Freshways has acquired Totally Welsh Dairy, expanding its presence in Wales. This acquisition includes a new glass bottling line with a production capacity of one million pints per week. The move reinforces Freshways’ commitment to sustainability and growth while supporting local Welsh farmers and customers.
Freshways, a prominent dairy supplier in the UK, has announced its latest strategic acquisition of Totally Welsh Dairy, a well-regarded milk supplier based in Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire. This move follows Freshways’ recent acquisitions of Müller’s Milk & More in December 2023 and Coultons, a bread wholesaler, in March 2024. The purchase is set to significantly enhance Freshways’ operations and market presence in Wales.
Founded in 1990, Totally Welsh Dairy is known for sourcing high-quality milk from local farmers within a 40-mile radius of its Pembrokeshire bottling plant. The company has built a reputation for its commitment to sustainability, particularly through the use of reusable glass milk bottles. The acquisition not only expands Freshways’ product range but also reinforces its dedication to environmental responsibility.
The integration of Totally Welsh Dairy’s facility will introduce a new glass bottling line to Freshways’ operations. This line has the capacity to produce one million pints of milk per week, a significant increase that will bolster Freshways’ doorstep delivery service under its Milk & More brand. Freshways has opted to retire the Hanworth glass bottling plant in west London, instead focusing on maximizing the efficiency of the newly acquired facility in Wales.
Mark Hunter, owner of Totally Welsh Dairy, expressed confidence that the acquisition will ensure continued growth and development for the brand. He highlighted that the sale would also benefit the company’s dedicated workforce and support local Welsh farmers by maintaining a high demand for their milk.
Freshways Managing Director Bali Nijjar emphasized that this acquisition represents a pivotal moment for the company, allowing it to meet the growing consumer demand for sustainable dairy products while expanding its footprint in the Welsh market. Nijjar also noted that the acquisition aligns with Freshways’ broader strategy of investing in sustainable practices and strengthening local supply chains.
With the acquisition, Freshways will also enhance its product offerings in South Wales, where Totally Welsh Dairy currently serves approximately 7,400 doorstep delivery customers in Cardiff and Swansea. Additionally, Totally Welsh supplies milk and dairy products to schools, wholesalers, and retailers across the region.
The expansion underscores Freshways’ commitment to not only increasing its market share but also advancing its sustainability initiatives in the UK dairy sector.