Bridge of Allan-based Graham’s The Family Dairy has signed a deal to exclusively supply milk and whipping cream to all of Starbucks’ 68 stores in Scotland.

“Starbucks share our commitment to quality produce with local provenance and this new partnership is not only positive for our business, it also benefits the Scottish dairy sector generally,” said Robert Graham, managing director of Graham’s.

“We value highly the relationships we have with our 98 farmers and this deal is beneficial for all involved.”

Ian Cranna, VP of marketing and category, Starbucks EMEA, said: “We’re committed to partnering with the best local suppliers to give our customers the best experiences in store, and so we’re delighted to announce our partnership with Graham’s The Family Dairy for all of our Scottish stores.

“Lattes are our most popular drink, so it’s important we use the finest local milk available.”

Richard Lochhead, cabinet secretary for rural affairs, food and environment, said: “I very much welcome this deal between Graham’s and Starbucks, which will see 100 per cent Scottish milk in all 68 Starbucks’ outlets across Scotland.

“In September last year I wrote to food service companies and other purchasers urging them to play their part to help ensure a thriving future for Scotland’s dairy sector at a time of difficult market conditions.

“Our dairy farmers are facing an extremely challenging time — caused mainly by unfavourable global factors — and we must therefore all get behind the industry and source locally when and where we can.”

It is estimated that more than half of Scotland’s population buy Graham’s dairy products. Graham’s dairy sales increased to £86.5 million in 2105 from £85 million in 2014.

Graham’s stressed that it also supplies milk to many independent coffee shops around Scotland.