Two Canadian dairy co-operatives, Amalgamated Dairies Limited and Gay Lea Foods, are to work together in areas including procurement, R&D and distribution.

The companies have announced a “co-operative dairy alliance” that will see them “collaborate on market distribution, delegate and leadership training, research and development and procurement”.

Asked what prompted the co-operatives to decide to work together, Jim Bradley, ADL’s CEO and general manager, said: “Customers are always expecting more from their suppliers. These demands range from increased product diversity, a larger more efficient distribution network, to greater depth of product research and development.”

Amalgamated Dairies Limited, which is based in the eastern Canadian province of Prince Edward Island, supplies retail and foodservice operators in Canada. It markets products under the ADL brand but also manufactures own-label products. The company exports to the US, the Caribbean and Asia. It has six processing and distribution sites.

Gay Lea Foods, which is based in Ontario, manufactures products including butter, sour cream and lactose-free milk, supplying to domestic and export customers. It has 11 production and distribution sites across Ontario and Quebec.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

Bradley said the co-operatives would jointly use their distribution facilities, would have “a wider platform to better utilise research and development” and have greater access to “diversified product portfolios”.

He added: “We are confident that through combined volume purchasing, single desk purchase negotiations and the wider use of purchasing best practices that savings will be realised.”

Michael Barrett, the president and CEO of Gay Lea Foods, said: “We look forward to advancing one dairy voice, through the alliance, with our co-operative partner to ensure growth and prosperity of the Canadian dairy industry.”