Moo milk

Arla has divested Crediton Dairy, which supplies milk to brands such as Moo

Arla has completed the sale of Crediton Dairy after the European Commission gave the green light to an MBO led by former Milk Link chief executive Neil Kennedy.

Arla was forced to sell Crediton by the European Commission as a condition of its merger with Milk Link, which completed in October last year. 

An MBO involving Kennedy and former Milk Link finance director Tim Smiddy was announced in May.

The new business is called Crediton Dairy. It will produce long-life dairy products and functional and flavoured dairy drinks, as well as fresh bulk cream.

Crediton had strong growth potential based upon its well-invested facility, growing customer base, established range of products and its skilled and committed workforce, said Crediton’s new MD, Smiddy. 

“Moving forward we will continue to focus on making great tasting, high-quality products with demonstrable British provenance and traceability,” he added.

Crediton supplies milk through retailer and foodservice own label as well as brands including Moo, Flora pro active, Mars Family Refuel and Dairy Pride – the long-life milk and cream foodservice brand.