Arla Foods UK plc had cause for a double celebration at the Food Manufacture Excellence Awards. Not only crowned best manufacturer in the dairy category, Arla then went onto take the coveted Food Manufacture Company of the Year award.
The awards, organised annually by Food Manufacture magazine, recognise consistent all round excellence in food manufacturing and require a demonstration of expertise in all areas of a company's operations including category management, marketing and new product development, supply chain improvement, quality assurance, environmental management and health and safety, process innovation and human resource development.
"This is a significant achievement and a reflection of our commitment to delivering the highest standards at every stage of our operation," said Peter Lauritzen, CEO Arla Foods UK.
"These awards are highly regarded in the industry and our success is thanks to the hard work and commitment of everyone in the company," Peter added.
Demonstrating all round manufacturing excellence, Arla has truly proved itself to be the best in the business, said Food Manufacture award judges who were also impressed with the company's achievements in developing innovative new products. Arla identified a gap in the market for a lactose-free cow's milk and developed Lactofree which is being very positively received by consumers.
Judges also cited the company's packaging reduction initiative and praised Arla's people development scheme.
"There was good demonstrable continuous improvement at Arla - it was a clear winner."
This is just one of several top accolades which Arla has been awarded this year. As well as being named The Grocer Magazine's best own label supplier for the third time in four years, Arla picked up an Institute of Grocery Distribution award for on-shelf availability of organic milk in partnership with Asda and the company's television advertising campaign for Lurpak took gold at the Grocery Advertising and Marketing Industry Awards. Two of Arla's supplying dairy farmers have also been honoured this year. Arla Foods Milk Partnership member, Geoff Spence won the Farmers Weekly Dairy Farmer of the year award and Philip Halhead was crowned Farmers Weekly Young Farmer of the year.
"These awards demonstrate Arla is leading the way right across the dairy supply chain," said Peter Lauritzen.