New chairman for UK's largest organic dairy co-operative Omsco

After 18 years as executive chairman of Omsco Nicholas Saphir will hand over the reins for the next exciting phase of the co-operative’s development.

Nicholas has steered the company from being a small specialist organic producer group to become the world's second largest dedicated organic dairy co-operative.

He said: “Omsco has come a long way. From small beginnings Omsco is now a cooperative of 250 farmer members who produce over 50 per cent of the UK's organic milk supply. Our long-standing partnerships in the UK with Yeo Valley and Wyke and in the USA with Organic Valley (CROPP) have been the cornerstones of our success. Omsco’s opportunities at home as well as our added value exports to markets from the USA and EU to Australasia, place Omsco in an excellent position to take advantage of the future.”

“Success is totally down to the readiness of our members to innovate. They have responded to market demands and standards, supporting a management team which is committed to seeing the future as part of a global market.”

Read more: UK’s largest organic dairy co-operative celebrates 25-year milestone

Nicholas says that Omsco has punched well above its weight during the last 25 years; “I’m proud to have been involved with such a forward-thinking group of farmers, management and customers. I’m confident that, under Neil’s chairmanship, Omsco and its members will continue to prosper in an increasingly changing world."

Neil has been a non-executive director on the Omsco board since 2016. He is also chairman and co-owner of Crediton Dairy, chairman of Rodda’s, and a non-executive director of Belton Cheese and Ornua UK. He was chief executive of Milk Link from 2008-2012, having worked across the dairy industry for over 30 years.

Commenting on his appointment Neil said: “I am delighted to be taking over as Chairman of Omsco from Nicholas, who leaves the business well placed for the next phase in our development.”