Arla Foods UK wins 2015 Dairy Supplier in The Grocer's 'Supplier of the Year Competition'

Arla voted best in sector in Branded and Own-Label voted by UK supermarket buyers

Arla Foods, the farmer-owned dairy company, has been voted best in sector in The Grocer’s ‘Supplier of the Year 2015’ for both branded and own-label by buyers from the UK’s leading
supermarkets as well as many other key players in the retail grocery trade. 
 
The company was described by one buyer as “slick with consistent delivery”.  Another buyer said Arla is a “dynamic supplier with a clear strategy that underpins everything they do” and is “a champion” within its categories. 

Arla is now in the running for two prestigious Grocer Gold accolades and will face an elite panel of trading and commercial directors who will decide the two overall winners to be announced at a ceremony in the Guildhall on 9 June.

Hundreds of buyers from leading supermarkets, symbol groups, discounters and wholesalers were asked to assess the performance of suppliers in the annual competition.  Suppliers were assessed across a range of categories including consumer insight, value of brands, production quality and technical knowhow as well as consumer marketing and supply chain.  Arla was awarded the top slot alongside 27 other household names including Birds Eye, Britvic, Nestlé, P&G and Walkers. 

Commenting on the win, Simon Stevens, Senior Vice President, Commercial, Arla Foods UK, said: 
“We are honoured to have won these two prestigious titles as voted for by UK supermarket buy-ers.  Our role as a trusted and efficient partner among our customers is fundamental to the way we operate and drive category growth.  We are committed to help create a sustainable and competitive long-term future for the dairy industry and to add value to our farmers’ milk.

Arla Foods is a global dairy company and co-operative owned by 13,500 dairy farmers circa 3,000 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 sixth 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. It has a turnover of £2.3 billion. As well as being number one in fresh liquid milk, 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 4,000 colleagues located at its dairies, distribution centres and head office.