SPAR Milnthorpe introduces whole milk, flavoured milkshake vending machine

Things have had a shake-up at SPAR Milnthorpe with the launch of an Ann Forshaw’s Milk Shed, the new vending machine offering up fresh whole milk and flavoured milkshakes.

The machine has been placed adjacent to the SPAR store and Shell forecourt on the A6. 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. At launch this week it is Mint, and this will be replaced by White Chocolate flavour on Friday 15^th November.

All the milkshakes use natural flavourings and colourings where possible and do not contain the ‘Southampton Six’ food colours which have been found to have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children. 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. SPAR Milnthorpe’s Milk Shed will be operational 24-hours a day, and it becomes the third Ann Forshaw’s Milk Shed to launch.

The original Milk Shed concept was launched at Ann Forshaw’s Alston Dairy at Longridge, near Preston, in February of this year. After an incredibly successful launch, SPAR Padiham Road in Burnley became the first SPAR North of England store to receive one in September.

Fiona Drummond, Company Stores Director at James Hall & Co. Ltd, owner of SPAR Milnthorpe, said: “This is the first Milk Shed to launch at one of our forecourt sites, and we are thrilled to bring our Milk Shed offer to Milnthorpe which we believe will be a real asset for the community.

“It is such a simple but effective concept. Our high-quality fresh milk is very competitively priced, and the milkshakes are delicious treat and suitable for all ages with the conscious decision to utilise natural flavourings.”

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