Mark Schneider, CEO, has decided to relinquish his roles as CEO and member of the board of directors. Over his eight years with the company, he has actively shaped the company’s portfolio, in line with Nestlé’s strategy and with a focus on high-growth categories like coffee, pet care and nutritional health products, according to the company.

Freixe joined Nestlé in France in 1986. Since then, he has continuously progressed within the company, assuming various positions of increasing responsibility across different businesses, markets and sones. He successfully managed Zone Europe during the financial and economic crisis, from 2008 until 2014. He then took over as CEO of Zone Americas, where he accelerated growth. Following the creation of Nestlé’s new Zone structure in 2022, Laurent Freixe was named CEO Zone Latin America, where he has been successfully leading through challenging conditions.

Freixe has been a member of the executive board for 16 years and, as such, has played an important role in strengthening the strategic direction of the company and its portfolio. With his profound understanding of Nestlé’s culture and values, he has led several global corporate initiatives to improve productivity, increase operational efficiency, simplify processes and drive innovation. Additionally, Freixe has been active  in the Nestlé leadership and training programmes as well as the Nestlé Needs YOUth initiative, which promotes youth employment.

Paul Bulcke, chairman of the doard of directors, says, “I have known Laurent for a long time and highly regard him as a talented leader with strategic acumen, extensive in-market experience and expertise as well as a deep understanding of markets and consumers. He has demonstrated his ability to deliver results in challenging market conditions. Laurent’s curiosity fuels his passion for innovation and positive change. Laurent is the perfect fit for Nestlé at this time. Under his leadership, Nestlé will further strengthen its position as a dependable, reliable company through consistent and sustainable value creation.”

Bulcke continues, “I would also like to express our gratitude to Mark for his significant contributions to Nestlé and for his outstanding, steady leadership in turbulent times. Mark has been instrumental in the great progress we have made on our sustainability agenda. We extend our best wishes to him in all his professional and personal endeavours.”

Freixe says, “I am privileged to have been given the opportunity to continue building and strengthening Nestlé, and I am excited to take on this responsibility. There will always be challenges, but we have unparalleled strengths, such as iconic brands and products, an unmatched global presence, leading innovation and execution capabilities, and above all, exceptional people and teams. We can strategically position Nestlé to lead and win everywhere we operate.”

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As per the report, Amul has risen from second in 2023 to become the world’s strongest food brand in 2024, with a Brand Strength Index (BSI) score of 91 out of 100 and an AAA+ rating. Amul annually procures 11 billion litres of milk and is worth Rs. 80,000 Crores (US$10 billion), with its products being picked up 22 billion times in a year, the highest in the world. The Amul brand is marketed by Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation, the largest farmer owned cooperative in the world.

Among the top 50 global brands listed in the report, Amul is the only Indian brand to be featured. “Being India’s largest food brand and a farmer organisation, we have envisioned to becoming a bridge to bring every agricultural produce of our farmers into the kitchens of our consumers through a variety of products. The categories range from organic aata, rice and pulses, chocolates, breads, rusks and cookies, to ready-to-cook dairy and potato-based snacks, as well as honey,” according to the co-operative.

Jayen Mehta, MD, Amul said, “This is indeed a proud moment for the entire Amul team and our 3.6 million farmers, who have contributed to build and nurture this brand. We have always believed Amul’s currency is not milk, but trust. It is this trust which has created the brand that is loved by every generation of consumers over the last 78 years. “
Amul’s branding strategy has solidified its position as a household name in India. With an 85% share in the Indian butter market and 66% market share in cheese, Amul’s branding efforts have successfully resonated with consumers.

With a growing demand for healthier dairy products, including high protein, low-fat, and lactose-free options. Amul has launched High Protein Milk, High Protein Whey concentrate in plain and chocolate flavours, High Protein Paneer in addition to the High Protein Buttermilk, High Protein Lassi, Lactose Free Sweets, Sugar Free Cookies, Ice Creams, Flavored Milk and Lassi.

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To celebrate MULTIVAC’s success, on 2-3 October the company’s in-house event returns, where visitors will be invited to discover its huge range of products and services at its Innovation Centre in Swindon, which was refurbished only last year.

The event will focus on three core strengths: sustainability, automation and digitalisation, and will include exhibits of new product launches, full-line solutions, compact machinery options, and smart services.

The day will be rounded off with an Oktoberfest evening event, which will host a German style BBQ, evening entertainment, and the company’s first ever charity auction. From VIP tickets to FC Barcelona and 4 Ball Golf at Trump Turnberry, to a helicopter ride for four, 3 course Michelin star dinner and a spa break, there are appealing prizes for everyone.

Secure your invite here.

The post MULTIVAC UK: 40 years of growth, success and innovation appeared first on Dairy Industries International.

With a robust manufacturing infrastructure and a team of experienced professionals, Sovereign is a highly respected supplier to the dairy industry, particularly renowned for its milk bottle labelling solutions.

At this year’s PPMA Show, Sovereign will be exhibiting the range of weigh price labellers from Coop Bilanciai, which are widely used in the dairy industry.

Visit them at Stand G10 to see their range of machinery in action.

