelling 26.2 mile run, Robert said: “Running the New York Marathon was an amazing experience and one I’m keen to repeat.  After an intensive six month training programme, it was great to finally do it and I was spurred on in the knowledge that I was running for a worthy cause.”

Robert was one of 39,085 runners to take part in the race, which was watched by a world-wide television audience of over 315 million.  Entrants included former champion cyclist Lance Armstrong and Katie Holmes, wife of Hollywood megastar Tom Cruise.

Graham’s The Family Dairy is Scotland’s largest independent dairy company and the UK’s seventh largest liquid milk producer.  Operated by the third generation of the Graham family, the company is famed for its award-winning Scottish dairy products including milk, cream, butter and its own-brand organic and Jersey range.

27 November 2007
Dairy churns out funds to save charity fun day
Graham’s The Family Dairy has renewed its sponsorship of the popular Bridge of Allan Charity Fun Day, ensuring the event will run for its 16th year on Sunday 9 December.

This will be the third year that Graham’s, Scotland’s largest independent dairy company based in the village since 1939, has sponsored the event, which has become a popular Christmas tradition.

It will also be the first year that Robert Graham Snr, chairman of Graham’s The Family Dairy, will preside over the event in his role as chairman of the Bridge of Allan Merchants’ Association.

Organised by the Merchants’ Association, which represents over 60 businesses in the area, the Fun Day will be held between 12pm and 5pm and is expected to attract thousands of visitors to the village.

A number of local and national charities, including the Bannockburn Group of Riding for the Disabled Association, will run stalls at the event, with many of the village’s shops opening their doors on a Sunday for the one-and-only time this year.

As in past years, Graham’s will have its own stand, sampling its award-winning dairy products, including milk, cream, butter and its own brand organic and Jersey range.

Carol Graham, marketing director of Graham’s The Family Dairy, added: “The Charity Fun Day is an important date in our calendar.  In the past, around £20,000 has been raised for charity and it attracts visitors from all over the country, giving Bridge of Allan the opportunity to showcase the best it has to offer.

“At one point, it looked as though the 2006 event would be the last, but we were determined it would continue and had no hesitation in pledging our support.  The Graham family has had a presence in the village for three generations, and remaining true to our roots is a big part of what we’re about.

“It’s a fantastic family event and one that brings the local community together, and we hope that everyone has as much fun as they have in previous years.”

Cast and children from Macrobert’s Cinderella panto production will switch on the Christmas tree lights in Provost Park at 4pm. Street entertainers, carol singers, a children’s disco and fun fair are also planned.  The Alloa and Bowmore Pipe band will return to the event, as will battle re-enactment specialists Clan Alba. 

27th November 2007
Graham's the Family Dairy participates in first-ever
BBC Good Food Show Scotland
Graham’s The Family Dairy, Scotland’s largest independent dairy company and the seventh largest milk processor in the UK, showcased its award-winning products at the inaugural BBC Good Food Show Scotland, held at the SECC, Glasgow (2-4 November).

The Bridge of Allan-based company was situated in the Sainsbury’s pavilion, where visitors to the show were able to sample the dairy’s mouth-watering range of butters.

This included Graham’s deliciously rich and creamy organic butter.  Made from fresh, lightly-churned organic cream, it is currently the only Scottish organic butter on the market.

Established in 1939 by Robert Graham and his wife Isabella, who started out delivering milk, cream and eggs to homes in Bridge of Allan by horse and cart, Graham’s is now operated by the founder’s grandchildren, managing director Robert Graham Jnr and marketing director Carol Graham.  The founder’s son Robert Graham Snr is still active in the role of chairman.

Commenting, Robert Graham, managing director, said: “The launch of the BBC Good Food Show in Scotland presented us with the perfect opportunity to sample our products.

“It was exciting to be part of what we hope will go on to become an annual event and with big names like Gordon Ramsay, Andrew Fairlie and Nick Nairn appearing, we were certainly in illustrious company. 

“When my grandparents first moved into the dairy in 1939, they would never have imagined that one day we would be involved in something of that magnitude.”

The bulk of Graham’s business continues to be in milk – whole, semi-skimmed and skimmed – but the company also produces a variety of award-winning dairy products, including the aforementioned butters, single and double cream, Jersey milk and cream, as well as organic milk, butter and cream.

