Nursery milk supplier strengthens connections with Welsh dairies
A LEADING UK nursery milk supplier says it is deepening its commitment to Wales by pledging to provide “Welsh milk for Welsh children, wherever possible”.
Cool Milk, which delivers milk to schools and nurseries across the UK, is expanding its operations in Wales with a renewed focus on supporting local farmers and dairies while simplifying the system for early years providers.
The company currently supplies milk to 895 nurseries across Wales, sourcing from 47 Welsh dairies. Now it aims to grow both those figures over the coming year, increasing the number of nurseries and local producers within its network.
The move is designed to strengthen rural economies, reduce unnecessary transport and ensure more children benefit from fresh, locally sourced milk.
Backing local farmers
Mike Ferrand, Managing Director of Cool Milk, said the company’s roots remain firmly in farming communities.
“Our founder was a dairy farmer who started the business with the support of friends and neighbours in a small rural village, so localism and community have always been at our heart,” he said.
“That same ethos drives us 25 years on, and that’s why we’re committed to supplying Welsh milk for Welsh children wherever possible. We want to support farmers and dairies of all sizes, while making life simpler for nurseries and helping milk become more sustainable.
“This is about doing what’s right for the environment and for local communities through shorter supply chains, lower emissions and more opportunities for small dairies to thrive.”
In Wales, children under five are entitled to free milk under the Nursery Milk Scheme. Those aged five to seven in participating schools receive free or subsidised milk through the School Milk Scheme, funded and administered by local authorities.
However, many Welsh nurseries are required to purchase milk themselves – often from local dairies, milk rounds or supermarkets – before submitting claims to their local authority for reimbursement. Each purchase must be recorded and processed, adding administrative pressure to already busy settings.
Cool Milk says it removes that burden by managing the entire process on behalf of nurseries, from sourcing and delivery to handling claims, allowing staff to focus on childcare and education.
Newport nursery backs local sourcing
Jason Roberts-Johnes, owner of Greenfields Nursery in Newport, said using locally sourced milk brings multiple benefits.
“The use of locally sourced milk in Greenfields Nursery ensures children receive fresh, high-quality nutrition that also strengthens local economies and reduces environmental impact,” he said.
“By choosing local suppliers, we can guarantee freshness and quality for growing children. It means we support local farmers and keep resources within the community, reduce our carbon footprint and promote sustainability.
“We enjoy hassle-free delivery with milk on our doorstep so we don’t have to make extra trips to the shop.
“Partnering with Cool Milk makes this easy. Cool Milk handles all enquiries promptly and ensures smooth, reliable delivery. We have been with them for ten years and they have remained consistently professional and have a great customer service team.
“Local milk supply is more than just a choice – it’s an investment in our children’s health and our community’s future.”
Reducing food miles
The company says that by increasing the number of local dairies it works with, it can reduce food miles and cut emissions linked to transport. Shorter supply chains are also intended to safeguard provenance and ensure convenience does not come at the expense of sustainability.
Cool Milk believes the approach offers small and family-run dairies reliable, long-term business, helping to sustain local jobs and livelihoods across rural Wales.
The firm is now inviting nurseries and dairies throughout Wales to join its growing network.
For more information, visit www.coolmilk.com.
