Documentary ‘boosts’ demand for milk bottles

Milkman credits TV’s Blue Planet for surge in business

A Tayside milkman has thanked legendary film-maker David Attenborough for his powerful environmental documentaries which he believes have helped create a boom in business.

Kerr’s Family Dairy on Strathmartine Road in Dundee has been delivering milk to Dundonians’ doorsteps since the 1930s but in the last year, orders have doubled for glass bottles.

The company has taken on additional staff and two extra vehicles to cope with the demand from customers in Dundee, Laurencekirk and Stonehaven.

Kelvin Kerr is the fifth generation of his family to run the business since it was founded in the 1900s, and he believes the resurgence of milk in glass bottles is down, partly, to the broadcaster.

He said: “People have always had glass bottles delivered. In the last year we have seen sales double. Programmes like David Attenborough’s Blue Planet have had an impact.”

Viewers of the hit BBC show were able to see the impact plastic is having on marine life. Kelvin added: “Maybe we should deliver some to his door as a thank you. People have seen the impact plastic can have on the environment, so that has had an impact on sales.

“They are opting to buy the re-usable glass bottles. I’m surprised to see the upsurge in sales. Some customers say it tastes better in a glass bottle.

“My father and grandfather have been just as surprised by the transition.

“There might be a fashionable element to buying glass bottles instead of plastic. People are more keen to buy local now as well.”

Mr Attenborough said he was happy to have made an impact.

He said: “I’m glad to hear it. Let’s hope they keep it up.”

Hamish Millar, 49, a joint owner of the North Street Dairy in Forfar, has also noticed a change in customer demands.

He said: “Milk tastes far better out of a glass bottle. It’s the same with CocaCola, there is no comparison when it comes to taste up against plastic.

“As a business it is a cheaper option long-term as the glass bottles can be used again after they are sterilised.

“People in their late 30s and 40s are the ones we’ve noticed making the change. These people are from generations who remember their parents getting the milk delivered to their doors.

“I’m as amazed as Kerr’s are at the upturn in demand for glass bottles.

“We’ve noticed roughly a quarter increase in sales. The environmental impact has also played its part.”

Kelvin added: “I was looking through an archived article from the local press which said we were averaging 4,800 bottles an hour an one point.

“It would be great to get back to something like that. The way things are going it may well be glass bottles that takes us back to the glories of yesteryear.”

Kelvin Kerr with a crate of glass milk bottles which have seen a surge in demand.