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The Fair will count with the presence of a variety of brands of the dairy sector, including:

Sodiaal UK

Sodiaal is a prominent dairy cooperative in France, offering a diverse range of products that includes P.D.O cheeses, Brittany butter, UHT milk, and cream. With a production process deeply rooted in French traditions, Sodiaal takes great pride in supporting the local economy by ensuring that all their products are made exclusively in France. From milk collection to cheese making, the cooperative is committed to maintaining high standards and preserving local craftsmanship.
The Estate Dairy

The Estate Dairy is a collective of passionate individuals dedicated to producing and bottling exceptional dairy products, including premium milk, cultured butter, and cream. Committed to quality and sustainability, the company sources the richest milk from small, local family farms that align with their values. This meticulous approach results in milk with a distinctive golden hue and butter and creams with a remarkably rich flavor. At The Estate Dairy, each product is crafted with the utmost respect for its quality and heritage.

Callestick Ice Cream

The Parker family began farming at Callestick Farm in 1953, and ice cream production commenced in 1989. For over 35 years, Callestick Farm has been dedicated to crafting exquisite ice creams using the finest fruits, confectionery, and local Cornish cream. The company’s range of award-winning flavours is made with fresh milk from their herd of over 380 Jersey X Friesian cows, which graze on 1,000 acres of farmland in the heart of Cornwall. Each ice cream reflects the farm’s commitment to quality and its rich heritage.

Golden Hooves

Golden Hooves is a multi-award-winning, farmer-backed cheese brand that invites consumers to explore not justwhere their food comes from, but how it is produced. Founded on a commitment to excellence, Golden Hooves is a small team with big ambitions and the highest standards in the industry.

Alsop & Walker

Alsop & Walker, a renowned dairy company based in East Sussex, United Kingdom, has been crafting exceptional cheeses since 2008. Their commitment to quality and innovation shines through in their award-winning creations. At the heart of Alsop & Walker’s success lies their master cheesemaker, Arthur Alsop. He skilfully blends traditional craftsmanship with contemporary techniques to produce cheeses that captivate the palate.

Organic Herd

For nearly three decades, Organic Herd has evolved from a single partnership into a leading provider of organic dairy products. Over the past 29 years, the company has expanded its offerings to include a diverse range of products, from delicious milk and moreish Cheddar to high-quality dairy ingredients like milk powder. Renowned for their expertise in organic dairy, Organic Herd is widely regarded as a trusted solution provider for all things related to organic dairy.
Long Clawson Dairy

Established in 1912 as a farmer-owned cooperative, Long Clawson Dairy is a storied institution based in Leicestershire. Today, the cooperative boasts over 30 supplier members, all situated within a 30-mile radius of the dairy. These local farms provide fresh milk daily, which is transformed by the company’s expert cheesemakers into a range of delicious, award-winning cheeses, including Blue Stilton®, White Stilton, Shropshire Blue, and Rutland Red.

Fine Cheesemakers of Scotland
Fine Cheesemakers of Scotland is the premier destination for exploring the finest artisanal cheeses from Scotland. Indulge in a selection of award-winning farmhouse cheeses, such as the deliciously crumbly Anster from St Andrews Farmhouse Cheese Co, the intriguingly named Minger from the Highland Fine Cheese Co, and the classic Dunlop from Connage Highland Dairy. Each cheese represents a rich tapestry of heritage, craftsmanship, and a steadfast commitment to quality.

White Lake Cheese

White Lake Cheese is renowned for producing exceptional artisan cheeses, including a diverse range of soft and semi-hard varieties made from goat, sheep, and Guernsey cow milk. All cheeses are handcrafted on their farm in Somerset. With numerous awards recognizing the quality of their products, White Lake Cheese is confident that customers will discover something to love. The farm’s own goats provide the milk for their distinctive goat cheeses, while a local Guernsey herd supplies the cow’s milk. Additionally, the sheep’s milk used comes from a trusted local farm. Each cheese reflects the farm’s dedication to quality and craftsmanship.

To discover more about the exhibitors and to book your place, visit Speciality and Fine Food Fair online

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On the Rotech stand will be a selection of UK designed and built feeding systems, for applying variable information to packaging off-line. These feeders are manufactured to handle a variety of flat-form substrates with ease. When paired with a printer and/or labeller, they reliably print and/or label at high speeds, offering a cost-effective solution for coding away from the main production line.

PPMA Show is the UK’s leading production line event, showcasing the latest in processing and packaging machinery, including robotics and industrial vision. Covering everything from food, beverages and pharmaceuticals to household chemicals and toiletries, FMCG, and contract packers.

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Checkoff organisations Dairy Management Inc. (DMI), National Dairy Council (NDC), Innovation Center for US Dairy, US Dairy Export Council, Newtrient, GENYOUth and the 16-team state and regional network are joined by MilkPEP to collectively elevate awareness and understanding of dairy’s contributions to the 1,000-day period.

“We identified a topic that’s of pressing concern and interest among thought leader audiences and consumers and has very strong dairy science behind it,” says Heather Oldani, head of marketing communications and affairs for DMI. “This is a collective effort that has different avenues for individual organizations within the dairy community to participate. Everyone will add a drop into the bucket and those drops will create an ocean effect for a bigger awareness and impact in the marketplace.”