Graham’s also supplies natural and fruit yoghurt, Scottish eggs, crème fraiche, Scottish mild cheddar, Scottish mature cheddar and orange juice to a number of catering and retail customers, including leading supermarkets.

The company is a key participant and funding partner of the on-going ‘White Stuff Milk Moustache’ campaign, which uses high-profile celebrities to promote the health benefits of milk.

4 September 2007
Nearly 1000 Athletes and Fun Runners to test power of milk
at Stirling 10k
Graham's Family Dairy, Scotland's largest independent dairy operation, has teamed up with the organisers of the Stirling 10k Road Race in order to display the scientifically proven exercise recovery powers of milk. Graham's, based in Bridge of Allan, will have nearly 1000 cartons of skimmed milk at the Forthbank Stadium finishing line on Sunday September 16 in order to enable runners to quench their thirst and promote post-race recovery.

A fortnight ago Loughborough University - one of the UK's leading sports education establishments - published in the British Journal of Nutrition the results of its research into the post-exercise recovery powers of milk. That research - funded by the Milk Development Council - indicated that skimmed milk is significantly more effective at re-hydration after vigorous exercise
than water or expensive isotonic drinks.

Graham's marketing director Carol Graham, herself a graduate of Loughborough University, said:" The Loughborough study joins the growing volume of literature which suggests that skimmed milk is a natural and effective post-exercise recovery aid. "We're a local company happy to support a local event. We've only recently had the results of the Loughborough University research and it struck us that linking up with the Stirling race was a perfect fit.

"Drinking milk is not only a valuable way to re-hydrate the body but also provides an excellent source of energy, protein and a vast array of different vitamins and minerals essential to the good health of hardworking sportspeople and the population as a whole,” she said.

Some 900 runners have entered the 10k Road Race and the 2k Fun Run which are now in their seventh year. Both events, which start and finish at the Stirling Albion stadium, are organised by the Central Athletic Club and began in 2000 as part of the celebrations marking Stirling being awarded City status.

Race Director Jane Milne said: "Both the 10k race the Fun Run have become significant fixtures in the Scottish athletics calendar since we began seven years ago. We already enjoy wonderful support from local companies and organisations and this innovative initiative by Graham's is very welcome indeed."

The Loughborough research has been applauded by top UK athletes. Champion decathlete Dean Macey said: "I can't say it comes as a huge surprise to me that this research says milk is the best thing for athletes, it makes perfect sense. If you want a great, natural drink to help performance then it's got to contain milk every time."

Olympic gold medallist Marlon Devonish added: "I use milk on my cereal every day. After hearing that it aids recovery, I will certainly incorporate it as part of my training and recovery for the future."

Long jumper Greg Rutherford said: "I have drunk milk for a long time and have found that it helps me recover after hard training sessions. It aids my recovery and replenishes lost nutrients. "

17 August 2007
Milk producers set to receive increase with more in the pipeline
Graham's Dairies, Scotland's largest independent dairy company and the seventh largest milk processor in the UK, is set to increase the price it pays producers for their milk.

With effect from the beginning of September the family-run dairy's 50-plus suppliers across Scotland will receive approximately 22p per litre - an increase of around 2p - and the likelihood is that, in early October, farmers will receive another increase taking the price per litre towards 25p.

Graham's managing director Robert Graham jnr said: "We are a farming family ourselves and have long prided ourselves in taking a lead when it comes to prices paid to dairy farmers. We believe that these intended increases will keep us at the forefront of prices paid to producers throughout the UK.

"The milk market globally is facing an unprecedented double challenge with shortages and increased demand leading to spiralling prices.  As a family we have been in this business for three generations - almost seven decades - and we've never seen the marketplace at home and across the globe so upwardly mobile.

"There is a worldwide shortage of liquid milk and milk powder and there's no doubt that this is leading to what many economists and sector experts believe will be a permanent and upward re-adjustment of base prices for dairy products.

"After years of serious challenges this is good news for farmers. These seismic shifts in the global marketplace will have an ongoing dramatic effect on farm-gate prices. These will, inevitably, be reflected on the High Street, not just in increases in the price of liquid milk but on all foodstuffs associated with dairy product.

"We see these developments as being of an extremely positive nature for dairy farmers and for the agricultural industry as a whole," said Robert Graham.

