The BBC reported at the weekend that Rew Valley Dairies, who distribute milk from farms around the Isle of Wight under the ‘I Love Isle of Wight Milk’ label, are to stop milk production.
End of an era
After producing milk for over 30 years, Rew Valley Dairies told the BBC that supermarket “milk price wars” were the main reason for stopping production. Up to five people are expected to lose their jobs as a result.
Rew Valley was pivotal to the production of ‘I Love Isle of Wight Milk’ as they collected, processed and bottled the milk from dairies around the Island.
Originating at Rew Farm in Ventnor, the dairy now operates out of Macketts Farm in Arreton where they also produce eggs, bacon and biscuits.
Owners of Rew Valley Dairies, Mr and Mrs Harvey, told the BBC they “would continue to buy and transport milk from Isle of Wight farms”.
‘I Love Isle of Wight Milk’
OnTheWight understands the last pasteurising of ‘I Love Isle of Wight Milk’ will take place this coming Friday (25th April).
The ‘I Love Isle of Wight Milk’ campaign – supported by the Conservative Isle of Wight MP Andrew Turner – was launched in August 2012. It sought to encourage Islanders to support their local farms by buying IW produced milk instead of cheaper milk imported by the supermarkets.