The strategies include media partnerships, where national magazine Good Housekeeping and the USA Today newspaper will each publish two articles in September, introducing readers to the science-backed importance of the first 1,000 days. Follow-up articles will discuss key nutrients needed during pregnancy that are found in dairy. This campaign through October, includes print ads and social media promotions through Good Housekeeping and USA Today’s channels.

Another area is social media, where the checkoff and MilkPEP will engage social media influencers to share relevant content with their followers. These influencers, including young parents, will discuss the role of dairy in their experiences, post recipes featuring dairy, and offer tips for incorporating more milk, cheese and yogurt into family meals. Additionally, NDC Ambassador Marina Chaparro, a paediatric dietitian, will promote dairy’s role in brain health through her channels and bilingual Nutrachicos site, which includes a free course on feeding toddlers. Ryann Kipping, a notable prenatal nutritionist on Instagram and TikTok, also will highlight dairy’s importance during the first 1,000 days. MilkPEP will also work with three credentialed experts to share the message with the media and consumers in August.

Further, NDC has launched a multi-year initiative with the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) to develop a nutrition education programme for paediatricians and paediatric trainees. NDC is also collaborating with WIC to help educate about dairy’s role as a key component of maternal health and early childhood wellness. NDC will continue to engage health organisations such as the National Medical Association and will be at AAP’s annual meeting in October, which expects 6,000 paediatricians in attendance. Additionally, through the checkoff’s Mayo Clinic collaboration, dairy-focused nutrition content is featured on Mayo Clinic Press’ website as well as on a dedicated Parenting Hub, including information specific to the first 1,000 days.

Another area for the checkoff is via its Undeniably Dairy channels. Stories at USDairy.com such as Dairy Foods for Infant Brain Development and Cognition and Top Benefits of Dairy For Cognitive Development in Infancy will be shared via Facebook, X and Instagram. Video content also will be posted on TikTok in an “edu-tainment” style to address questions about what foods to eat during pregnancy and after birth.

Megan Maisano, director of nutrition and regulatory affairs for NDC, is confident this collective strategy will resonate with health professionals and consumers given its solid scientific foundation. She notes an AAP statement identifying 14 essential nutrients for early brain development, with dairy providing seven of them.

“At the end of the day, every parent and care provider just wants their child to reach their full potential and do better than the generation before,” Maisano says. “Good nutrition during pregnancy, lactation and early childhood plays a foundational role in enabling a child to grow, learn and thrive. Dairy is an affordable, accessible food group that contributes really important nutrients, especially in those early years.”

For information about the dairy checkoff, visit www.usdairy.com/for-farmers.

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For many food and drink categories in retail, spend on ice cream has grown significantly. However, this is driven by inflated prices rather than sales, as units are down -4.4%. The number of households buying in to the category remains extremely high at nine in 10, but high prices mean that they are having to shop the category less frequently, and when they do, buy less (Kantar, 52 w/e 9 June 2024). This will undoubtedly be the continued impact of the cost-of-living crisis, negatively impacting treating categories like desserts.

Unsurprisingly, sales of ice cream rise in the summer months, coinciding with warmer weather. However, with UK summer weather becoming more unpredictable, the focus should be on helping consumers view ice cream as less weather dependent. Processors and retailers could promote ice cream as a year-round indulgence for consumers, tapping into occasions beyond just a ‘cooling down’ treat on a summer’s day.

Around 68% of consumers who have eaten ice cream in the last three months often eat it with a dessert and 63% eat it when having an evening in (Mintel, Ice Cream – UK, 31 March 2024). Many consumers have also turned to at-home socialising in recent years, and according to Mintel, 46% of consumers who have eaten ice cream in the last three months often serve ice cream to guests when hosting at-home social gatherings.

Retailers can tap into these ice cream trends and encourage evening consumption by communicating things like ‘movie night’, ‘date night’ or ‘dinner party dining’, and by pairing inspiration and co-merchandise with relevant complementary products, such as desserts, fruit or meal deals.

However, it isn’t just dessert that presents opportunities for dairy. Cheese and butter dominate lunchtime occasions, being found in 24% and 15% of all lunchtime meal occasions respectively, and 65.5% of sandwich occasions featuring dairy. Italian dishes also continue to gain share of total dairy occasions, as carbonaras, pasta bakes and spaghetti bolognaise all saw year-on-year growth (52 w/e 12 May 2024).

Tom Price, AHDB retail and consumer insight analyst, noted, “Cost conscious consumers have been making increasingly simpler meals with fewer ingredients in an attempt to save money. Therefore, a key focus to boost dairy usage should be on promoting the use of dairy as a ‘treaty’ extra ingredient or topping to add flavour to meals.

“Pasta dishes are a key area where added dairy can be used to enhance meals, for instance by promoting recipes that include cheese, or encouraging the addition of ice cream or cream to desserts to boost enjoyment through indulgence.

“Milk usage within coffee is also increasing, so providing inspiration to help consumers recreate more premium out-of-home coffee experiences within their homes could help boost milk sales.”

