Millennials love novelty items, from Japanese candy subscription boxes to personalized license plates. Now hand-delivered glass-bottled milk, reminiscent of the 1950s and ’60s, joins the must-have list of this generational cohort. United Kingdom companies like Milk & More and Parker Diaries experience substantial booms in their dairy delivery services as this millennial trend gains momentum. (1)
The Joy Of Milk Delivery
The fun of running outside early in the morning to see a fresh-delivered bottle of milk on your stoop is an incredible experience for many. Even if you had milk delivered in childhood, the interaction with a milkman can bring back some vivid memories. (1) Milkmen also offer a level of security and guardianship to the communities they serve, acting as witnesses to the comings and goings in the area. Some milkmen have even helped solve crimes and prevent fires along their routes. (2)
Convenience and Sustainability Too!
Despite being motivated by juvenile nostalgia, the reinvigoration of the milkman has actually very practical and environmentally-sound consequences for society as a whole. With every other food item being available for home-delivery, why not milk as well? Busy lifestyles don’t need to interfere any more with your ability to get good, healthy food products. And the modern milkman stops the use of harmful plastic, peddling his white stuff in glass bottles instead. On average, a returned glass milk bottle can be used 25 times or more.
Diaries add further environmental appeal to their products by delivering milk in electric vehicles, which cut CO2 emissions. For instance, company Milk & More spent £6.5m on a fleet of 200 zero-emission, battery-powered electric vans in 2018. These specialized vans allow milkmen to carry 860 pints at a top speed of 53mph, ensuring all milk has landed on a stoop by 7 am. “We will be the largest operator of electric vehicles in the UK,” said CEO of Milk & More, Andrew Kendall. Director at Creamline Diaries in Manchester, Chris Swallow, agrees with this push for electric milk delivery. Swallows told the media, “Many young professionals, just like busy families and the elderly now see the benefits of a doorstep delivery service, especially when these items are delivered using environmentally friendly electrical vehicles.” (1, 2)
What About Milkwomen?
In the past, milk delivery services was a male-dominated career (hence all the milkman jokes). Modern milk delivery companies are making an effort to bring women into the profession, and are terming them as ‘milkies’. Additionally, milkwomen who are busy mothers or homemakers are being offered more flexible work schedules to retain and encourage their employment. (1, 2)
Worth The Cost?
With tens of thousands of new customers signing up each month, you would almost think these diary delivery companies are offering a discount. Strangely, the exact opposite is true! To have your milk delivered at home, the cost will be approximately one-third more than buying in a grocery store. Yet, many people consider the cost worthwhile to support local producers and reduce food miles. Also, some milk delivery services provide access to other local goods, like fresh bread, farm eggs, and bacon, which can provide more convenience to your life. (1)
In America, it may be a bit harder to locate local milk delivery services, but the trend is back on the rise here too! Check out local dairies and suppliers to see what options may be available to you. (3)
