Scottish dairy brand, Graham’s The Family Dairy, has rounded off 2015 with a strong set of annual results which show sales for the year having increased to £86.5m (2014: £85m) with pre-tax profit also rising to £1.6m.
The family-owned farming business has enjoyed a busy year, including the launch of new product ranges, the acquisition of a new dairy site, the introduction of the living wage for their staff, as well as being named both number one Scottish dairy brand and number three Scottish brand overall in the Kantar WorldPanel UK Official Brand Review 2015.
Graham’s also significantly reinvested in the company, encouraging sustainable growth and opening up new revenue streams. Capital expenditure of £5m has included spend at their dairy in Bridge of Allan in order to increase the production capabilities of spreadable butter, as well as the acquisition of the Glenfield Dairy site in Fife from First Milk.
This recent purchase will see the business expand into cottage cheese, quark and sour cream – key new products that will sit alongside Graham’s existing range. There was also significant spend at the Nairn dairy from which Graham’s now produce a new range of yogurts.
Coupled with a focus on their Scottish roots, Graham’s will also look to increase its margins in 2016 by increasing sales of its added value range of products, which will help fund an increase in marketing activity to boost awareness. Activity in 2015 included a new broadcast commercial; media spend on TV, cinema, press and outdoor; an ice-cream event series; and a renewed emphasis on digital channels. This approach will continue, with new partnerships to be announced in the New Year.
“Our vision is clear. We want to be the dairy brand of choice – and this year, we took a big step towards that goal,” said Carol Graham (pictured), Marketing Director at Graham’s The Family Dairy. “Our range is delivered to over 6,000 customers, our sales have continued to grow and it was a particular highlight to become Scotland’s favourite dairy brand. To see our name up there with some of the country’s oldest and best-loved companies was a much-appreciated recognition of our hard work.”
