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Arla Foods launches direct milk supply contract

Arla Foods is leading the industry by launching what it believes is the first milk supply contract fully compliant with all aspects of the Dairy Industry Voluntary Code of Best Practice on Contractual Relationships.

The new ‘Arla Direct’ contract features liquid and compositional variations, a volume bonus for larger producers, seasonality options and a 12 month notice period with the three month trigger as specified in the Code.  It has been launched as part of the cooperative’s recruitment drive to secure an additional 500 million litres of milk in the UK and is being offered at a standard litre* price of 30.02ppl.

Commenting on the launch of the contract Ash Amirahmadi, Arla’s head of milk and member services comments: “We believe this contract offers dairy farmers in England, Scotland and Wales, who aren’t already supplying  Arla, a  long-term premium milk price and the security of supplying milk to a farmer owned cooperative that is investing in the future of the industry.”

The concept for the contract was first announced last September as part of the cooperative’s milk sourcing model which pledged to offer a range of contracts to meet producers’ needs.  

It puts Arla in the position where it is able to recruit via two contracts: the new Arla direct contract and an Arla Foods Milk Partnership (AFMP) contract. Farmers who aspire to be members  of Arla Foods amba, at some point in the future, should choose AFMP’s shared ownership model. Alternatively, the new Arla direct contract is available for those who want to supply Arla but would prefer a direct supply option.

Ash Amirahmadi comments further: “Since its launch in September, there has been plenty of debate around the Code and Arla is fulfilling  its commitments by introducing what we believe is the first fully compliant milk supply contract. Initial reaction from farmers has been extremely positive.”

“In addition, we are also working to ensure that all of our farmer contracts are fully compliant with the Code.”

Proposals for the terms on which existing farmers can transfer will be discussed democratically with the elected representatives of Arla Milk Link and Arla Foods Milk Partnership, early in the spring.

 

*Standard litre of 4% butterfat,  3.3% protein, one million litres, top bands of hygiene, including transport charges

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Arla Foods UK plc is home to some of the UK’s leading dairy brands including Cravendale, Lurpak, Tickler and Anchor. Processing approximately 3.2 billion litres of milk a year and with a turnover of approximatey £2bn Arla is the UK’s largest dairy company.

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.

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Arla Foods UK Press Office

Press contact Arla UK (media queries only, no new business or sponsorship requests) 07966136112

Arla Foods is the UK's number largest dairy company.

Arla Foods is a global dairy company and co-operative owned by 10,300 dairy farmers with around circa 2,500 of whom are British.

Dating back to 1881, Arla’s purpose is to secure the highest value for its farmers’ milk, while creating opportunities for their growth. With production facilities in 11 countries and sales offices in a further 30, Arla is the world’s fifth largest dairy company and largest supplier of organic dairy products. Arla has a total of more than 18,000 colleagues and its products are sold under the well-known brands Arla®, Lurpak® and Castello® in more than 100 countries.

Arla Foods UK is the largest dairy company in the country and is home to leading dairy brands Anchor®, Cravendale, and Lactofree® with a turnover of €2.2 billion. As well as being a leading supplier of fresh milk, number one in butter, spreads and cream, Arla is the UK’s largest cheese manufacturer. It has also built the world’s largest fresh milk facility located at Aylesbury and has plans for it to be the first zero carbon site of its kind. The UK business has a team of approximately 3,500 colleagues located at its dairies, distribution centres and head office.

Arla Foods
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