Today, Dairy Crest Limited has pleaded guilty to offences for breaches to its Environmental Permit at the Davidstow Creamery dating back to 2016.

The Company offers its sincere apologies to the Environment Agency and those members of the public who have been affected. Its apologies have also been expressed in a letter to the Court, which is attached to this statement.

The offences in question arose in consequence of the commissioning of new processes unique in the UK and which were approved by the Dairy Crest Group Board in 2013. The Company conducted a comprehensive tender and supplier evaluation process prior to the selection of its designers and contractors.

Nonetheless, during the commissioning of the new processes, pollution was caused to the local river, the Upper River Inny, and our neighbours experienced unacceptable levels of odour pollution.

The Company has undertaken a significant amount of work to rectify the historic issues to which the prosecution relates. We are proud to be a major employer in Cornwall and are committed to being a responsible corporate citizen in the region.

Dairy Crest Limited will be submitting further documentation for consideration by the Environment Agency and by the Court. Since the case is not yet concluded, the Company does not think it appropriate to make further public comment at this time.

The Company’s pleas will be formerly entered in the Crown Court on October 29, 2021 and the Company will subsequently have an opportunity to provide its mitigation. An important part of that mitigation is the Company’s regret that the offences took place and the negative impact on the local environment and residents.

The Company will be making further statements at the end of the case.

About Saputo Dairy UK

Saputo Dairy UK is a producer of leading British food brands and value-added ingredients. It produces and sells some of the best-loved food brands in the UK, including Cathedral City, Clover, Country Life and Frylight, as well as specialised ingredients for use in infant formula. It is part of Saputo Inc., one of the top ten dairy processors in the world.

Saputo Dairy UK is the trading name of Dairy Crest Limited.