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That being said, the deconsolidation of EDP Russia and Horizon Organic Wallaby had a negative impact on sales on a reported basis, down by 4.1% and a strong negative impact from scope.

In North America, sales increased by 5%, with strong performances from Oikos yogurt, International Delight creamers and Stok. China, North Asia and Oceania saw improvements of 8.4% in like for like sales growth, with specialised nutrition strongest.

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Free From Food Dubai stands as the premier networking event of its kind. It will gather international food manufacturers, importers, traders, retailers, and various distribution channels from Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, offering a platform for networking, knowledge sharing, and business growth. The 2023 edition saw over 1200 visitors from over 70 countries. Retang Phaahla of Setsong African Tea Crafters said the show had “Great quality engagements and relevant visitors. We were able to make good leads.”  Liya Cherian of the Small Enterprise Development Association of South Africa said “SheTradesZA attended this event, and may I say it was so worth the attendance. The event was organized spectacularly.”

Free From Food Dubai has already attracted interest from industry leaders, with confirmations from over 50 global brands. Esteemed partners such as the UAE FBMG, Bolst Global, Halal Trade & Marketing Centre, Global Management, and V Label further cement the event’s status as a leading initiative in the healthy food sector. Exhibitors will include renowned companies making strides in the Middle East, Europe, and Asia-Pacific, such as Bezgluten, SDC Sin Gluten, Giribizzi, Nagual Tortillas, Heavenly Organic, Delibreads, and many more. The return of the South African National Pavilion in 2024 highlights the event’s role in fostering international business opportunities and driving industry innovation.

This two day B2B event will feature a physical showcase of groundbreaking businesses and products, an extensive curated matchmaking program ensuring numerous meetings, and a conference program featuring keynote speakers from global industry leaders. Key sessions include “Clean Label Movement: Transparency and Trust in Food Manufacturing” and “The Future of Plant-Based Foods: Trends and Innovations,” alongside panel discussions on “Health and Wellness Trends: Shaping the Future of F&B Products” and “Sustainable Value Chains: Packaging, Circularity, and Community Impact.” For the full program, visit Future Food Series Agenda 2024.  The FBMG, the UAE’s most influential F&B organisation, is closely allied with the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry. FBMG supports the development of the F&B sector, providing a collaborative, innovative, and networking platform. Their membership includes global giants like General Mills, Kellogg’s, Nestle, Danone, Spinney’s, and Carrefour.

Building on the inaugural edition’s success, Free From Food Dubai 2024 is set to double in size. Pre-registration for Free From Food Dubai 2024 is now open at Pre-Registration Link. For more information on Free From Food Dubai 2024 and to explore business matchmaking opportunities, please visit: Free From Expo

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Symrise increased sales by 6.3 % to € 2,565 million (H1 2023: € 2,414 million). Excluding portfolio and exchange rate effects, sales increased organically by 11.5 %, driven by the positive performance of the company’s two segments.

At the same time, profitability measured by the EBITDA margin of 20.7 % was significantly higher than the previous year’s adjusted figure of 19.7 %. Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) rose to € 530 million, an increase of 11.5 % compared to the previous year’s adjusted figure.

The main drivers of profitability were slightly favourable material usage and, especially, the efficiency program initiated in the first quarter that was implemented consistently in the second quarter and has already generated around 50 % of the target savings of around € 50 million.

Jean-Yves Parisot, chief executive officer of Symrise AG: “Symrise is on course. I am committed to continuing Symrise’s success story – for the good of our customers, our shareholders and our employees. This is what we focused on in the past months. Despite our success in the first half of the year, we are not sitting back. Our good performance in recent months gives us confidence for the second half of the year. For this reason, we are therefore again confirming our growth and profitability targets for the full year.”

Symrise confirms long-term targets

Despite the current volatile market environment as a result of geopolitical tensions and continued high inflation overall, Symrise is well-positioned to continue on its profitable growth path. In this respect, the company is benefiting from its robust and sustainable business model, diversified application portfolio and broad regional presence and customer base.

In light of its good first-half performance, Symrise is therefore confirming its growth and profitability targets, and continues to expect to grow faster than the relevant market. The company is targeting sales growth of between 5 and 7 % (organic) in 2024. In terms of profitability, it is seeking to achieve an EBITDA margin of around 20 %. For the business free cash flow, the Group is aiming for a rate relative to sales of 12 % in 2024. Symrise will also maintain strict cost awareness in the context of its ongoing efficiency program.

In the long term, the company aims to increase its sales to € 7.5 to 8.0 billion by 2028. Annual growth of 5 to 7 % (CAGR) as well as targeted acquisitions are expected to contribute to this. Profitability (EBITDA margin) should remain within a target corridor of 20 to 23 %.

Taste, Nutrition & Health segment

Taste, Nutrition & Health achieved organic sales growth of 10.0 % in the first half of 2024. Taking into account portfolio and exchange rate effects, the segment’s sales in the reporting currency amounted to € 1,572 million, an increase of 2.9 % (H1 2023: € 1,527 million). The portfolio effect from the 2024 divestment of the UK beverage trading business by the Food & Beverage division had a negative impact of € 16 million on sales development.

