Dairy firm Graham’s ambitious after ‘strong’ results

Graham’s The Family Dairy said it is looking to strengthen margins next year and beyond after posting what it described as “strong” results for the year to March.

Robert Graham said the family dairy was not complacent despite enjoying an 'excellent' year. Picture: Jane Barlow

The firm, headquartered in Bridge of Allan, said its pre-tax profit grew to £1.6 million from £1.3m and its dairy sales to £86.5m compared to £85m in the prior year.

It also said that during the year it “significantly” reinvested in the company with its capital expenditure amounting to £5m. This included its acquisition of the Glenfield Dairy site in Fife from First Milk, broadening its product range, and “significant” spend at its Nairn dairy.

Additionally the firm, established in 1939, highlighted investment at its dairy in Bridge of Allan to increase the production capabilities of spreadable butter, saying its product was the fastest-growing brand in Scotland, up by 76 per cent year-on-year.

Graham’s also said it will seek to increase its margins next year by growing sales of its added-value range of products. Unveiling the results, managing director Robert Graham said: “It’s been an excellent year but we’re not complacent and there’s much we still need to do.

“We are proud of what we’ve achieved and the numbers are strong, but we want our margins to be stronger next year and in the years beyond, which is why we’ve invested so heavily in the business throughout 2015 — improving efficiencies and encouraging future growth.”

He added that the business continues to pay its 98 farmers the highest price in the UK.