First Milk has set up a strategic alliance with Eilers and Wheeler, one of Europe’s most established suppliers of quality dairy products. Under the new arrangement, Eilers and Wheeler will be First Milk’s preferred partner for export sales of cheese and packet butter.

Kate Allum, CEO of First Milk, commented:

“Our primary responsibility at First Milk is to put our members’ milk and dairy products into markets that maximise returns on a sustainable basis.

“Currently world markets are providing strong margins for UK dairy products and with most commentators predicting that global demand will continue, we recognised that we needed an experienced partner to drive our export sales.

“Eilers and Wheeler has been particularly interested in the export potential of our products and brands, including the Lake District cheese company. We have agreed to move a growing percentage of our cheese make through this route and will evaluate progress on an ongoing basis.”

“Over the last 12 months we have built a wide range of strategic alliances throughout our supply chain.  As ever, there needs to be a positive commercial benefit for both sides and a strong cultural fit for both parties to develop a long-term relationship.  We believe that First Milk and Eilers and Wheeler together can realise this potential.

Jozef Eilers, managing director of Eilers and Wheeler, added:

“Our long association with the dairy industry brings with it a wealth of market knowledge and expertise. At Eilers and Wheeler we have served overseas markets for many years, and we are very proud to have won the Queen’s Award for Export three times. We are very much looking forward to developing a strong mutually beneficial relationship with First Milk.”