Building upon the efforts of Tesco’s Sustainable Dairy Group, the partnership will see the two milk processors working together to innovate, share learnings and collaborate to go faster in reducing emissions.
The partnership will focus on three key areas: driving innovation through farm projects and a dedicated farmer focus group; industry-wide reports that highlight the pathway to more sustainable dairy; and a sustainable dairy blueprint to provide farmers with clear guidelines.
Commenting on the partnership, Tesco chief commercial officer Ashwin Prasad said: “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 Muller 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 both Arla and Müller uniting in the partnership, all 400 of Tesco’s Sustainable Dairy Group farmers across the UK will be part of the initiative. The suppliers and retailer are also broadening the partnership by reaching out to other organisations across the dairy industry for input and support.
Bas Padberg, managing director at Arla Foods UK, added: “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
Farmers that supply Tesco are being consulted on the programme and will be key in creating the programme 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.”
Meanwhile, non-profit ProVeg UK has created a series of national curriculum adherent lessons aimed at educating primary school children about the environmental impact of the food they eat.
