Nescafé’s Frothy Coffees Made Locally in Cumbria
Nestlé has been operating a factory in Dalston, near Carlisle, since 1962. Initially focused on producing powdered and condensed milk, the factory expanded its offerings to include cappuccino mixes in 1992. By 2018, it had diversified to produce a wide range of Nescafé frothy coffees and Coffee Mate.
The milk used in these coffee products is sourced locally from Dolphenby Farm, just 20 miles away. Jonny Slack, a 36-year-old co-manager at Dolphenby alongside Robert Craig, highlights Nestlé’s dual role as a global entity and a local employer.
Jonny, who started his career as a cowman at 16, has progressed to become a stakeholder at Dolphenby, where he resides with his family. He emphasizes the ideal environment for raising children at the farm, mentioning his daughter’s enjoyment of caring for pet sheep, feeding calves, and playing in mud puddles.
Dolphenby operates under First Milk, a UK farmer-owned dairy co-operative, and holds B Corp certification. This certification underscores adherence to high standards of performance, accountability, and transparency across various aspects of the business.
Robert mentions Dolphenby’s regenerative farming practices, emphasizing a shift towards promoting soil health and biodiversity with reduced reliance on chemical fertilizers. The favorable climate in the area facilitates optimal grass growth, contributing to sustainable farming practices.
The collaboration between First Milk and Nestlé has been vital to Dolphenby’s success over the past two decades. Robert praises the unique partnership and Nestlé’s support in transitioning towards regenerative practices, mitigating risks associated with business changes.
Robert, hailing from a lineage of farmers, reflects on his family’s farming history and the evolution of their operations in Cumbria. The farm has grown substantially over generations, with a significant increase in cattle numbers and expanded operations across multiple sites.