Third-generation family business Blackmore Vale Farm Cream (BV Dairy) from Dorset has gone under the wing of dairy co-op First Milk, with BV Dairy offering products within food manufacturing and foodservice.

The value of the purchase has not be revealed. First Milk CEO Shelagh Hanock explained that BV Dairy will continue to operate as an individual business.

Currently, BV Dairy boasts a range including yoghurts, clotted cream and soft cheese, all sourced within a 30-mile radius of Dorset HQ across 28 grass-fed farms. Existing partnerships with Biotiful Gut Health and HelloFresh work to distribute these products.

Figures gathered from Companies House data revealed that last year the company posted sales of £58.1m, which is up 34.8% on 2022. However, operating costs also increased from £236,000 to £3.3m which the business describes as ‘a recovery from two years of trading that were depressed due to external factors’.

It is understood that BV Dairy became available to purchase when managing director Jim Highnam announced plans to retire, according to Ms Hancock, who later added that Highnam would continue to operate the business in the short-term. BV Dairy oversees the entire process from manufacturing, chilled storage, and distribution.

Ms Hancock described the supplier as a ‘high-value business’ and with ‘considerable opportunities for the future’.

First Milk farm director and vice-chair Mike Smith highlighted: “This purchase builds on the existing strengths of First Milk and will bring wider benefits, adding value for our members while creating opportunities for our colleagues and enabling us to extend our regenerative positioning into a broader range of dairy products and customers.”

Highnam also added: “Having made the decision to sell the business, we wanted to ensure that the new owners would provide a secure future for our customers, colleagues, farmers, and suppliers.

“As such, I’m pleased to finalise this transaction and see BV Dairy become part of First Milk, as both businesses share a down-to-earth, pragmatic approach, balancing the needs of all stakeholders. I look forward to working with our new First Milk colleagues to continue to grow and develop BV Dairy.”