Latest news with #MossgielOrganicDairy
The National
3 days ago
- Business
- The National
Scottish farm fumes as council gives milk contract to German dairy giant
Mossgiel Organic Dairy teamed up with the local authority back in 2021 to provide every school in the area with its organic milk. The farm in Mauchline, where Robert Burns once ploughed the fields and wrote many of his famous verses, aims to provide sustainable, organic milk while challenging the dominance of the bigger dairy companies and their negative impact on the industry. READ MORE: Scottish 85-year-old pens scathing letter to Keir Starmer over immigration rules The farm has won multiple awards and is known for providing a high quality product whilst also being environmentally friendly. For example, it was the first dairy farm in the UK to ditch single-use plastics But, The National can now confirm that the council has decided to award the contract to Müller – a German multinational firm which is considered the largest dairy brand in the UK. Mossgiel took to social media to hit out at the move. In a statement, they claimed: 'On paper, the council saves £6500 a year. In reality, here's the rest of the bill: "Recycling costs: Single-use milk packaging could add £2000–£5000 a year to waste bills, even if they pour from bigger supermarket jugs instead of little cartons. "Jobs lost: Two full-time equivalent local roles gone; £50–55k removed from Ayrshire's economy, plus around £5k less in National Insurance contributions for public services. "Local milk value: £61,000 less per year for our farm and the co-op of organic family farms we work with." They then added: 'Best case? They save a couple of grand up front, but lose around £111,000 from the East Ayrshire economy. Worst case? No saving at all plus the loss of jobs, farm income and the circular economy on top. 'Either way, that's over £100,000 stripped out of our community every year, diesel fumes back in playgrounds, and a prayer that milk cartons actually make it into recycling instead of landfill. Oh, and profits? Straight to a German-owned company. We respect the council's decision but we don't agree with it.' In a statement to The National, East Ayrshire Council confirmed that Mossgiel Milk's bid to keep the contract was unsuccessful and that Müller will replace them. 'The Council remains committed to providing healthy nutritious school meals, and has for the past 20 years, issued fresh and organic food contracts. The contracts are designed to provide a range of produce that meets higher welfare, and health and nutritional value. The successful tenderers have committed to maintain these standards,' the council said. 'The council also has strong links through the Ayrshire Economic Forum that engages with the wider local market to promote opportunity; and there is also direct support from the council's business support team and the Supplier Development Programme, which delivers grant support and expertise to businesses exploring public sector procurement opportunities.'
Daily Record
6 days ago
- Business
- Daily Record
Local dairy fears Ayrshire jobs at risk amid claims multinational firm 'undercuts' school milk contract
Mossgiel Organic Dairy has lost the contract to supply East Ayrshire schools. Jobs in East Ayrshire could be at risk after a local dairy lost a council school milk contract. Mossgiel Organic Dairy in Mauchline, which has supplied classrooms across East Ayrshire with sustainable, local milk for the last four years, has lost out on an extension to its deal. The firm's boss claims it have been "undercut" by a multinational dairy giant. Mossgiel chief Bryce Cunningham says his company has helped cut "millions" of single-use plastics from the school day as well as eliminating diesel emissions within school grounds through electric vehicles. The Organic Dairy, based at the historic Mossgiel Farm where Robert Burns once worked, is run by Bryce and is well known for its small-scale and eco-friendly approach to farming. In a post on social media, the team at Mossgiel said they were "gutted" to lose the contract to the "biggest juggernaut of them all" and criticised East Ayrshire Council for "being over-powered by a closed mindset" after being "brave" in awarding them the contract four years ago. When the last contract was announced in 2021, Cllr Claire Leitch said East Ayrshire Council was "thrilled" to be working with Mossgiel Farm. She also praised Bryce and his company for their "very impressive" farming methods and commitment to sustainability and added: "His enterprise and passion sit very well with our Clean Green Climate Change Strategy which seeks to use local suppliers where possible, cut food miles, minimise carbon emissions and use of non-recyclable plastic." Mossgiel Organic Dairy said: "Gutted. Big dairy won, this time. "For the past four years, East Ayrshire's schools have been a UK leader in sustainable food supply and together, along with other local suppliers, we've achieved things that most councils only talk about. "Millions of single-use plastics removed from the waste stream through our refill vending machines. "New local jobs created right here in Ayrshire. "Zero diesel fumes in school playgrounds, with every delivery made in electric vehicles. "A food revolution, with eggs, milk, meat and veg all from local businesses, made by local people, for local people. "Over 50 in-school education events bringing farming and food production into the classroom. "But this week, everything changed. "We were proud to work alongside the council to make this happen, proving that milk can be