Dairy UK unveils export strategy and Graham’s secures Starbucks deal
The strategy, United Kingdom: Exporting Dairy to the World, identifies a number of actions and recommendations that could enhance the UK dairy industry’s export performance, Dairy UK claimed.
Farming minister George Eustice said British producers should take the opportunity to promote their high-quality produce at home and abroad and exploit the UK’s “excellent reputation” abroad.
“Exports are a crucial part of growing and strengthening the dairy industry and a key part of our plan is to see new markets opened, so that the sector can become more resilient, competitive and profitable,” he said.
“We welcome Dairy UK’s ambition to enhance the UK dairy industry’s export performance and we look forward to working closely with them to achieve this.”
Foster growth and develop exports
Dairy UK ceo Dr Judith Bryans said the UK should follow the example set by other dairy exporting countries in terms of industry-government cooperation to foster growth and develop exports.
“We can learn from these experiences and ensure that the UK has efficient and cost-effective systems that support export growth while preserving consumer confidence in the safety and quality of UK dairy products.”
“To meet our goals, we need to take stock of and showcase how well the UK dairy industry is doing in terms of innovation and promotion, skilling our industry for the future, food safety and environmental credentials. Getting all of these elements right is essential in a highly competitive export market."
The export strategy’s 17 actions and recommendations include:
- Ensuring a skilled workforce is equipped for the future
- Improving the export certification regime
- Creating a one-stop shop for dairy exporters
- Establishing world-class inspection and audit practices
- Identifying market priorities
- Removing barriers to dairy trade
Meanwhile, one dairy firm doing well at home is Graham’s The Family Dairy, which has secured an exclusive deal with Starbucks to supply to all its stores across Scotland.
The Bridge of Allan-based company will provide 68 Starbucks coffee shops with whole, semi-skimmed and skimmed milk, as well as whipping cream.
Positive deal for Scottish dairy sector
Graham’s The Family Dairy’s md Robert Graham said the deal was just the start of an exciting year for the business.
“We’re thrilled to be adding our delicious milk to Starbucks coffee cups around the country. Starbucks share our commitment to quality produce with local provenance and this new partnership is not only positive for our business, it also benefits the Scottish dairy sector generally,” he said.
“We value highly the relationships we have with our 98 farmers and this deal is beneficial for all involved.”
Starbucks EMEA vice president marketing and category Ian Cranna said: “We’re committed to partnering with the best local suppliers to give our customers the best experiences in store, and so we’re delighted to announce our partnership with Graham’s The Family Dairy for all of our Scottish stores. Lattes are our most popular drink, so it’s important we use the finest local milk available.”
