Müller’s acquisition of Yew Tree Dairy, a family-run dairy company located in Lancashire, has received the green light from the UK Competition and Markets Authority (CMA). The dairy giant first announced this strategic move back in June, aiming to bolster its position in the food and beverage industry by leveraging Yew Tree Dairy’s offerings.
Yew Tree Dairy specializes in producing milk powders, bulk cream, and raw liquid milk, catering to both UK and European markets. This acquisition aligns with Müller’s plans to enhance its export capabilities and expand its footprint in the food and drink business.
In August, the CMA initiated a merger inquiry to assess whether the acquisition could potentially diminish competition within relevant markets. As of October 22, the CMA concluded its investigation, stating that a detailed report of its findings would soon be published. With regulatory approval now in hand, Müller is on track to finalize the acquisition by the end of this month.
Müller Milk & Ingredients (MMI) CEO Rob Hutchison remarked, “This acquisition will drive significant progress towards MMI’s purpose to deliver a better dairy future.” He emphasized that the British dairy sector is noted for its sustainability, quality, and welfare initiatives. This addition not only reflects Müller’s ambition to expand its business but also demonstrates a commitment to benefitting customers, farmers, and consumers alike.
Carl Woodcock, director of Yew Tree Dairy, expressed pride in the company’s growth journey: “As a family-owned and operated company, we’re very proud of the progress we’ve made and the organization we have built over the last few decades. Joining Müller will help Yew Tree Dairy go from strength to strength, benefitting our staff, farmers, and customers while fostering a sustainable future for the British dairy industry.”
As the food and drink consumer trends continue to evolve, Müller is strategically positioned to capitalize on new opportunities within the sector through this acquisition. Ultimately, this move is not only significant for Müller and Yew Tree Dairy but also for the broader food and beverage industry, as it signals growth, sustainability, and innovation moving forward.
