Falmouth-based dairy suppliers, Lillie Brothers, have been bought by Trewithen Dairy.

The purchase is part of expansion plans announced by the Cornish dairy, which include creating a new, dedicated wholesale division and the opening of a new distribution centre at St Columb.

Jack Lillie, founder and managing director of Lillie Brothers, said: “From our humble beginnings as doorstep milkmen in 1974, alongside my brother Fred and son Graham, we are exceptionally proud to have grown the business to serving over 2,000 home delivery customers and 1000 business customers each week.

“I believe our success is based on quality Cornish dairy products, excellent delivery service and our dedication to going the extra mile for our customers.

“We have worked with Trewithen Dairy and the Clarke family for over 15 years and as I step into retirement, I am delighted to see them taking on the business for future prosperity. I would like to take this opportunity to thank our dedicated team of staff and brilliant customers for many pleasurable years working together.”

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Trewithen Dairy has grown from a small scale set up on the Clarke family farm in 1994 to the point where it now works closely with 35 Cornish dairy farms and its produce is found in independent retailers and food service customers throughout Cornwall and Devon.

It is also found on the shelves of many national retailers, including Asda, Morrisons, Tesco, Waitrose and Costco.

Francis Clarke, managing director of Trewithen Dairy, says: “The purchase of the successful Lillie Brothers business, combined with the investment into a new distribution facility at St Columb, marks an important next step in our continued commitment to providing excellent products and service to customers across the south west.

“We are delighted to be working alongside the Lillie family to continue the legacy of Lillie Brothers and thank them for giving us the opportunity to combine two great Cornish family businesses.

“Part of this development is our continued investment in people, establishing a dedicated and experienced management team to focus on the specific requirements of our customers in the region. Graham Lillie, will join this team alongside experienced Trewithen colleagues and new recruits.

“The combined locations of St Columb and Falmouth give comprehensive distribution coverage across Cornwall and out of the county. For the foreseeable future the Lillie Brothers business will continue to operate from their Falmouth base and we will take our time to combine the best of both businesses, in our focus to always improve what we do.”

Trewithen Dairy has grown from a small scale set up on the Clarke family farm in 1994 to the point where it now works closely with 35 Cornish dairy farms and its produce is found in independent retailers and food service customers throughout Cornwall and Devon.

It is also found on the shelves of many national retailers, including Asda, Morrisons, Tesco, Waitrose and Costco.