In an effort to enhance sustainability within the food manufacturing sector, Tesco is collaborating with Arla and Müller as part of its Sustainable Dairy Group initiative. This partnership aims to foster innovation, share insights, and expedite efforts to reduce emissions across the dairy supply chain.
The partnership will concentrate on three key areas: promoting innovation through dedicated farm projects and a farmer focus group; producing industry-wide reports that define pathways for more sustainable dairy practices; and creating a sustainable dairy blueprint that provides farmers with clear, actionable guidelines.
Reflecting on the partnership, Tesco chief commercial officer Ashwin Prasad stated: “What’s clear is that to achieve our stretching climate and nature goals, we must work together as an industry to implement transformational improvements at pace, so we’re delighted to be partnering with Arla and Müller on this project.”
‘Pivotal role’
“It’s critical we continue to ensure farmers play a pivotal role in this work, and we look forward to working with them as the work of the partnership is established.”
With the combined efforts of Arla and Müller, all 400 farmers from Tesco’s Sustainable Dairy Group across the UK will participate in this initiative. Furthermore, the partners are actively reaching out to additional organizations within the dairy industry to expand collaboration and gather support.
Bas Padberg, managing director at Arla Foods UK, remarked: “We can do more together than we can alone and with real collaboration we can drive a transformation. That’s why through Arla’s initiation of the partnership, Arla and Tesco welcome the rest of the dairy industry to join us on this journey.”
“With all our major fresh milk supply customers already on the Arla FarmAhead Customer Partnership, we are now in a strong position to lead the change that is needed, together with our farmer owners. The time is now to unite, invest, and make a lasting impact for generations to come.”
Programme roadmap
The farmers who supply Tesco are being consulted regarding the program and will play a critical role in shaping the program’s roadmap.
Müller Milk & Ingredients chief executive Rob Hutchison concluded: “We know our customers and consumers expect us to play a role in driving positive environmental changes within the dairy industry, and our commitment to this is underlined by our ambition to reduce emissions from our supplying farms by 30% by 2030.”
“We’re delighted to work together with Tesco and Arla on initiatives like the Future Dairy partnership, which are key in helping us achieve our goal of creating a better dairy future.”