In the Food & Beverage division, demand for savoury products particularly developed strongly to deliver double-digit organic growth. Strong growth was recorded in the EAME (Europe, Africa, Middle East) and Latin America regions especially. The Naturals business unit and the business units for sweet products and beverage flavouring achieved low single-digit percentage growth and recorded gains in the North America and Asia/Pacific regions especially.

The Pet Food division was also able to sustain its growth trend. Sales development in the Asia/Pacific and Latin America regions was particularly dynamic, with double-digit organic growth in some cases. In EAME, strong growth was posted by Spain, Turkey and Belgium in particular.

In the first half of 2024, sales development in the Aqua Feed division was characterized by declining organic growth. In the course of further portfolio optimization with focus on high-margin growth areas, Symrise intends to divest the business until the end of the year.

The probiotics business, which includes the majority interest in the listed company Probi AB, Lund, Sweden, generated single-digit percentage growth, driven especially by higher demand in the EAME region.

The segment’s EBITDA amounted to € 348 million (H1 2023: € 335 million), an increase of 3.8 %. The increase was mainly attributable to profitable sales growth and a slight decline in the raw material cost ratio. The EBITDA margin was 22.1 %, which was higher than the previous year’s figure of 21.9 %.

Scent & Care segment

Scent & Care achieved organic sales growth of 14.1 %. Taking into account exchange rate effects, sales increased to € 993 million in the reporting currency, 12.1 % higher than the same period of the previous year (H1 2023: € 886 million).

The Fragrance division achieved very strong organic growth. The Fine Fragrances business unit in particular continued its dynamic development and followed its strong performance from previous year with renewed double-digit percentage organic growth. The growth rates in the Asia/Pacific and Latin America regions were particularly pronounced. The Consumer Fragrances business unit also posted double-digit percentage growth. Here, the biggest gains were posted by the Asia/Pacific and EAME regions. With high single-digit organic growth, the Oral Care business unit also showed gratifying development.

Sales development in the Aroma Molecules division recovered significantly in the first half of 2024. Although the market environment remained difficult, the resumption of production at Colonels Island, USA, resulted in a very positive increase in sales compared to the previous year. High double-digit growth rates were achieved in the EAME and Asia/Pacific regions.

Sales by the Cosmetic Ingredients division continued to develop very well in the first six months of the current year, again posting double-digit percentage organic growth. The EAME, Asia/Pacific and Latin America regions again increased sales significantly. Only the North America region saw just slight growth compared to the previous year. The strongest growth was posted by the sun protection business and the Micro Protection business unit.

The segment generated EBITDA of € 182 million, a significant increase of € 42 million compared to the previous year’s adjusted figure of € 140 million. The segment’s EBITDA margin was 18.3 %, 2.5 percentage points higher than the previous year’s adjusted figure of 15.8 %.

Consolidated net income and earnings per share

The consolidated net income attributable to the shareholders of Symrise AG for the first six months of 2024 amounted to € 239 million, which was € 52 million, or 27.7 %, higher than the previous year’s figure of € 188 million. This was mainly due to the improved profitability and the one-time effects of € 29.0 million posted the previous year in the Scent & Care segment. Earnings per share rose to € 1.71 in the first half of 2024, up from € 1.34 in the same period of the previous year.

Cash flow

At € 288 million, cash flow from operating activities for the first half of 2024 was € 144 million higher than in the previous year (€ 144 million), mainly due to an improvement in earnings in the normal course of operations and lower working capital.

Business free cash flow more than doubled in the first six months and amounted to € 226 million, up € 120 million from € 106 million in the same period of the previous year. As a percentage of sales, business free cash flow was 8.8 % (H1 2023: 4.4 %).

The Interim Group Report of Symrise AG for the first half of 2024 can be accessed on the company’s website at https://www.symrise.com/investors/financial-results/.

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Ice cream, which amounts to 15% of the group turnover, continued to focus on operational improvements, according to the company. Underlying sales growth was 0.6% with volume down by 1%, driven by weak sales in China and a softer start to the summer season in Europe.

Separation activity for ice cream is underway and on track to complete by the end of 2025. “We are working at pace on the legal entity set up, the standalone operating model and carve-out financials. In July, we communicated internally on the planned changes to simplify our business and further evolve our category-focused operating model. We have started consultations with the respective works councils,” Unilever said in its statement.

Wall’s grew mid-single digit with positive volume and price, Ben & Jerry’s was slightly up, while sales of Cornetto were adversely affected by the decline in China. Magnum launched its new Pleasure Express range with three variants: Euphoria, Wonder and Chill.

Underlying operating profit for the ice cream was €0.7 billion, which was flat versus the prior year. The underlying operating margin declined -40bps as gross margin improvement was offset by an increase in brand and marketing investment. The cost inflation of key commodities continued, driven by cocoa and sugar.

Hein Schumacher, CEO at Unilever, notes, “We are focused on driving high-quality sales growth and gross margin expansion, led by our power brands. Over the first half, we made progress on those ambitions.

“Underlying sales grew 4.1%, driven by a third consecutive quarter of positive, improving volume growth, while pricing continued to moderate in line with our expectations. Strong gross margin progression fuelled increased investment behind our innovations, and resulted in a step-up of our profitability.

