Get your milk from grass to glass

Thursday 18 April 2019

Jersey's first ever milk vending machine has launched at a St. Peter farm, offering a zero plastic eco-friendly whole whole un-homogenised fresh milk from their small herd of Jersey cows.

Classic Herd customers are invited to bring along a reusable container to get their milk fix from the machine, which is now open 24 hours a day, seven days a week to help cut down on waste and plastic packaging.

Reusable branded glass bottles are also available to buy in the shop but any container can be used as long as it is clean and of a suitable size. The vending machine can dispense one or two litres and there is no limit on the amount that can be purchased.

The milk has a shelf life of around four days after purchase and clean bottles and refrigeration will ensure the longest possible storage.

Pictured: Julia Quenault with the new milk vending machine.

The cutting-edge technology has been installed at the farm in an effort to become as plastic-free as possible and to offer a natural product with zero food miles.

Julia Quenault of Classic Herd was keen to offer a vending option for her milk produce after discovering the technology in Aberdeen. The facility is only just taking off around the UK and Alderney is also trialling similar machines under a pilot scheme.  

“We are committed to prioritising the wellbeing of our cows and delivering top quality and eco-friendly produce. Being able to buy milk so fresh and local means there is less processing that takes place, enhancing the flavour from our famous cows. We invite islanders to come and try out the fresh milk to taste the difference," Mrs Quenault said.

“We hope this vending machine will not only encourage more people to buy their milk locally, but to reduce single use plastic and eliminate waste.” 

It's not the first time that Classic Herd has been at the forefront of new farming technologies.

They were the first farm on the island to install a robotic milking system in 2017, allowing the cows to control when their milking occurs. This technology is believed to be kinder to the animal and makes the milking process more efficient and economical.