Wiseman wins £1m boost to Co-op contract

ROBERT Wiseman Dairies has picked up a contract to supply the Co-operative with all its own-brand milk.

But analysts warned that the 1 million boost to profits that East Kilbride-based Wiseman could receive from the deal is likely to be swallowed up by rising plastic and diesel prices.

Wiseman will supply 88 million litres of milk a year to the Co-op's 4,000 supermarkets, on top of the 275 million it already provides for the chain. In line with other grocers, the Co-op will use a dedicated group of 350 diary farmers to supply the milk.

Wiseman managing director Billy Keane said: "We are delighted the Co-op has decided to set up a dedicated group of dairy farmers drawn from Wiseman who will benefit from a premium farm gate milk price."