FDBusiness.com

Tesco has announced its first and biggest farming group, the Tesco Sustainable Dairy Group (TSDG) will be expanding to support even more of Britain’s dairy farmers. Already the largest group of its kind, Tesco has confirmed the number of dairy farms from across the UK it will have direct relationships with could increase by around a quarter. The supermarket will also look to foster and mentor fresh talent, by creating a new platform for new and young farmers wishing to enter the dairy industry.

The Dairy Centre of Excellence will provide practical support for Tesco dairy farmers and opportunities to share knowledge and expertise with other farming colleagues from across the country, in order to improve animal welfare and encourage innovation.

Following discussions with famers, processors and industry experts, Tesco has just completed its first ever review of the TSDG in order to adapt to the significant changes that have taken place in the dairy industry since the TSDG’s inception in 2007.

The outcome of the review has cemented the TSDG’s position as an integral part of how Tesco partners with British Agriculture and serves its customers.

Tesco Commercial Director for Fresh Food Matt Simister says: “Tesco has a long and proud history of supporting British dairy farmers and we recognise the many challenges they face. We’re also committed to helping customers by providing the best quality British produce every time they shop with us. So it’s crucial to us and our farmers we continue to evolve the most sustainable, progressive and leading dairy group in the UK.”

He adds: “By maintaining our above the cost of production model and focusing on delivering quality, value, innovation and service for our customers, we are confident  it can continue to be a standard bearer for the industry.”

TSDG Farmer and Committee Chairman James Stephen says: “As a lifelong dairy farmer, I’ve seen first-hand how uncertainty has impacted so many of my farming colleagues. This is why the Tesco Sustainable Dairy Group is so important; it provides members with the valuable security and peace of mind, which is often lacking in the increasingly volatile market. So we can focus on what matters- providing the best quality milk and standards for our customers.”

All of the revisions to the TSDG will be initiated by the 1st February 2016.