MMC to study milk sale
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.THE Monopolies and Mergers Commission is to investigate the proposed sale of the Scottish dairies business of the Co-operative Wholesale Society to the Scottish Milk Marketing Board, writes Patrick Hosking.
It is the first MMC investigation into any part of the liquid milk industry, a market which has seen much concentration recently.
The Office of Fair Trading, announced the reference yesterday, said the deal 'raises competition issues in the supply of processed liquid milk in Scotland which merit investigation.'
The decision was taken after the OFT received complaints from other milk distributors, and in the light of the Government's recent decision to reform the milk marketing boards.
The SMMB is a statutory monopoly owned by farmers. As well as being the sole buyer of raw milk, it is a large milk processer and distributor, accounting for one-third of the Scottish market and more than 40 per cent in its lowland and mid-Scottish heartland. The purchase would significantly raise these percentages.
The sale was announced in January. The MMC, which has until 30 October to report, can recommend blocking it.
Commentary, page 23
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments