Oakland’s Milk expands into Nelson City
Nelson dairy farmer Julian Raine is bringing the taste of farm, fresh milk to Nelson City, with state of the art Italian
vending machines, which will dispense fresh milk from his A2 dairy herd, recently installed at two separate locations
within the city.
One machine can be found at Eat Me Fruit and Vege on St Vincent Street, this fruit and vegetable shop owned by Robert
VandenBerg and Nichole Talbot also retails daily essentials such as eggs, bread and milk and some locally supplied meat
products and groceries.
Mr VandenBerg says, “We’re stoked to be selling Oakland’s milk, we’re all about offering our customers choice and value
for money, without compromising on quality”. His partner, Ms Talbot, continues, “Our customers are very enthusiastic
about being able to purchase farm fresh milk. As soon as we put the signs up a few weeks ago, the enquiries began
flooding in from our regulars.”
Mr Raine has also teamed up with his sister, Nikki Cooper (owner of Cooper & Rouge and Vanilla Café) with a second machine in place at the rear entrance of Vanilla Café.
Nikki has been serving Oakland’s Milk in the coffees served at Vanilla since July, she says, “The reaction from our
customers has been overwhelming, they really can taste the difference. I know many of our regulars began to buy milk
directly from the vending machines at the Oakland’s farm gate, but others kept asking if they could buy it in town”.
Mr Raine says “When Nikki suggested that we install a machine at the back of Vanilla, I could immediately see the
potential”. He continues “Our family have been farming at Oakland’s for over one hundred and fifty years. For some of
that time the entire milk production has headed down the driveway in a milk tanker. This year we’ve taken steps to
ensure some of our milk is kept for local distribution again. We’re very happy to be serving the community on our
doorstep, just like our ancestors did.”
To ensure the milk dispensing process is seamless, customers can purchase milk bottles, neoprene carry bags and
electronic keys (which get loaded with credit) from both locations. They can also bring their own containers to fill.
Oakland’s Milk is now available for sale at the rear entrance of Vanilla Café, Bridge Street and Eat Me Fruit and Vege,
117 St Vincent Street, and will continue to be sold at Oakland’s Farm Gate on the corner of Saxton and Suffolk Roads.
ENDS