Guernsey Dairy celebrates 75 years of serving the island
- Guernsey Dairy celebrates 75 years since opening at St Andrew's site on 9 August 1951
- The Dairy supports 11 local dairy farms and processes milk from around 1,250 Guernsey cows
- Around 7.3 million litres of milk processed annually, maintaining island food security
- All island dairy farms and the Dairy hold RSPCA Assured accreditation since 2022
- Guernsey Butter now exported to 250 Waitrose stores across the UK
Guernsey Dairy: 75 Years of Milestones
A timeline showing key developments and innovations at Guernsey Dairy from its planning stages in 1937 through to 2025.
Guernsey Dairy has marked 75 years of operation with a visit from The Bailiff, Sir Richard McMahon.
The Dairy, which officially opened at its St Andrew's site on 9 August 1951, now supports 11 dairy farms and produces dairy products using milk from around 1,250 Guernsey cows.
Andrew Tabel, Guernsey Dairy Operations Director, said: "We are honoured to welcome the Bailiff as we celebrate this important anniversary. For 75 years, Guernsey Dairy has played a central role in island life, working alongside local farming families to provide fresh, high quality dairy products for our community."
"This milestone is an opportunity to recognise the generations of farmers and Dairy employees whose dedication has helped make the Guernsey Dairy what it is today."
Although milk production has been part of Guernsey life for centuries, the Dairy was established following States intervention to support the island's dairy industry and centralise milk processing. Plans to centralise production were first developed in 1937, with the States taking responsibility for the industry. Approval for the St Andrew's facility was given in 1949.
The current St Andrew's facility opened in August 1951 and was equipped with modern pasteurisation, testing and processing facilities to ensure the supply of safe, high-quality milk.
Today, Guernsey Dairy processes around 7.3 million litres of milk each year and remains an important part of the island's food security and rural economy.
During his visit, the Bailiff toured the Dairy and met staff responsible for producing the island's milk and milk products.
Sir Richard McMahon said: "I am pleased to mark this significant anniversary and meet the dedicated team behind one of Guernsey's most valued industries. The commitment shown by Dairy staff and local farmers helps ensure islanders continue to enjoy high quality local produce while maintaining the unique landscape and environment that are such an important part of Guernsey's identity."
The Dairy has undergone significant development over its 75-year history. In 1957, Tetra Pak packaging was introduced, followed by bulk milk collection across the island in 1977. Low-fat milk was launched the following year in 1978.
Recent years have seen the introduction of products such as organic and lactose-free milk and buttermilk while all island dairy farms and the Dairy itself now hold RSPCA Assured accreditation. The organisation achieved this status in 2022, alongside all its supplying farms.
In 2001, biodiversity plans were introduced for Guernsey dairy farms. Lactose-free low-fat milk was launched in 2021, followed by buttermilk in 2023.
The Dairy has also expanded its reach beyond the island. In 2025, Guernsey Butter was exported to 250 Waitrose stores across the UK. This year, the organisation has launched a community support initiative providing over a thousand children with a daily cup of milk through the "Milk in Schools" programme in Early Years and Primary settings.
Mr Tabel said: "The Dairy has seen enormous change over the past 75 years, but what has not changed is the quality of Guernsey milk and the commitment of the people who produce it. As we celebrate this anniversary, we are also looking ahead and planning for the next generation of island dairy farming."
Q&A
Q: When did Guernsey Dairy first open?
A: Guernsey Dairy officially opened at its St Andrew's site on 9 August 1951, following approval in 1949 and initial planning that began in 1937.
Q: How much milk does Guernsey Dairy process each year?
A: Guernsey Dairy processes around 7.3 million litres of milk annually from approximately 1,250 Guernsey cows across 11 local dairy farms.
Q: What recent certifications has Guernsey Dairy achieved?
A: In 2022, Guernsey Dairy and all its supplying farms achieved RSPCA Assured accreditation, recognising animal welfare standards across the island's dairy industry.
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