Lancashire dairy launches the Milk Shed vending machine

Ann Forshaw’s has launched the Milk Shed – a new vending machine offering up fresh whole milk and flavoured milkshakes.

Situated at Ann Forshaw’s Alston Dairy near Longridge, the black and white cow print branded vending machine will be open 24 hours a day and has its own hardstanding area with customer parking within the grounds of the dairy.

It is dispensing gently pasteurised and non-homogenised milk fresh from the dairy in 500ml or one litre servings, competitively priced at £1 and £1.60 respectively.

Milkshakes are available too at £1.80 for a 500ml size or £2.80 for a one litre serving, and are in five mouthwatering classic flavours of Chocolate, Strawberry, Banana, Vanilla, and Salted Caramel.

A sixth Limited Edition milkshake flavour will always be on rotation to complement the core range, and at launch this is Cookies and Cream.

A conscious decision has been made to ensure all the milkshakes use natural flavourings and colourings where possible and all milkshake flavours at launch are made from natural ingredients.

Customers will also have the option to purchase Milk Shed branded reusable glass bottles at £1.80 for a 500ml or £2.20 for a one litre size, enabling repeat, plastic free purchases. Recyclable cardboard cups and paper straws offer a free and an environmentally friendly alternative.

The easy-to-operate machine has two dispensing units to cater for busy periods and it is contactless card payment only to quicken the process.

Customers can keep up to date with Milk Shed news by following the social media accounts on Instagram via the handle @alstondairymilkshed or on Facebook at Ann Forshaw’s Alston Dairy.

Ann Forshaw said: “We are very excited to have our Milk Shed up and running, offering us the opportunity to sell pasteurised milk to customers for the first time, as well as launching delicious milkshakes which are another new avenue for us.

“Our high-quality fresh milk is competitively priced, and the reusable glass bottles are very smart with our new branding.

“The milkshakes are a treat purchase when in the mood and are suitable for all ages as we have been mindful of the flavourings we have included in the range.”

Ann Forshaw’s and its associated Alston Dairy was acquired by the James Hall Group of Companies in December 2022.

The acquisition saw the Group expand its portfolio of food manufacturing businesses in the North West to five, adding Ann Forshaw’s Alston Dairy to Clayton Park Bakery, Fazila Foods, Graham Eyes Butchers, and the Great Northern Sandwich Company.

James Hall & Co. Ltd is a fifth-generation family business which serves a network of independent SPAR retailers and company-owned SPAR stores across Northern England six days a week from its base at Bowland View in Preston.

For more information about James Hall & Co. Ltd, please visit www.jameshall.co.uk.