British dairy products to be sold on the Global Dairy Trade auction for the first time

When Arla Foods begins selling skimmed milk powder, processed at Westbury Dairies, in Wiltshire, on the Global Dairy Trade auction, from  17 December, it will be the first time that a British dairy product has entered the auction.

Commenting on the move, Ash Amirahmadi, head of Arla UK milk and member services said: "Not only is this a first for Arla in the UK, it is also a first for the British dairy industry.  As the UK’s number one dairy company, it is only natural for Arla to take the lead.

"The growth potential on the European markets continues to be under pressure, while the Asian markets are delivering higher returns.  Through Arla Foods amba, we are able to access these markets, through the auction, which allows us to maximise the value of every litre of British milk, supplied by our 3,200 British dairy farmers."

Arla Foods amba began offering dairy products on the Global Dairy Trade auction in April 2012.  Selling products globally, via the auction, allows Arla to realise the best possible prices for these and, in turn, the cooperative is able to pay a leading milk price to its farmer owners, of which 1,600 are British dairy farmers.

"The decision to include British skimmed milk powder in the auction further strengthens our ability to achieve its mission of securing the highest possible value for our farmers’ milk, while creating opportunities for their growth." Ash adds.

Arla Foods is home to some of the UK’s leading dairy brands including Cravendale, Lurpak, Castello, Lactofree and Anchor. The cooperative processes 3.2 billion litres of milk a year and has a turnover of approximatey £2bn.

Arla is the UK's number one dairy company, by turnover and milk pool, and is the largest supplier of both butter and spreads, and manufacturer of cheese in the country.

Over 4,000 daily deliveries are made to stores and regional distribution centres nationwide, Arla's brands can be found across the dairy category and the company has a 26 per cent share of the GB milk pool. Behind this leading business is a team of circa 4,000 people across the UK located at our dairies, distribution centres and head office.