Organic milkman is cream of the crop

The founder of Acorn Dairy at Archdeacon Newton, near Darlington, was named Organic Business Person of the Year at the 12th natural and organic products annual industry awards dinner at London's Hammersmith Palais on Sunday night.

In a large hall packed with tables, winners had to go up on stage to receive their awards. "It was just like the Baftas, which were on the same night," said Mr Tweddle. "There were two big screens and the finalists' names were read out. A gold envelope was opened and the winner announced. It was worth it just for the experience."

Mr Tweddle established Acorn Dairy in 2000 after converting his Church Commissioners' tenanted farm to organic production. As reported in last week's D&S Times, he overcame threats to his business - including the foot-and-mouth epidemic - to see the calculated gamble take off.

Today his 180-cow herd supplies organic milk to 2,500 doorsteps (and rising), retail outlets and restaurants. This year he became the first organic producer in the country to supply an NHS hospital with all its milk. Darlington Memorial takes the equivalent of 5,000 pints a week.

"I do not feel the award is for me, it is for all at Acorn Dairy," said Mr Tweddle. "The guys on the farm have to do a first class job to make sure the quality of the milk is excellent and everyone involved in the processing and delivery does the same. We all work for each other."

The business has a regular newsletter telling customers what is happening on the farm and to the staff and roundsmen.

"Our core business is the doorstep delivery and customers love the contact with the farm and staff," said Mr Tweddle. They like the fact their milk is from a local farm, has created jobs and that the money is going back into the local economy.

Mr Tweddle finds great satisfaction in being recommended and recognised as the organic dairy in the area. "It is a comforting feeling," he said, "We are simply committed to doing our job and looking after our customers."