Arla Foods agrees deal to sell Crediton Dairy to former Milk Link chiefs

In a statement issued yesterday, Leeds-based Arla Foods UK revealed that it has entered into an agreement with a buy-out party led by former Milk Link CEO Neil Kennedy and former group finance director Tom Smiddy.

Crediton Dairy, which has an annual milk processing capacity of around 200m litres, manufactures a range of products including long-life milk and cream, extended shelf life milk, flavoured dairy drinks, and fresh bulk cream.

The sale of Crediton Dairy was a condition required by the European Commission (EC) when giving approval for the merger of Arla and Milk Link in 2012. The remedy related to concerns about a reduction of competition in the UK long life milk market.

Following the merger, Kennedy held the position of senior vice president for milk and member services at Arla until his resignation on 31 March 2013. He will become chairman of the new business, Crediton Dairy Ltd, while Smiddy will assume the role of managing director.

According to Kennedy, Crediton Dairy is “well positioned to play an important role in the fast growing and dynamic milk drinks sector.”​

“We will aim to be a highly professional and progressive business. One focused on making great tasting, high quality products with demonstrable British provenance and traceability, complemented by customer service excellence, category insight and targeted NPD.”​

Commenting on the deal, Smiddy said that “moving forward” ​Crediton will continue to focus on growing its long life, flavoured and functional milk business.

“At the same time, we will build upon the success of Moo, the UK’s leading brand of long life milk; functional branded milks such as Flora pro activ; flavoured milk brands such as Mars Family Refuel chocolate milk made under a licence from Mars, and our Dairy Pride long life milk and cream foodservice brand," ​he added

The deal, which is subject to EC approval and the undertaking of a consultation with Crediton Dairy’s 117 employees, could be completed by as early as the end of June 2013.