Dairy marks 75 years providing island's milk

Guernsey Dairy is marking 75 years since opening its St Andrew's facility which continues to process milk from 11 local farms.

The dairy opened on 9 August 1951 and now processes about 7.3m litres (1.6 m gallons) of milk a year from around 1,250 Guernsey cows.

Guernsey Dairy's operations director Andrew Tabel said the anniversary was an opportunity to recognise people who had contributed to the dairy's success over the years.

"For 75 years, Guernsey Dairy has played a central role in island life, working alongside local farming families to provide fresh, high-quality dairy products for our community," he said.

Tabel said: "This milestone is an opportunity to recognise the generations of farmers and dairy employees whose dedication has helped make Guernsey Dairy what it is today."

Guernsey Dairy was established following States intervention to support the island's dairy industry and centralise production.

The current St Andrew's facility opened with pasteurisation, testing and processing equipment designed to ensure the supply of safe, high-quality milk.

Products such as organic and lactose-free milk and buttermilk have since been intrdouced.

Tabel said: "The dairy has seen enormous change over the past 75 years, but what has not changed is the quality of Guernsey milk and the commitment of the people who produce it.

"As we celebrate this anniversary, we are also looking ahead and planning for the next generation of island dairy farming."

Jeremy Witham was the quality control manager for 15 years and ran the lab at the dairy.

"Every business is only as good as its last customer complaint," he said.

"A small community like Guernsey, a lot of people know each other.

"I am very proud, we had good products, good testing, we were a standalone, you had to make sure everything was good to go and if it wasn't it had to be put right very quickly."

Guernsey Bailiff Sir Richard McMahon joined the anniversary celebrations.

Sir Richard said: "I am pleased to mark this significant anniversary and meet the dedicated team behind one of Guernsey's most valued industries.

"The commitment shown by dairy staff and local farmers helps ensure islanders continue to enjoy high-quality local produce while maintaining the unique landscape and environment that are such an important part of Guernsey's identity."

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