Medina to close liquid processing site despite 1ppl price increase for August

The news comes as the dairy processor informed its suppliers of a further 1ppl increase from September 1 which will see the average standard litre price stand at 25.75ppl.

Recent months have seen Medina hit hard by the Covid-19 pandemic following the closure of the foodservice sector and wholesale markets, but consecutive milk price increases in June, July and August (by 1ppl, 1.5ppl and 1.5ppl respectively) have seen the price return to pre-Covid-19 levels.

But the processor has outlined its intentions to close Watson’s Dairy in Hampshire, which employs 144 staff, and transport its 200 million litre production capacity to other sites.

Sheazad Hussain, chief executive of Medina Dairy, said: “The proposal follows a major review of our business which concluded that by simplifying and consolidating our processing activity we will be able to create a more sustainable and appropriately scaled business.