1 August 2007
Scotland's Favourite Family Dairy backs quest for Scotland's Smoothest Smoothie
Scotland's favourite family dairy is joining forces with Scottish Food Fortnight to provide the liquid ingredient in the quest for Scotland's Smoothest Smoothie. Graham's the Family Dairy will supply milk for the youngsters' category at the contest which is to be staged at the launch of Scottish Food Fortnight at Glamis Castle on Saturday, September 1.

Participants in the Graham's sponsored category - teams of two with a combined age of 30 or less - will represent their schools. In addition to supplying milk on the day of the Glamis Castle finals, the Bridge of Allan-based company will also donate milk worth £150 to the winning team's school.

The "Smoothest Smoothie" quest is the brainchild of the Scottish Countryside Alliance Educational Trust which aims to reconnect the people of Scotland with their countryside.

Scotland’s fruit lovers will enter their recipe, using produce from around Scotland, to create the Smoothest Smoothie. The finalists will be judged by some of the nation's best known culinary figures.  The ‘smoothie-off’ finals will be held at the launch of Scottish Food Fortnight at Scotland’s Countryside Festival at Glamis Castle in Angus.

Scottish Food Fortnight aims to create an awareness of the quality and variety of food and drink on offer in Scotland, and to change the habits of what we eat and where we buy it. The two-week long event, which is backed by internationally renowned chefs including Gordon Ramsay, Nick Nairn, Martin Wishart and Andrew Fairlie, runs from September 1 - September 16.

Graham's marketing director Carol Graham said: "We're a third generation dairy company but, as a family, we've been farmers for five generations. We care deeply about the countryside and the farming way of life. We're happy to give our support to worthwhile projects which showcase Scottish natural produce at its best."

August 2007
Fresh New Look Boosts Business for Family Firm
Graham’s, the family dairy, caused a splash last year with the unveiling of a new brand image. The fresh new identity was created as part of the company’s ongoing development strategy which has seen it become Scotland’s largest independent dairy company and the seventh largest milk processor in the UK.   

The new identity, which reinforces Graham’s family values and farming heritage, has further strengthened the dairy’s reputation as a producer of a range of high-quality Scottish dairy products, which can be found on the shelves of Scotland’s supermarkets and independent retailers and in the kitchens of many leading hotels and restaurants.

The third-generation family business has been producing the finest tasting milk since 1939 but in recent years has significantly expanded its product range to include its own milk, cream, butter, organic and Jersey products. Made with pure organic milk from certified Scottish farms, Graham’s organic range has proved extremely popular. In 2006, the company launched Graham’s organic slightly salted butter – the only Scottish organic butter currently available. 

Director Carol Graham said: “At Graham’s we are committed to the environment, to the welfare of our animals and to the health of your family and we hope these values are reflected in the quality of our products.”

Graham’s has also grown geographically and now delivers across the heart of Scotland with a series of distribution depots in Fife, Glasgow, Ayrshire and Angus, as well as its Bridge of Allan dairy. Although the company has grown, much remains as it was when the dairy was started by Robert Graham and his wife Isabella, who moved to Airthrey Kerse Farm and started delivering milk, cream and eggs to homes in Bridge of Allan by horse and cart.

Daily output has increased since then from 400 pints to over 360,000 pints today, but the dairy remains very much a family business operated by the founder’s grandchildren, managing director Robert Graham jnr and director Carol Graham, and with his son Robert Graham snr active in the roll of chairman. Graham’s has played a key role in promoting the health benefits of milk to children and teenagers by providing funding for the ‘White Stuff Milk Moustache’ promotion, which features high-profile celebrities sporting milk moustaches.

July 2007
Royal Highland Show 2007
This was the second year that we had a stand in the food hall at the Highland Show, and despite the weather, it was extremely busy.  After winning the Scottish Food and Drink Excellence awards for brand development and our organic products, we showcased our full range with sampling of organic and conventional milk.  Over the four days we used 25,000 tasting cups, which equates to a staggering amount of milk.  The feedback was extremely positive, with consumers enjoying the creamy taste of the organic milk.

For the first time we entered the butter competition with our Scottish unsalted butter, and won the prestigious bronze award, which was the highest award presented at this years show.  The butter was tested on three categories, aroma and flavour; texture; appearance and rind.  The judging panel, made up of experts from supermarket buyers to top restaurateurs, examined and tasted the butters entered by many of the country’s top dairies.  Our butter achieved the highest score of all the butter judged.

