UK | Waitrose has reported soaring demand for unhomogenised organic whole milk, to the point that the Waitrose Farm at the Leckford Estate in Hampshire has had to install new milk processing units to keep up.
Between July 2023 and now, weekly production of Waitrose Duchy Organic Unhomogenised Milk at the Leckford Estate has surged by 74 percent.
Following the installation of new milk tanks, total production capacity has now increased by 95 percent compared to 2023 levels to meet ongoing demand. All Waitrose own-brand fresh cow's milk is free range.
Alice Grigoleit, Milk Buyer at Waitrose, said homogenised milk is dairy much closer to its natural state.
“While safely pasteurised, it bypasses the high-pressure valves used to break down fat molecules, allowing the cream to rise naturally to the top,” said Grigoleit.
“By not homogenising, it preserves the milk’s structural integrity, preserving its unique texture and a richer, more complex flavour profile.”
Dan Robinson, Food Processing Manager at the Leckford Estate, added that unhomogenised milk has become the cream of the crop.
“We have seen customer demand for unhomogenised organic whole milk grow significantly in recent years, and in response, we’ve invested in new processing equipment at our Leckford Estate to increase capacity by approximately 20 percent,” said Robinson.
“We believe this surge in popularity is being driven by a desire for whole foods and a growing awareness of ultra-processed foods (UPFs). Many customers are now seeking the ‘brilliant basics’ and embracing a simpler, more natural approach to their diets. Plus - this milk tastes absolutely delicious.”
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