Cheese manufacturer Barber's decreases milk price by 1.25 pence per litre in May

The world’s oldest cheddar manufacturer, Barber’s, has decided to drop its milk price
The world’s oldest cheddar manufacturer, Barber’s, has decided to drop its milk price

Barber’s farmer suppliers have seen a milk price decrease of 1.25 pence per litre for May 2017.

The world’s oldest cheddar manufacturer, AJ & RJ Barber’s, has decided to drop its milk price amid anger from dairy farmers.

Barber’s defended the price cut, saying competitors have also decreased their milk prices.

A softening of cheese markets and increased milk production are also reasons behind the price drop for its 130 supplier farms.

Arla Foods has also decreased its milk price to owners by 0.42 pence per litre from 1 April, ending seven consecutive months of rises.

Commenting on the decision, Arla Foods amba board director, Johnnie Russell, said: “We are extremely disappointed to be in a position of having to reduce our milk price to our owners, after seven consecutive increases.

“During that period, we have delivered an additional £76 million in milk price increases to our owners since September 2016. The reduction in our April price is unwelcome news."