On the farming and personal side, our Dad was Vice President of the Highland Show this year, which was a great honour for him. He was also showing his pedigree Limousin cattle and Berrichon du Cher sheep, and what a successful show he had, winning Limousin Championship with Butterfly, Reserve Limousin Championship with Samy, Reserve Interbreed Championship, and the Berrichon du Cher championship. Fantastic.

14 May 2007
Graham's has right ingredients for award win
Graham’s, the family dairy, has won two prestigious awards at this year’s Scottish Food & Drink Excellence Awards.
The Bridge of Allan-based-dairy received the Brand Development award in recognition of the highly-successful rebranding exercise undertaken by Graham’s last year.
The new branding has significantly boosted the profile of the company and helped to secure listings for Graham’s branded products with leading supermarkets Waitrose, Tesco, Asda and Sainsbury’s.

Graham’s Organic range of milk, cream and butter also picked up the award for best Retail Product in the dairy, confectionery & snacking category.  The awards are further evidence of Graham’s growing reputation as a producer of a range of high quality Scottish dairy products, which can be found on the shelves of Scotland’s supermarket and independent retailers and in the kitchens of many leading hotels and restaurants.

The Scottish Food & Drink Excellence Awards recognise companies that are leading the way in innovation, enterprise and quality. Now in its sixth year, the competition is organised by the Royal Highland & Agricultural Society of Scotland in association with Scottish Enterprise. 

Presenting the award for Brand Development, Maggie McGinlay, director food and drink, Scottish Enterprise, said: "Graham's is operating in a very difficult commodity market where it is often hard to differentiate between products, but its strong focus on ‘family’ has helped it do this and significantly raised the bar for others to match. Further evidence of this success is the fact that it has just completed its first ever export order."

Receiving the awards at a ceremony in Glasgow's Kelvingrove Museum & Art Gallery, managing director Robert Graham, said: “We have all worked extremely hard to develop the company through expanding our range of products and creating a new brand identity and I’m delighted this has been recognised. I’d also like to thank Scottish Enterprise for their invaluable support.”

Graham’s, a third-generation family business, has been producing the finest tasting milk since 1939 and has grown to become Scotland’s largest independent dairy company and the seventh largest milk producer in the UK.

In recent years, Graham’s has significantly expanded its product range and now produces its own milk, cream, butter, organic and Jersey products. In 2006, the company added to its popular organic range with the launch of Graham’s organic slightly salted butter – the only Scottish organic butter currently on the market.

27 April 2007
Beaconhurst Pupils visit local Dairy
Nursery pupils from Beaconhurst School found out how milk gets from the farm to the fridge during a tour of Graham’s Bridge of Allan dairy.

Chairman Robert Graham snr welcomed 24 children, aged between four and five years old, to the family company’s Airthrey Kerse dairy for a guided tour where they saw the milk being put into bottles, labels being applied and the milk being packaged for distribution to customers across Scotland. The facility produces over 330,000 pints of milk every day.

Following the tour, the children sampled the produce for themselves, enjoying a drink of milk and a snack in the farmhouse kitchen. The young visitors also had the opportunity to ask members of the Graham family questions about milk.

Tracy Maclean, early years practitioner, Beaconhurst School, said: “The children were very excited about visiting the dairy and enjoyed seeing how the milk is put into bottles and we were extremely pleased that Graham’s allowed us to see behind the scenes.”  

26 April 2007
Graham's reputation for quality spreads to France
The French appreciation for the finest foods has led a French baker all the way to Bridge of Allan-based Graham’s and the family dairy’s Scottish butter. Martine Specialites, located in the north east of Bordeaux, received its first delivery of two tonnes of Graham’s Jersey butter at the start of April. The butter will be used as an ingredient in the making of a range of bakery products.

The order, which Graham’s anticipates will lead to
potential annual business of £300,000, is further evidence
of Graham’s growing reputation as a producer of a range
of high quality Scottish dairy products. Graham’s, a third-generation family business, has been producing the finest tasting milk since 1939 and Graham’s butter is made from fresh cream, lightly churned to create a natural and creamy taste.

Graham’s butter is highly prized and can be found in the kitchens of many leading hotels and restaurants and on the shelves of Scotland’s supermarket and independent retailers. Following a successful rebrand last year, the company secured listings for its range of Graham’s branded milk, cream and butter, as well as its organic range, with Waitrose, Tesco, Asda and Sainsbury’s. Also in 2006, the company launched Graham’s organic slightly salted butter – the only Scottish organic butter currently on the market. 

