Arla and RWD hold milk prices, but warn of cuts

TWO OF the UK’s biggest milk buyers have held their prices for August, but both hinted more cuts could be on the way with their competitors to blame.

Robert Wiseman Dairies will hold its standard litre payment at 20.11p, said procurement director Pete Nicholson said.

“In June, we pledged that we were prepared to hold back in the short term from announcing any further reductions in the hope that recent milk price cuts would be reversed.

“Not only has there been no reversing of cuts, one of our competitors has recently announced a further price reduction.

“Our price remains well above that of our main competitors and the gap between our prices has again grown.”

Arla Foods will pay 19.65p/litre.

Peter Walker, director of milk buying, said: “Other direct purchasers and some of the co-ops have lowered their prices recently, which has disappointed us.

“We will be holding our price, but will watch the market very closely in the weeks ahead.”