Press release

World’s largest organic dairy producer launches branded organic milk in the Middle East

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Arla Foods, the world’s largest producer of organic dairy products, has launched its first branded organic milk in the Middle East, the company’s biggest strategic growth market outside Europe, marking a significant milestone in its growth agenda.

The launch of Arla Organic Milk in the UAE forms part of the farmer-owned company’s ambitious business strategy, which is to become the number one organic dairy brand in the Middle East and North Africa by 2020. Arla also has plans to expand into Saudi Arabia and Kuwait in 2018.

“We see a growing appetite for organic products in the Middle East, and we are responding to this consumer demand with the first of many organic product launches in the region. As the world’s leading producer of organic dairy products, we look forward to introducing more Middle Eastern consumers to our organic range by adding Arla Organic to our existing portfolio in the region,” says Rasmus Malmbak Kjeldsen, senior vice president of Arla’s operations in the Middle East and North Africa.

Phased regional launch

Being both international and multi-cultural, UAE is typically a first-mover country in the region when it comes to consumer trends and it is where Arla first spotted the organic trend in the region.

“We have noted a general trend towards organic especially in the fruit and vegetables category. Now we are seeing this unfold into dedicated organic shops, cafés and restaurants. By launching Arla Organicmilk in UAE first, we look to tap into this growing trend and gather crucial information about organic consumers, which we can utilise as we enter neighbouring markets,” says Rasmus Malmbak Kjeldsen.

Presently Arla is best known in the Middle East for non-organic dairy products under global brands such as Lurpak®, Castello® and particularly Puck®, which has become a household staple. Fronting the Arla® brand on products like organic milk and Arla® Protein milk drink will build the dairy company’s presence even further.

To celebrate the launch of Arla Organic Milk in UAE and to coincide with World School Milk Day, Arla is hosting an interactive pop-up farm event in Dubai on September 24th to 27th, offering primary school children, government officials and the media a unique opportunity to learn more about organic farming. Two organic Arla farmer owners from Europe will be present for the launch in Dubai to share their experience and dedication directly with consumers.

Arla Organic Milk is now available across all key retailers in the UAE, including Union Coop, Choithrams, Spinneys, Carrefour, Geant and Lulu Hypermarket.

Ends

Arla Foods is a global dairy company and co-operative owned by 11,200 dairy farmers with 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®, Arla Cravendale®, and Arla Lactofree® with a turnover of €2.9 billion. The UK is largest market within the Europe Zone, contributing 35% of the zone’s turnover and also comprises 25% of the Group revenue.

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 that later this year will become the first net zero carbon site of its kind. The UK business has a team of approximately 3,500 colleagues located at its dairies, creameries, distribution centres and head office.

Press contact

Primary

Arla Foods UK Press Office

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

felicity.callaghan@arlafoods.com 07966136112