Mr Oakes urged session attendees that although the dairy industry is under a lot of pressure with inflation, labour concerns and environmental pressures, we do need to be optimistic about the future and look at how we can ensure our produce is valuable to consumers.
Mr Oakes said: “There’s been some real progress; huge efforts have been made in this industry to put us in a better place and show our credentials to our consumers. Looking recently at the GB Calf Strategy, that’s a cross sector group that’s really worked hard.
“Initially when we started the GB Calf Strategy, some saw it as a threat and I don’t think they do anymore – they see it as an opportunity for us to work together.”
Celebrating successes
There has been a lot of work done to put the dairy industry in a better place, such as work on the Dairy Road Map, the GB Calf Strategy 20-23 and RUMA. Continuing this work is vital to ensure the dairy industry is addressing sustainability issues in a cohesive manner, rather than just focusing on what the media perceives to be environmental issues.
“We are part of a global movement, but we can be leaders or followers – UK dairy can be a leader. No one person or organisation owns sustainability, yet everyone owns sustainability. We have to take this journey all together to be global leaders in sustainable dairy nutrition.”
Dr Judith Bryans, Chief Executive, DairyUK
Winning the nutrition battle
In recent years the tide has turned, and scientific understanding is demonstrating to consumers that diet should be a component of a balanced, healthy lifestyle. Dairy products are now more valued for their health benefits and we must build on that with our consumers.
UK dairy industry’s role in the world
With the launch of the NFU’s Dairy Export Strategy, there has never been a better time to look at the opportunities and role of UK dairy on a global platform.
The NFU’s ambition is to double the value of British dairy exports over the next 10 years.
The Kendamil story
Ross McMahon is the founder of Cumbrian-based Kendamil, the only UK-made baby milk, organic baby formula and goat milk formula. Launched in 2016, it is now sold in 40 countries and Kendamil global exports are worth £30 million.
Mr McMahon explained that Kendamil’s quality and value proposition is unique on the market, with no other industry competitors (for example SMA or Aptamil) using British ingredients or a full cream recipe. Additionally, Kendamil is one of the few options which use no palm oils and is sold at a competitive price point.
He said: “2022 is our breakout year in UK retail. We’re already more than 1000 UK stores, but by the end of the year we will be in roughly 4,500.
“We believe British families deserve better when it comes to locally sourced, natural ingredients.”
Nutritious by nature
Dr Judith Bryans, Chief Executive of Dairy UK, agreed with Mr Mahon. Dairy UK’s mission is to promote the consumption of British dairy products at home and on the international market.
Its members collect and process milk produced in the UK, providing employment and contributing to the UK economy. It also works with MPs and with the government to promote a better understanding of the dairy sector and its products.
Dr Bryan’s takeaway messages were that milk, cheese and yogurt are nutritious by nature, and as the world’s population grows, we will need more sustainable, affordable and nutritious dairy.
She said: “We are part of a global movement, but we can be leaders or followers – UK dairy can be a leader.
“No one person or organisation owns sustainability, yet everyone owns sustainability. We have to take this journey all together to be global leaders in sustainable dairy nutrition.”
