Celebrating 30 years of County Milk Products: explore our history
We’re reflecting on three decades of innovation in the dairy industry. What began as a small business has grown into the largest British family-owned dairy company, with a reputation for quality, expertise and reliability.
We’re looking back at the milestones that have shaped our story over the last 30 years – let’s take a look.
1994 – The beginning
County Milk Products was founded as a dairy ingredient supplier by John Langslow in partnership with international dairy traders Vreugdenhil BV of Holland.
1995–2002 – Building the foundations
Just a year later, the company moved into shared offices in Worsley, Manchester, before relocating to a larger head office in Wilmslow in 1997 to support its continued growth.
By 2002, County Milk had become a fully family-owned business, setting the tone for a long-term commitment to quality, reliability and trust amongst customers.
2005–2010 – Continued expansion
In 2005, we launched a liquid milk division, specialising in the trading of liquid dairy ingredients.
By 2009, we were working directly with milk producers and established an ex-farm milk trading and processing arm.
In 2010, our head office moved again, this time to larger premises on Adlington Road in Wilmslow, where we remain to this day.
2012–2015 – Investing in partnerships and innovation
In 2014, we entered a key partnership with Yew Tree Dairy to help build a major new UK milk spray drying facility.
2015 was a landmark year. We acquired London-based dairy trading business Brooks McRobbie, expanding our reach across Europe.
Also in 2015, we established Oak Leaf Dairy Products, with a mission to manufacture a range of whey, skimmed, whole milk, and buttermilk powders using advanced technology.
2016–2018 – Diversification and certification
In 2016, Protein Partners Ltd was formed following our acquisition of the CNP Professional Sports Nutrition brand and manufacturing site.
We expanded further in 2017 with the launch of County Food Ingredients, based in Widnes, producing AMF, butteroil and ghee.
2018 brought even more progress. Our Wilmslow team achieved the BRC Agents and Brokers certification, reinforcing our commitment to food safety and quality.
Another highlight of 2018: Oak Leaf Dairy Products began commercial production across a wide portfolio of milk powders.
2022 – Investing in future capabilities
We invested in a new dry blending facility on our Widnes site, enabling us to manufacture bespoke food and feed powder blends.
2025 – A bold new chapter
To celebrate 30 years of County Milk Products, we unveiled a bold new brand identity and refreshed website, reflecting our growth, values, and continued drive to lead in the dairy sector. Click here to find out more.
Looking ahead
From our beginnings three decades ago to becoming one of the UK’s most established and trusted dairy ingredient suppliers, we remain as committed as ever to quality, innovation, and partnership. Here’s to the next 30 years!