Milkmen are the £300m corner-shop on wheels says Dairy UK

Britain’s milkmen are delivering more than £300 million worth of dairy products and household necessities.

The milkman has become ‘the corner shop on wheels’ for more than two million homes, the Dairy UK Doorstep Delivery conference in Haydock Park heard today.

Simon Bates, Dairy UK Communications Director, said: “The doorstep business is extremely proud of the role it plays in the local community, especially amongst the most vulnerable groups, particularly the elderly. This is apparent through the feedback the industry receives through many thousands of customer comments.

“Doorstep delivery is a great British tradition dating from the 19th Century and while the market has changed over the years, many milkmen are still considered to be cornerstones of their local communities. One dairyman has claimed he has more milkmen on the streets in parts of a large city than there are policemen!”

Today’s conference heard from milkmen who have been maintaining or expanding their businesses, and actively developing and growing their customer base.

Despite challenging market conditions, these innovative dairymen are driving their businesses forwards by:

Developing internet ordering, order changes, promotions and sales; using their websites and social media to communicate and develop relationships with existing and potential customers; local advertising and promotional campaigns, sometimes including local radio, events in shopping centres, leaflets, goods promotions and media advertising and introducing electronic payment methods and, of course, providing high levels of customer care and promoting their “local” credentials.

“Britain’s milkmen are widely respected as trusted food suppliers,” said Bates “and with continuing innovations in product lines and ordering/payment systems, are also undoubtedly providing a home delivery service for the 21st century.”