Representatives from Arla Foods and Asda have visited Claymore Dairies, Scotland to see first hand the effects of a £1.2 million investment in the dairy.
The funding has allowed Claymore to invest in a major automation of the dairy and a new production computer system for traceability, as well as a new cold store, satellite lab and silo.
Following the roll-out of Arla's contract to supply milk to all Asda stores across the UK, Claymore Dairies is now supplying significant quantities to Asda stores in Scotland.
Most of the milk for Asda is supplied by The North Milk Co-op, which also owns 25 per cent of Claymore. The co-op consists of 28 farms most of which are located within 35 miles of the dairy. Amongst them are two of the highest yielding herds in Scotland.
Chris Brown, director of farming for Asda, said: "We are delighted to be visiting Claymore Dairies and are extremely impressed with the facility.
"Asda prides itself on providing the best milk to its customers and there is no doubt that the highland supply from Claymore is first class. Farmers of North Milk Co-op are doing an excellent job and the continuing investment in Claymore is a sign of the great success of this business and the supplying farmers."
The representatives from Asda and Arla were joined by Fergus Ewing MSP who welcomed the investment in the dairy as well as Claymore's role in the Highland economy.
Peter Walker, director of milk buying at Arla, said: "Our contract with Asda is going extremely well and this visit to Claymore Dairies enables us all to see the farmer-to-consumer model in action.
"Claymore Dairies and the farmers of North Milk Co-op are providing Asda with first rate quality and service through our modern, well-invested dairy at Nairn. Arla is confident that the relationships will strengthen and prosper in the future."
Ian Larg, operations director of Claymore Dairies, said: "Claymore Dairies is an important part of the Highland economy. The investments in recent years have yielded tangible benefits in term of our contract to supply Asda. We look forward to developing and growing our business together with Asda over the years ahead, which will benefit our suppliers, employees, and also consumers in Scotland.
"Our production for Asda will compliment the new dairy being built in Lockerbie and ensure that the highest quality milk is available for the Scottish consumer."