“We continue to embed the growth action plan, doing fewer things, better and with greater impact. The implementation of a comprehensive productivity programme and the separation of ice cream are key to delivering on that commitment and we are progressing at pace.

“There is much to do, but we remain focused on transforming Unilever into a consistently higher performing business.”

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To support the dairy sector, the government has introduced several measures, including reopening agricultural export registrations to boost exports and generate foreign currency revenue. Overall, its cow milk production has dropped by 7.4% to 10.8 million tons, which has meant a rapid recovery in domestic milk prices, but a decline in consumption of 7% for 2024 estimated. Its exports have been helped by the currency devaluation, with dairy export volumes increasing by 10% in the first five months of 2024, versus the same timeframe in 2023. The question for Argentinian processors now is whether to serve the volatile domestic market, or aim for more profitable exports, the FAS says.

Meanwhile, in Australia, milk production is estimated to be up by 3.5%, to 8.8 million tons. The country is seeing rising domestic milk prices, as well as export demand from Asia for dairy products. The stability of its dollar has also kept the export prices competitive, according to the FAS.

Over in the EU, milk production is static, although the herd population has dropped below 20 million, due to lower milk prices and elevated production costs. Environmental policies such as nitrogen emission reductions in the Netherlands, are also playing a part in lowering milk production, the FAS reports.

In New Zealand, a slight 0.7% decrease in fluid milk production is predicted, to 21.1 million tons. Financial strains due to higher interest rates, along with higher inputs, are causing concerns, but the sector continues to invest in processing capacities. About 95% of the country’s production is exported, and in January, the final import duties covered in the New Zealand-China Free Trade Agreement were reduced to zero. Global export volumes are up 5% so far in 2024, with more diverse products being sent abroad.

Interestingly, New Zealand cheese exports have dropped by 6%, while Australia’s exports have grown by 28% YOY and both the UK and US have seen increases of 12% and 17% versus 2023, respectively. That being said, the EU remains the largest exporter of cheese with a 1% uptick seen this year, at 1.4 million tons in 2024. Its production will increase by about 1% to 10.5 million tons. Tourism and hospitality is contributing to upward consumption within the EU.

Australia’s cheese production is estimated to be 435,000 tons, and around 380,000 of that is consumed in the country. The exports are mainly sent to Japan, China and other southeast Asian countries.

In the US, the FAS is predicting a record-breaking year for the country’s cheese exports, to 466,000 tons, up 8% from 2023.

Individual FAS country reports covering dairy are available at: https://gain.fas.usda.gov/#/ The USDA Production, Supply and Demand database is available at: https://apps.fas.usda.gov/psdonline/app/index.html#/app/home

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In 2023, the competition saw six entrants from five countries facing each other in Trondheim, Norway, resulting in 21-year-old Lily Morris from Wales, winning the title. She said, “Winning really boosted not only my confidence in my mongering abilities, but it also helped build up the shop’s reputation. It has inspired me to keep on exploring the ever-changing cheese world, which never fails to amaze me.”

Free to enter, the competition is open to any cheesemonger under the age of 30, with applicants being asked, initially, to provide a short biography and submit recommendations for their perfect cheeseboard.  New for 2024 is the “Perfect Pairing” round, which asks applicants to present to the panel of judges their ultimate combination of one cheese, one Peter’s Yard cracker and one complementary accompaniment.  Six shortlisted entrants will be invited to attend the World Cheese Awards and compete against their peers across five rounds.

The Academy is delighted to have Peter’s Yard on board as sponsors of the competition for the first time this year. As well as sponsorship, it is offering finalists £300 each (€357) in funding to support their travel and accommodation costs.   Yona Ellis, marketing director at Peter’s Yard, added “We’re delighted to be supporting the Academy of Cheese in their search to find the freshest talent in the Young Cheesemonger of the Year award. We can’t wait to see what innovative pairings the contestants create with our award-winning crackers.”

Peter’s Yard is joined by the Guild of Fine Food as co-sponsors of the competition, with the winner of the award being announced on the same day at the World Cheese Awards.

Key dates for Young Cheesemonger of the Year 2024:

Open for entry: Monday 22 July

Deadline for entry: Monday 30 September

Finalists announced: Thursday 10 October

Finals & Results: Friday 15 November

Established to promote cheese knowledge and provide career development within the industry, the Academy of Cheese aims to build greater respect for the industry, with Young Cheesemonger of the Year showcasing the skill, knowledge and talent of its members.

As well as a bright future and the coveted title of Young Cheesemonger 2024, the winner will receive a trophy, feature in Fine Food Digest, and secure a place on the Academy of Cheese Level Two Member Certification course. They will also be invited to judge at the World Cheese Awards 2025.

Full details, along with the application form, can be found on the Academy’s website, www.academyofcheese.org/young-cheesemonger-of-the-year/.

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Dairy industry analyst Chris Walkland explained what’s happened to the BBC. “It’s very small compared to modern factories and doesn’t have the economies of scale the newer plants have. It’s very indicative of what’s happened in the larger market. 

“Stilton has always been an elite, seasonal product, and the cost of living crisis has come along with Stilton and elite cheeses falling into the discretional spend category.” 

