UK Dairy Processor Records Profit Rise

Dairy processor Robert Wiseman has reported a turnover of £423.9m for the first half of 2009 compared to £396.3m for the same period in 2008.

Operating profit was £21.6m compared to £13.3m a year ago.

The company said the performance during the period was impacted by delayed implementation of selling prices, higher oil-related costs and a shortfall in bulk cream revenues.

These factors were addressed in the second-half of last year and profitability has subsequently been maintained after the company integrated its production and distribution departments to drive further operational efficiencies across all parts of the business.