Graham’s The Family Dairy, Scotland’s largest independent dairy company, has announced its year-end results to 31 March 2009. Turnover increased by 20 per cent to £40m (2008: £33.4m) and pre-tax profits were £820,959 (2008: £721,953).
The year marked the 70th anniversary of the family dairy business, founded by the grandfather of current managing director Robert Graham.
Robert Graham said: “Graham’s growth is down to the considered investment we make in the business and the traditional way in which we do business. We maintain our traditional values of integrity and excellent service but we also, importantly, listen. We listen to what our customers want to stock and we listen to what consumers want to purchase. All our product development has been based on close conversations we have shared with everyone we work with on a daily basis.
“Graham’s is very much a family business. My father Dr Robert Graham is an active Chairman and committed to maintaining standards within the agricultural profession while my mum Jean gets involved with investment decisions. My sister Carol is our marketing director and involved in all phases of brand development and innovation. We can literally sit round the kitchen table in the dairy to make immediate business decisions and respond quickly to customer needs.
“Through the loyal commitment of our customers and consumers, we have expanded the Graham’s portfolio. We created a delicious range of vanilla ice cream earlier in the year and will launch family favourite flavours next year. The commitment we have placed to brand development has played a significant part to our growth and it’s heartening to see the positive recognition the Graham’s brand receives.
“The Graham’s brand also made its debut across the border. Our Graham’s Gold Jersey milk can now be found on the shelves of Sainsbury’s in London and the South East. It’s very encouraging to see the commitment retailers continue to place on quality Scottish produce.
“Graham’s has always taken a long term view with business planning. We understand the impact of economic downturns and continue to deal with increased costs. As farmers ourselves, it’s been crucial to support the farmers we work with throughout Scotland to protect their businesses while they support ours.
“We have always taken the view while we can afford it, that we can always pay our farmers that little bit more and accept a little less margin in order to have a good, confident and sustainable milk supply.
“We recognise the importance of our loyal workforce in our Bridge of Allan dairy and depots across the country and each play a part in our success – from our sales and office staff to our delivery drivers.
“The year ahead will see more Graham’s products, more widespread availability and hopefully a few more awards.”
The Grahams have farmed in the Stirling area for five generations, employ 300 staff and partner with more than 50 Scottish farmers.
