A huge dairy farm in Wales has gone out of business as demand for dairy milk rapidly dwindles. 

Tomlinsons Dairies in Wrexham has stopped processing dairy milk, and the company has told farmers they must find a different outlet. 

The farm employs 330 staff and also runs operations in Chester and Shropshire.

Tomlinsons said in a statement it had “suffered an accumulation of significant operating losses over recent years”.

“The family shareholders, directors and management of Tomlinsons are devastated by the administration and sincerely regret its impact on their customers, suppliers, farmers and employees,” the company added. 

Decline of dairy

Latest research indicates the dairy industry is in steep decline as consumers increasingly switch to plant milk. 

A recent study found that a quarter of Brits now choose plant milk, as veganism, vegetarianism and flexitarianism continue to soar. 

Alternative milks made from oats, almonds and coconuts has surged by 10% in two years, while oat milk alone surged by 70% in 2018 and the dairy milk industry consistently shrinks, according to the research this year by Mintel. 

“This is part of a much wider plant-based movement, driven by concerns around health, ethics and the environment,” said Emma Clifford, associate director of UK food and drink at Mintel.

The trend is particularly apparent for people aged under 25 and for women.

• Read: Expert farmer urges dairy farmers to switch to plant milk

Which is your favourite plant milk? Share your thoughts in the comments section below!

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