Family dairy sees turnover rise

Robert Graham is managing director of the family-owned Graham's Dairies

Scotland's largest independent family-owned dairy has seen annual turnover increase by almost 20% to £40m.

Bridge of Allan-based firm, Graham's The Family Dairy, also said pre-tax profits rose from £722,000 to almost £821,000 in the year to 31 March, 2009.

The company said brand development and "considered investment" had helped fuel its growth.

Graham's, which employs 300 staff, marked its 70th anniversary as a family dairy business this year.

Managing director 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 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.

"The commitment we have placed on brand development has played a significant part in our growth and it's heartening to see the positive recognition the Graham's brand receive."

Graham's has also expanded south of the border. Its Gold Jersey milk can now be found on the shelves of Sainsbury's supermarkets in London and the South East.

The Graham family has farmed in the Stirling area for five generations and currently partners more than 50 Scottish farmers.