local, sustainable and free from single-use plastic." Mr Cunningham today claimed a "juggernaut" rival had undercut his bid and won the tender. He added: "Of course, money is money and council budgets are mega tight just now; especially East Ayrshire who have just announced free school meals for all pupils in primary. "There is zero argument there - or is there?" He claims the outside contractor "may not be able to deliver the milk they promise, drive unemployment in East Ayrshire and bring more diesel fumes to our kid's playgrounds - and that diesel's not the strongest stench in this deal." "Yeah, we're probably a bit bitter about it all - we, and others, held East Ayrshire's approach in such incredibly high regard," he said. "But when you fight for what's right then watch years of work done by amazing, passionate people once brave enough to say no to the norms, ultimately being over-powered by a closed mindset - it kinda grates. "We learned a lot in our four-year partnership with our local council, so in our next post, we'll share the impact this decision has made, and the real-world costs they have not considered." When approached by Ayrshire Live, a spokesperson for East Ayrshire Council confirmed Mossgiel had been kicked off the contract but insisted no deal had yet been signed with a rival competitor. They said: "East Ayrshire Council can confirm that Mossgiel Milk has been formally advised that their bid to remain on the council's Fresh and Organic Food Framework was unsuccessful. "The council is in the process of concluding a live tender process that involves a range of suppliers and is therefore legally not in a position to provide any further information at this time on the outcome of the tender. "The council can confirm, however, that Mossgiel Milk, as with all other unsuccessful bidders, has the opportunity to raise a formal challenge to the tender process, where there are legitimate concerns. "The council remains committed to the ethos of providing the best quality school meals and has further committed to free and subsidised meals across East Ayrshire. "We will continue the use of higher welfare, fresh ingredients and this remains at the heart of our healthy school meals, retaining the Food for Life Gold Award status since 2008. "The tender was judged on a '50% price 50% quality' basis so please be assured that when children and young people return to school next week, they will still be enjoying fresh organic milk, free range eggs, quality fresh meat, MCS certified fish, and fresh fruit and veg."
Daily Record
10-07-2025
- Business
- Daily Record
Ayrshire businesses among finalists at Scotland Food & Drink Excellence Awards
Arran Dairies, Brownings the Bakers, Dunbia Highland Meats and Mossgiel Organic Dairy could be among the winners at the awards night in September. Four of Ayrshire 's finest food and drink businesses have been named among the finalists for the Scotland Food & Drink Excellence Awards. Arran Dairies, Brownings the Bakers, Dunbia Highland Meats and Mossgiel Organic Dairy have all been nominated for awards. Now in its 25th year, the Scotland Food & Drink Excellence Awards recognise the highest quality of produce, as well as leading suppliers, individuals and companies in the industry. This year, winners will be announced at the awards night hosted by journalist and broadcaster Kirsty Wark on September 4 at the DoubleTree by Hilton, Glasgow. Among the 85 finalists from 60 different businesses across Scotland are four Ayrshire firms. Arran Dairies have been nominated in the small business dairy product of the year category for their Arran Blackthorn Salted Caramel Ice Cream. Kilmarnock 's Brownings the Bakers have been nominated in the bakery product of the year category for their famous Kilmarnock Pies. In the meat product of the year category, Dunbia Highland Meats of Saltcoats have been nominated for their Strathvale Scotch Grass Fed Fillet Steak which is available at Lidl. Every product entered has been tasted and judged by a panel of experts from retail, foodservice and hospitality. A host of business awards will also be presented on the night and Mossgiel Organic Dairy in Mauchline has been nominated in the organic business of the year category. Iain Baxter, chief executive at Scotland Food & Drink, said: 'Year after year, The Excellence Awards attract an incredibly diverse range of entries of seriously impressive quality. 'Sampling the incredible range of entries might sound like a dream job but narrowing it down to the very best has been no easy task for our expert panel. This year, the judges were struck by the outstanding quality, creativity, and innovation on display. 'Despite the challenges the sector has faced in recent years, it's inspiring to see Scotland's food and drink businesses continuing to push boundaries in not just what they produce, but in how they operate. 'Almost a quarter of a century from the first Awards, this year promises to be a standout occasion for one of the country's most lucrative and successful industries. Congratulations to everyone who's made the shortlist, and best of luck on the night.' Asda continues its support for The Excellence Awards as headline sponsor. Ashley Connolly, Local Buying Manager Scotland at Asda, added: 'It's a privilege for Asda to once again support The Excellence Awards and to celebrate the incredible passion and dedication of Scotland's food and drink producers. 'Judging the tasted categories certainly wasn't easy, but I know I speak for the whole panel when I say the finalists truly represent the very best our industry has to offer.'
