Dairy Crest Group has confirmed in a statement that it is currently in negotiations with First Milk to discuss the possibility of a sale of part of its retailer brand cheese operations.

The statement came as a result of recent market speculation and said that "These discussions are ongoing and there can be no certainty that this will result in a transaction.'

Dairy Crest Group is responsible for the production of Cathedral City and Davidstow cheddar cheeses as well as Hartingdon and Over the Moon.