Lactose-free milk sales at 2,500 litres a week
GUERNSEY DAIRY bosses are raising a glass of lactose-free milk this Christmas after selling thousands of litres of the white stuff per week.
Sales of around 2,500 litres a week have been recorded since the locally-produced lactose-free milk first appeared on supermarket shelves in April, in the now familiar orange gingham cartons.
Dairy chiefs said it was believed that the vast majority will have been bought by islanders with specific intolerance to the lactose sugar, which is naturally present in cows’ milk. Many would therefore have previously been prevented from drinking local milk and instead would have relied on imported alternatives.
‘Adding lactose-free milk to our product portfolio has generated around 2,500 litres a week of new sales.
‘This would indicate that a lot of islanders who may have avoided local milk in the past have made the switch to lactose-free, thereby enjoying the great taste of Guernsey milk,’ said Dairy managing director Andrew Tabel.
‘As well as enjoying strong sales, the feedback we have had from in-store promotions, via our social media channels and at other events where we have showcased Guernsey Dairy products supports its popularity.’
To make the product, an enzyme is added to the standard low fat milk. This breaks down the lactose, making it suitable to drink for those who would otherwise have an intolerance. Lactose-free milk now accounts for about 2% of total milk sales.