He further says, “Not only that, but a lot of Stilton is also exported, and then we come into the realm of macropolitics, and Brexit, and trade barriers, and veterinary certificates – the cost of exports have simply soared. That’ll be another reason why sales of Stilton have been challenged.” Another factor is that a lot of other different blue cheeses have sprung up, and that has eaten into Stilton’s sales. 

Stilton is only made in the three counties – Derbyshire, Nottinghamshite and Leicestershire – because it’s a PDO product and made by only six creameries. Arla is a big pan European company and have invested a lot in the UK, he further notes. “This investment in a niche factory that produces a niche, seasonal doesn’t fit with their overall strategy.” 

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Launched on 2 July 2024, the dairy is the only BRCGS-accredited liquid milk facility in Wales, meaning it is the only facility able to supply major retailers in Wales with Welsh milk. By removing the need for Welsh milk to be transported to bottling plants in England, Pembrokeshire Creamery is reducing food miles, increasing supply chain efficiency, creating new skilled jobs, and supporting local farming communities.

Pembrokeshire Creamery, which has created around 80 new jobs, has the capacity to bottle more than a million litres of milk a week and has recently announced major deals to supply own-branded milk to Asda and Lidl stores across Wales. When the dairy reaches full capacity, it will be able to supply around 2 million litres of milk a week.

The development of Pembrokeshire Creamery was initially supported by the Welsh Government and Pembrokeshire County Council when they formed a joint venture to create the Pembrokeshire Food Park. This was instrumental as it created the plots and infrastructure required (drainage, water, and power) for Pembrokeshire Creamery to locate its new state-of-the-art dairy.

Subsequent Welsh Government support was awarded with £5 million grant funding through the Food Business Investment Scheme and an additional £1.4 million of grant funding from the Food Business Accelerator Scheme.

Funding support has also been provided by HSBC and to date, nearly £20 million has been invested in the site to process high-quality Welsh milk that is farmed, bottled, and sold in Wales.

The company recently announced plans to support the development of a second milk processing line and automated trolley fillers, meeting the growing demand for locally sourced Welsh milk while ensuring the industry’s future sustainability.

Commenting on the opening, Mark McQuade, managing director of Pembrokeshire Creamery Ltd said:

“This has been a great opportunity to celebrate our early successes and all that means for the people that we’ve employed and the dairy farmers who we work with. We’re creating new markets with major retailers for authentic Welsh milk which in turn is helping us complete our mission to deliver sustainably sourced Welsh milk, bottled right here in Wales while offering a fair and transparent price to farmers.

“We are already committing to more investment and increasing our capacity – and we would like to thank all of the people locally, our staff and suppliers, who have supported us as we’ve built and opened our new state-of-the-art facility,” he said.

Huw Irranca-Davies, cabinet secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs, said:

“I am delighted that the new Pembrokeshire Creamery has started processing Welsh milk for Lidl and Asda. This new facility, supported by Welsh Government Rural Development investment underlines the commitment of the Welsh Government to the dairy sector in Wales. This investment ensures that milk which previously had to be transported to England is now processed in Wales. As a result, Welsh consumers will now be able to buy Welsh milk, produced in Wales.

“This commitment is part of our vision for achieving growth and productivity improvement which benefits the workforce, people and society. It also supports the industry to reach high levels of sustainability, raising the Food and Drink industry’s reputation in Wales, the UK and overseas,” he said.

Led by an experienced team, Pembrokeshire Creamery emphasises fair pricing for farmers who tirelessly produce high-quality Welsh milk. Their commitment extends to paying a fair market-related price for dairy farmers, environmental sustainability, and animal welfare, which is consistent with their aspiration to be at the forefront of the dairy industry.

At the heart of Pembrokeshire Creamery’s mission lies a commitment to sourcing 100% of its milk from Welsh cows, reducing food miles, and supporting local farming communities. Their ultimate goal is to be the leading supplier of Welsh milk.

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Ehrmann will expand Trewithen’s facilities to open a state-of-the-art UK production plant at the site in Glynn Valley, Cornwall. Expected to open in 2026, Ehrmann pudding products distributed in the UK will be produced at the facility; expected to account for 15% of Ehrmann’s global sales each year.

The Cornish dairy plant will start producing the full range of Ehrmann dessert products, such as High Protein and Grand Dessert. Ehrmann dairy products are sold in over 75 countries around the world, from seven international production sites and nine international sales offices; generating over 1.1 billion euros each year. In addition to its long term commitment to grow sales of Trewithen’s portfolio of branded and own-label dairy products, Ehrmann will also make a significant £20 million investment in the dairy’s processing capacity and capabilities.

Christian Ehrmann, chairman of Ehrmann SE. explains, “Ehrmann has enjoyed success in the UK over the last two years working with major supermarket chains to bring new dairy tastes to consumers. The acquisition is highly significant as it opens up local UK production; enabling us to reduce the carbon footprint and guarantee the freshness of our products. Choosing Trewithen’s impressively high-quality Cornish milk production, we’re delighted to bring German product innovation together with the very best of British milk.”

