FDBusiness.com

The 2013 Dairy UK White Paper, just published, shows how the UK dairy industry has moved on from the challenges of 2012, with new transparent pricing systems, better, more collaborative, supply chain relationships and a stronger drive to profitable growth.

In his introduction, Dairy UK Chairman Billy Keane says that the report “shows clear evidence of further progress in our attention to animal welfare, the environment and food safety – all of which are vital to underpinning the value of our products to consumers.”

The report sets out the evidence as to how the industry has continued to improve its competitive position through capital investment and rationalisation of processing capacity by processors, and a range of tools to help dairy farmers focus on cost efficiency. “Our ability to drive more competitiveness into our businesses will determine our ability to grow,” says Billy Keane.

The 2013 report has chapters for each element in the supply chain, running through from Animal Health and Welfare, to World Dairy Trade and future Prospects. An innovation this year is the inclusion of a personal statement from an influential individual commenting on the strengths of the industry in that particular part of the supply chain.

“This report depicts an industry to be proud of,” says Billy Keane. “Optimism, backed by encouraging long term forecasts for rising global demand, is not misplaced. We must exploit these opportunities to the full. We are well set to win our share.”