OFT drops price-fixing case against six dairies

The Office of Fair Trading (OFT) has dropped its investigation into claims that six Scottish dairies had been involved in price fixing, due to lack of evidence.

The dairies – Ballantyne, Grahams, Quothquan, Renfrew, Scottish Milk Dairies and Wiseman – were accused of price fixing/ market sharing between 2000 and 2003. Although the OFT found sufficient evidence at the time to make a provisional finding of an infringement, further investigations concluded that there was not enough evidence and no action should be taken.

Following the OFT decision, Graham’s dairy announced it would commit to a planned £1m investment in its Bridge of Allan-based farm and new products during 2009, having previously put major business development decisions on hold.

“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,” the firm’s managing director, Robert Graham said.

“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.”