LONDON, 2015-1-27 — /EPR Retail News/ — Waitrose has confirmed the fair and leading price its pool of essential Waitrose dairy farmers receive for the milk they provide to the retailer. This currently stands at 33.1 p per litre (equivalent to 75.2p for four pints).
Unlike many other retailers, Waitrose sources its milk from a closed producer group of 100 farmers.
This means that instead of working through a processor, Waitrose closely collaborates directly with its farmers to set a price taking into account the cost of production and investing in programmes to strengthen farm resilience.
Mark Williamson, Commercial Director at Waitrose, said: ‘We believe it is important our farmers receive a fair price that gives them a sustainable return.
‘We have built mutual trust and understanding through our long-term relationships and source our milk from an established group of farmers under our pioneering producer group system.
‘To set a fair price we collaborate closely with our farmers, meeting regularly to share the details of the cost of production.
‘Waitrose is consistently at, or very close to, the top of the league table for the price our farmers receive for their milk and this has been the case for many years.
‘We pay this fair price because it gives farmers the reassurance and confidence to invest in their businesses. Farmers are the key to a thriving agricultural economy and it is important they receive a sustainable return for the top quality milk they provide.
‘Simply put, we want our farmers to have the confidence to stay in farming.’
Notes to editors
About Waitrose:
- As part of the John Lewis Partnership, Waitrose employees own the business ensuring a high level of commitment and service.
- Waitrose currently has 336 branches dedicated to offering quality fresh food, value and customer service.
- The food shop enjoys one of the best reputations for dealing with farmers and suppliersIt champions British produce; for example, 100% of Waitrose fresh chicken, beef, pork, milk, eggs and cream are British.
- Waitrose branches now offer over 2,500 locally and regionally sourced products.Its ‘Community Matters’ scheme ensures each Waitrose branch gives away £1,000 every month to local charities and projects nominated by the community.
Enquiries
For further information please contact:
Rob Cadwell
Senior Press Officer at Waitrose
Telephone: 01344 826182
Email: rob.cadwell@waitrose.co.uk