Saputo gives notice to ‘small number’ of dairy farms in southwest England

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Saputo Dairy UK has confirmed it has served notice on a ‘small number’ of its Davidstow-supplying farms in the south west.

In a press statement, a spokesperson for the dairy company confirmed the decision to give 12 months’ notice to the impacted farms, adding that it would be providing support to those affected during this period.

The spokesperson commented: “This is not something we have taken lightly; however, it is a necessary thing to do for the business as we seek to ensure our milk pool is fit for the future”.

“We are incredibly proud of our supplying farms and the high-quality milk they produce for our market-leading cheeses.”

The news follows Saputo’s proposed closure of its Kirkby Malzeard plant in North Yorkshire, UK, announced in January 2025. If implemented, 80 jobs would be put at risk and the majority of the site’s operations would be relocated to Nuneaton, Warwickshire, following a major investment at the Nuneaton site.

The company reassured stakeholders that cheese production at the Wensleydale Creamery in Hawes will continue unaffected, and that the proposed changes would not impact local supplying farms.

Saputo’s rationale for the relocation centres around the pursuit of long-term efficiencies and cost reductions, with a spokesperson highlighting the need for adaptation to market demands while maintaining product quality.