Wiseman Recruits a2 Milk Suppliers

UK - Robert Wiseman Dairies is now recruiting milk suppliers in the Cheshire, Shropshire, Staffordshire and North Wales area with the incentive of a premium milk price for all a2 milk supplied.

10 April 2012

2 minute read

Europe

The new range of a2 fresh milk products will be suitable for consumers who currently avoid dairy because of the digestive discomfort it causes them. a2 Milk™ is pure fresh milk from cows specially selected to produce only A2 beta-casein protein, the ‘original milk protein’ which all dairy cows produced prior to a natural genetic variation which occurred several thousands of years ago which led to the appearance of A1 beta-casein protein in dairy herds.

In November 2011, Britain’s biggest fresh milk company, Robert Wiseman Dairies and A2 Corporation, a company listed in New Zealand, announced the creation of a joint venture, a2 Milk (UK), and the intention to introduce a range of a2 Milk™ products in 2012.

The company is seeking new members to join its direct supply group, the Wiseman Milk Group, and supply milk to its new a2 branded milk venture.

With over 8,000 dairy cows now tested, Wiseman has already started to build an A2 milk supply pool amongst existing Wiseman Milk Group members in the area as it moves towards launching a2 Milk™ in the UK this autumn.

Supplies of A2 milk will command a premium of 2.5ppl over the standard Wiseman farmgate milk price (Currently 28.43ppl[1]). In addition, conversion incentives are available and all the costs of DNA sampling of cattle to determine those with the A2 milk protein are also covered.

Sean Uprichard, Chief Executive of a2 Milk (UK), explains: “We are offering a unique opportunity for dairy farmers in the UK’s largest milk field to join this hugely exciting innovation as we move towards launching a2 Milk™ in the UK. The product is aimed at the growing market of people with a perceived intolerance to milk and who don’t currently consume cows milk.

“Results so far suggest that most herds have around a third of cows with the A2 beta Casein protein which is required for a2 Milk™, and we will work with farmers to help find the best solution to either convert their herd to solely A2 cows or segregate the A2 milk and appropriate financial assistance will be offered.”

Any dairy farmers interested in joining the Wiseman Milk Group and supplying a2 milk should contact the Wiseman Farm Services office on 01630 650200 or email [email protected] to find out more.