OUR VISION
The dairy industry in Britain is one of the most fiercely competitive
industry sectors.
It is therefore essential for Dairy UK to be as dynamic and competitive
as the industry it represents.
Dairy UK has brought together dairy processors, farming representatives,
co-ops and bottle milk buyers to form an organisation that embraces
and gives full priority to the views and opinions of all those involved
the industry.
It is an organisation committed to demonstrating clarity of purpose
and strength of message.
A significant factor in the creation of Dairy UK was an industry-wide
desire to provide a range of services focused on the needs of modern
dairy businesses.
A clear focus on the needs of the industry will ensure that they
are not compromised or diluted – as can happen when its interests
are subject to negotiation within the wider context of the food
industry.
In increasingly competitive market conditions, it is in the interest
of all within the industry for the businesses of producers and processors
to be sustainable and profitable.
Over the next decade, new challenges will emerge which the dairy
sector must overcome in order to ensure its profitability.
The sector needs to tighten co-operation and efficiency throughout
the supply chain and address the challenges presented by the current
round of CAP reform. Any new WTO agreement may necessitate even
further reform.
MEMBERSHIP AND GOVERNANCE
Dairy UK operates throughout the United Kingdom and has an unrivalled
network at its disposal to act in the interests of the industry.
For the first time, processing and farming organisations in England,
Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland have been brought together.
The membership comprises processors and distributors of liquid
milk and dairy products as well as milk-producer co-operatives.
Dairy UK is governed by a 12-person Board of Directors, plus an
independent chairman, the Rt. Hon. David Curry MP.
The Board comprises a powerful range of representatives from within
the industry.
Eight chief executives of the largest private and farmer-controlled
processing companies are on the Board, as are retail milk distributors
and farming representatives.
The Board seats representing farming interests are nominated by
a Dairy Farmers’ Forum, co-ordinated through the offices of
the National Farmers’ Union.
Related dairy organisations are eligible to apply for Associate
Membership of Dairy UK.
The secretariat of Dairy UK operates under the direction of the
Director General, Jim Begg.
Regional Committees for Scotland and Northern Ireland, as far
as possible, reflect the constituencies in the main Board and are
fully representative of farming and processing interests.
SERVICES
Dairy UK offers a wide range of services focused on the needs of
the industry.
 Staff
operate throughout the UK to ensure the interests of the dairy sector
are properly considered in the policy formulation process by the
UK government, devolved administrations and the EU.
Identifying opportunities to reduce industry costs is a priority
but Dairy UK is committed to the promotion of a vibrant, dynamic
and growing marketplace and will participate in maintaining and
enhancing the image of milk amongst consumers and opinion formers.
We also communicate relevant information to the sector, provide
a comprehensive information and advice service to members and disseminate
appropriate information through a range of media.
Dairy UK can also provide forums for the exchange of information
throughout the supply chain. The organisation is equipped to co-ordinate
promotional activity requested by members, commission and manage
relevant research projects, organise seminars, conferences and an
industry show. We also provide support for affiliated trade associations.
Collaboration with other industry organisations is an integral
part of our operations as is participation in relevant industry
international bodies.
Dairy UK also operates efficient and cost effective commercial
services, such as roll container repatriation and management of
the industry’s Climate Change Agreement (through Dairy Energy
Savings Ltd). In addition we operate the Association of Cheese Processors
and UK-IDF (the UK National Committee of the International Dairy
Federation).
Dairy UK Manufacturing Excellence Programme
Dairy UK provides business improvement advice to its processor
members under its Dairy UK Manufacturing Excellence Programme.
The programme, which will run over three years, consists of 30
diagnostic benchmarking exercises delivered by Comparison International
under the Dairy PROBE banner, and 12 Masterclasses provided by the
Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders Industry Forum.
The programme is financed by a grant of £460,000 from Defra
under the Agriculture Development Scheme. Participation is free
to Dairy UK members.
For details of Dairy PROBE please click here
(107.0 KB)
For details of the benefits of a Masterclass please click here
(132.0 KB)
Members interested in participating should contact Peter Dawson.
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About
Dairy UK
