Lidl UK launched a Grassroots Dairy Partnership with Müller Milk & Ingredients, UK, to secure a sustainable end-to-end dairy supply chain, from the grassroots through to the customer.

Through a Lidl ambassador program formed in conjunction with Müller Direct Next Generation, the partnership specifically focuses on developing the next generation of UK dairy farmers. Young farmers signed up as Lidl Grassroots Dairy Partnership ambassadors will be offered bespoke training, including workshops on how to achieve lean and effective processes, as well as the opportunity to engage with Lidl’s senior management teams to enhance their knowledge of the retail industry.

“Following our announcement last year, we’re excited to be launching this partnership and working with Müller to help secure a supply chain that will safeguard the long-term viability of dairy farming in the UK,” says Ryan McDonnell, Lidl UK’s commercial director. “As a business, we are committed to supporting sustainable growth in the British dairy farming sector, and through our new ambassador program, we look forward to cultivating the relationships we have with young farmers across the country.”

“We are delighted to further build our long-term strategic partnership with Lidl, working together to deliver benefits for the whole supply chain, from consumer to farmer,” adds Rob Hutchison, milk supply director at Müller Milk & Ingredients. “The ‘Müller Direct Fixed Price Contract,’ introduced in 2018 with support from Lidl, is already providing dairy farmers with real security and confidence for the future. The other initiatives we will now work on together will be focused on tackling additional challenges, including greater use of recycled plastics, reducing food waste and water use and further strengthening dairy farming businesses. Müller now has the most comprehensive, well-invested network of dairies in the UK, and we aim to work in partnership with key customers like Lidl, so that they can offer consumers a distinctive fresh milk proposition.”