Family business 'heartbroken' after rising costs and staff shortage forces closure
There's concern more West Country milk suppliers could close
Last updated 21st Apr 2022
Following the closure of a Devon-based milk delivery service, there's concern other suppliers could follow suit.
Daisy Chain Dairy blame problems recruiting staff for the decision and rising costs, which will see them stop operating this weekend.
They championed reducing food miles and single-use plastic, by supplying milk in glass bottles, and have sent customers a list of alternative providers to help support the industry.
In a message to customers, Daisy Chain said: "Due to a combination of rising operating costs and staff shortages to name but a few, we have been left with no other option but to stop deliveries after Saturday 23rd April 2022.
"We know this will come as a huge shock and disappointment to you all, but please know we really have explored all options to try and keep going."
In response, NFU dairy board chair Michael Oakes said: “Rapid inflation of input costs, with fertiliser prices rising four-fold, animal feed rising by 70% and fuel costs continuing to soar, means that for most dairy farmers the cost of production is much higher than the price they are currently receiving for their milk.
"We know the British public hugely value the high-quality, sustainable dairy products farmers produce.
"Farmers are not responsible for setting the price of milk for the public, so we’re asking for fairness across the whole supply chain to manage these inflationary pressures and to ensure that farmers are being supported through these challenging times.”
Following the closure announcement many service users took to social media to pay tribute to the business
One user wrote: "It's been great. Don't stress, things change. Thank you for doing a mystery flavoured milk each Saturday. Our toddler loved it! I'll send the montage."
Another added: "Thank you for all your hard work during the pandemic, all weathers and all all the other hurdles you’ve pulled through. Your service and hard work has been very much appreciate by us"
A third wrote: "Thankyou for your service. You have been great. So sorry you cannot continue in such tough circumstances. Hope you can rest and recover and that new paths will prove happy and fulfilling."
In the letter to customers, the team wrote: "A heartfelt thank-you from Ross, Natalie and all at Daisy Chain Dairy for all your support over the years, we are so very sad to be leaving at such short notice and under the circumstances.
"We have loved seeing you on our rounds no matter what time of day, even when we have been a little later than planned. It just gave us a chance to put a face to a name."