Ehrmann’s acquisition of Trewithen will bring together the leadership teams of both family businesses. Both are long established, well respected, family-run companies that share a passion for producing a wide range of high quality dairy products which have at their heart naturalness, provenance and a commitment to sustainability. Trewithen Dairy at Greymare Farm in the Glynn Valley has been owned by the Clarke family since 1976. The dairy farmers switched to crafting dairy products there in 1994, sourcing milk, cream and, more recently, butter and yogurt from local cows to sell across the UK.

The acquisition will secure the jobs of over 260 people currently working at Trewithen Dairy. In addition, the expansion of the production plant will give dairy farmers in the region a major, stable purchaser for Cornwall’s milk supply, paying a competitive milk price based upon a guaranteed premium.

Paul Berne, CEO of Trewithen Dairy, adds, “We’re delighted that we’re able to expand our offering, create more jobs in the local economy, and further bring the joy of quality Cornish produce to more tastebuds across the UK. The new products are already proven in other markets, so it’s great to be producing them with excellent British milk to be enjoyed by more British tastebuds.”

Since 2022 Ehrmann has been successfully selling a range of products in the UK through major supermarkets Aldi, Morrisons, Iceland and more recently, COOP. As Ehrmann’s UK-produced range expands, the dairy foods producer will increase the distribution of its products in the UK.

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The global dairy trade is important for several countries that are small in size but large in dairy exports – Ireland and New Zealand, to name just two. However, as the landscape shifts, these exporters then have to look for new places to sell their products, Rabobank reports. “New Zealand accounts for less than 3% of world cow milk production but over 25% of global dairy trade. As the primary dairy exporter to China, it must now find alternative markets for the milk equivalent of nearly 150,000 metric tons of WMP. Almost 1.3 million metric tonnes of milk – equivalent to 6% of New Zealand’s annual milk production – is now in search of import destinations in the form of WMP, skim milk powder (SMP), milkfat, and cheese,” it says.

There are signs that New Zealand exports are starting to show up Algeria, which is usual EU and US export territory. However, as a larger importer, these countries will go up the list, as China’s self-sufficiency grows further. The trade pathways are shifting, and wherever you are in the dairy industry, get ready to move with it if you’re exporting.

And, to keep up with the dairy sector, don’t miss the International Cheese & Dairy Expo, held in conjunction with the 128-year old International Cheese and Dairy Awards on 27 June in Stafford. Right in the heart of cheese making and milk producing country, the awards and the Expo are not to be missed. See you there!

• Suzanne Christiansen, editor, Dairy Industries International.
  Keep in touch via email: suzanne@bellpublishing.com
  Twitter: @dairyindustries or LinkedIn: Dairy Industries International magazine

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China’s monumental achievement in self-sufficiency in milk production, representing a staggering 11m million metric tons from 2018 to 2023, has left an indelible mark on the global dairy sector. The country’s whole milk powder (WMP) imports plunged from an average of 670,000 metric tonnes between 2018 and 2022 to a mere 430,000 metric tonnes in 2023. 

Mary Ledman, global strategist for dairy at Rabobank, describes the global dairy sector as a row of dominoes, with China’s demand representing the first domino, followed by New Zealand’s supply, and finally a key commodity: WMP. “If China’s demand falls, it triggers a chain reaction, causing each subsequent domino to topple. This has inevitably intensified competition among the existing dairy-exporting regions and led to lower-than-average global milk powder prices,” says Ledman. 

New Zealand adjusting  

New Zealand accounts for less than 3% of world cow milk production but over 25% of global dairy trade. As the primary dairy exporter to China, it must now find alternative markets for the milk equivalent of nearly 150,000 metric tons of WMP. Almost 1.3 million metric tonnes of milk – equivalent to 6% of New Zealand’s annual milk production – is now in search of import destinations in the form of WMP, skim milk powder (SMP), milkfat, and cheese. 

New Zealand’s WMP exports peaked in 2021 due to China’s robust demand, which dropped in the subsequent years. In response, New Zealand adjusted its export strategy, increasing exports of SMP, butterfat, and cheese, offsetting a 255,000 metric ton fall in WMP exports between 2021 and 2023. 

In 2022 and 2023, New Zealand also multiplied its WMP imports to Algeria, the world’s second-largest WMP importer. “This caused the New Zealand dairy supply domino to cascade into the European market, the traditional WMP and SMP supplier for Algeria,” explains Ledman. “New Zealand also diverted milk from WMP to SMP, resulting in a nearly 40% boost in its total SMP exports from 2021 to 2023, putting pressure on SMP exports from the EU and the US.” 

A challenge for dairy exporters 

China’s growing milk and dairy production offers opportunities for companies supporting animal health, genetics, nutrition, manure management, and milking and processing equipment. While it is doubtful that China would be become a net dairy exporter, says Ledman, “it nevertheless poses a significant challenge to the key dairy exporting regions, which have significant exposure to the Chinese market and will need to continue to adapt to the changing market dynamics.” 

She cautions: “While the cost of production will play a role in competitiveness, shorter supply chains and increased trade protectionism could potentially offset these costs. China’s increased self-sufficiency may serve as an example for other countries aiming to reduce reliance on trade.” 

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