Sustainable grocery delivery service Modern Milkman has secured £10 million in fresh funding as it looks to accelerate the next phase of its growth and deepen its role in reshaping how households access everyday groceries. The latest investment brings the company’s total funding to more than £60 million and reinforces investor confidence in its closed loop, low waste delivery model.
The funding round was led by Salica Investments, supporting Modern Milkman’s ambition to expand its integrated doorstep services while maintaining a strong focus on sustainability, efficiency, and local sourcing.
From Local Milk Rounds to a National Platform
Founded in 2019 by Simon Mellin, Modern Milkman started as a digitally enabled revival of the traditional milk round. What began as a local operation delivering milk in reusable glass bottles has since evolved into a national grocery delivery platform serving more than 100,000 households across the UK.
Today, the company offers a wide range of groceries and breakfast essentials, sourced primarily from independent British producers. Customers receive deliveries up to three times per week, allowing households to plan ahead while reducing reliance on last minute shopping trips and excess packaging.
Technology Driven Logistics and Waste Reduction
At the core of Modern Milkman’s growth is its app based logistics and supply chain platform. The system uses automated routing and order processing to align delivery volumes with real time demand, helping minimise food waste and reduce unnecessary miles.
The delivery model is designed around reuse. Products are delivered in returnable containers and glass bottles, which are collected, cleaned, and reused as part of a closed loop system. This approach significantly cuts down on single use packaging and supports households looking to lower their environmental footprint without sacrificing convenience.
Responding to Changing Consumer Expectations
According to founder Simon Mellin, the company’s growth reflects shifting consumer priorities around sustainability, local sourcing, and convenience. He said Modern Milkman has demonstrated that environmentally responsible choices can be simple and cost effective when built into everyday routines.
Mellin added that the new funding will be used to develop more integrated doorstep services, expanding the platform beyond groceries while continuing to optimise operations and customer experience. The company’s focus remains on building long term customer relationships rather than transactional shopping behaviour.
Expansion Beyond the UK
Modern Milkman’s ambitions extend beyond its home market. In January 2024, the company entered the United States through a strategic acquisition, marking its first international expansion. The move reflects confidence in the scalability of its operating model and the growing global demand for more sustainable food delivery solutions.
While the UK remains the company’s primary market, the international expansion provides an opportunity to test and adapt its technology and logistics platform in new environments.
Funding Fuels the Next Phase of Growth
The £10 million investment will support continued development of Modern Milkman’s delivery infrastructure, technology platform, and service offering. Planned initiatives include improving logistics efficiency, expanding supplier partnerships, and introducing additional services designed to make sustainable living easier for households.
As grocery delivery becomes increasingly competitive, Modern Milkman is positioning itself as a differentiated alternative, combining convenience with a measurable reduction in waste and emissions. With growing household adoption and fresh capital in place, the company aims to prove that sustainability and scale can go hand in hand.
