​Arla Foods is a 'front-runner' in sourcing sustainable palm oil

The WWF Palm Oil Buyers Scorecard has been published, recognising Arla as a frontrunner with a score of 9 out of 9. The scorecard evaluates the performance of 137 major global retailers, consumer goods manufacturers and food service companies, assessing their commitment and actions necessary to be a responsible user of palm oil.

In June 2016, Arla was also recognised as a 'front-runner' in the equivalent WWF scorecard for soy.

Kjell Lundén Pettersson, Senior manager Corporate Responsibility, Arla Foods amba said: “This is a great acknowledgement of our global CSR work that builds on the fine results in the Sustainable Soy Scorecard in May. Arla appreciates the recognition from a respected organization such as the WWF, which proves that our long and consistent effort to source responsible palm oil has been noticed and that we are on the right track.”

Arla has committed that by no later than the end of 2017, all palm oil and palm oil products sourced globally will come from 100 per cent RSPO certified growers that have been independently verified. This will ensure full traceability, ban on new peatland development and rainforest clearance as well as respect for local communities and human rights.

Arla Foods is a global dairy company and co-operative owned by 12,700 dairy farmers with circa 2,700 of whom are British.

Dating back to 1881, Arla’s purpose is to secure the highest value for its farmers’ milk, while creating opportunities for their growth. With production facilities in 11 countries and sales offices in a further 30, Arla is the world’s fifth largest dairy company and largest supplier of organic dairy products. Arla has a total of more than 18,000 colleagues and its products are sold under the well-known brands Arla®, Lurpak® and Castello® in more than 100 countries.

Arla Foods UK is the largest dairy company in the country and is home to leading dairy brands Anchor®, Cravendale, and Lactofree® with a turnover of €2.9 billion. As well as being a leading supplier of fresh milk, number one in butter, spreads and cream, Arla is the UK’s largest cheese manufacturer. It has also built the world’s largest fresh milk facility located at Aylesbury and has plans for it to be the first zero carbon site of its kind. The UK business has a team of approximately 3,500 colleagues located at its dairies, distribution centres and head office.