Dairy Crest overcomes weak spread market in UK

Clover and Country Life maker Dairy Crest said today it was on track to meet results expectations despite a weaker market for its UK spreads.

The Surrey-based food group said the firm’s Utterly Butterly and St Ivel Gold spreads faced “challenging market conditions” despite stronger performances from its Clover and Country Life products.

The firm is looking to capitalise on its more popular brands by introducing lower-fat versions, including the launch Country Life Lighter in April.

Dairy Crest added that it had seen “good growth” from other key brands including Cathedral City cheese, St Hubert Omega 3 spread and its Frijj flavoured milk.