Robert Graham, managing director, said: “Given the reputation France enjoys as the culinary capital of the world, securing this order adds a real stamp of quality to our butter and is further evidence of Scotland’s ability to produce some of the finest and most sought after ingredients.”

Graham's produces Jersey butter, salted and un-salted Scottish churned butter, as well as its organic butter, at a dedicated butter plant at its Bridge of Allan headquarters. The facility, which produces between 15-20 tonnes of butter per week, was opened by Graham’s in 2005.

3 December 2006
Bridge of Allan outs fun into Fundraising at annual
Christmas Event
The Bridge of Allan Charity Fun Day will be held this year on Sunday, 3 December, and the event looks set to raise thousands of pounds for local charities as well as attracting thousands of visitors to the village to mark the start of the festive season. This year’s Fun Day will be bigger and better with even more charities involved and more fun for all the family. A total of 15 local charities will run a variety of stalls in the village, and it anticipated that the event will raise even more money for charity than the £20,000 raised last year.

The Fun Day has become a popular annual Christmas tradition for all of the family and is once again being sponsored by Graham’s, Scotland’s largest independent family-owned dairy company, which has been based in Bridge of Allan since 1939. The day will start at 12 noon and will be officially opened by the chairman of Graham’s Family Dairy, Robert Graham snr on behalf of the sponsors. A free children’s disco will take place in the Allanbridge Social Club from 1-3.30pm, with a free selection box for each child. Later in the day, children from macrobert’s Alladin panto production will switch on the Christmas tree lights in the village’s Provost Park at 4pm. The large Christmas tree is again being donated by local delicatessen Clive Ramsay.

Adding to the festive atmosphere at the Fun Day will be carol singing by local choirs, fairground rides, mulled wine and roasted chestnuts. Alloa and Bowmore Pipe Band will also entertain the crowds while the Bridge of Allan Round Table will be helping Santa with his sleigh. The farmers market will be the biggest yet with a wonderful and diverse range of locally produced goods.

Amongst many other attractions, there will be the opportunity to taste award-winning organic beers free of charge at Bridge of Allan Brewery’s beer festival, watch battle re-enactments by Clan Alba and to design a Christmas bauble at Village Glass. To help keep the kids amused, there’s a chance to see birds of prey up close, Stirling Council Play Bus, face painting and the local police community officer will be demonstrating the process of finger printing. Blair Drummond Safari Park will also be making their first appearance to support the charity Fun Day. The annual extravaganza is organised by Bridge of Allan Merchants Association, representing over 60 local businesses, which helps to market Bridge of Allan as an attractive tourist destination by organising events, providing colourful hanging baskets and other village enhancements and also producing a variety of informative literature which tourists can refer to during their visit.

Douglas Ross, Fun Day organiser from the Bridge of Allan Merchants Association, said: “There really is something for the whole family at this year’s Fun Day. The event is not only a fantastic way to showcase the very best that Bridge of Allan has to offer but, more importantly, it helps to raise thousands of pounds for many deserving charities. “What nicer way can there be to do the Christmas shopping than while soaking up the festive atmosphere, enjoying a warm glass of mulled wine and sampling delicious locally produced food?”

Graham’s will be just one of the local businesses taking part in the farmer’s market. The firm will be running its own stand, sampling milk and its own-brand organic, Jersey, cream and butter products. Carol Graham, marketing director for Graham’s, said: “We are delighted to once again support the Bridge of Allan Fun Day, which is a fantastic family event and a great way of bringing the local community together. We look forward to being part of the day’s festivities.” To find out more about the Fun Day visit www.bridgeofallan.org

News Archive 2006 (Click on headline to view article)
• Bridge of Allan outs fun into Fundraising at annual Christmas Event
• Graham's scoops prestigious transport award
• Squash Champion appointed Head Coach at Bridge of Allan club
• Charity gets into its stride thanks to Graham's
• Bridge of Allan launches its first annual Sports Club Tennis Open
• Family Dairy invests in new Port Dundas Depot
• Carol Graham appointed Director of Family Dairy Business
• Game, Set and Match!
• New design delivers for Dairy
• Watroise Announces Scottish Partnership with Graham's Dairies