Contract uptake slow for Milk Link

MILK LINK is confident that the majority of Glanbia‘s direct suppliers will join the co-op, despite reports that the uptake has been slower than previously suggested.

Glanbia had claimed that most of its 400 direct suppliers had signed or were planning to sign contracts with Milk Link, after the milk co-op‘s takeover of the company was confirmed earlier in April

But a large number have still to make up their minds, said one member of supply group West Country Milk Producers, which has 640 members selling to either Glanbia or Dairy Crest.

“As far as I can make out, only 70 of the farmers supplying the Taw Valley plant have committed to Milk Link, 15 have decided to give up and 75 are undecided,” said the farmer, who did not want to be named.

A Milk Link spokeswoman said it was not possible to say exactly how many of the Glanbia suppliers had signed up so far, but said over 50% had made a commitment to do so.

She was confident that 70-75% would eventually join.