FDBusiness.com

Arla Foods Milk Partnership, the British farmers group which supplies milk to dairy processor Arla Foods UK, is considering increasing its investment in the dairy processor. A final decision will be made following dialogue with farmer members of AFMP, in September 2010. Meanwhile, Arla Foods has confirmed that it will invest over £150m in a new dairy on the outskirts of London.

Peter Lauritzen, chief executive of Arla Foods UK.

Commenting on its investment plans, Jonathan Ovens, chairman of Arla Foods Milk Partnership and its investment arm, Milk Partnership, says: “Arla Foods’s commitment to investing in the new dairy is another positive example of Arla securing a long-term future in the UK which in turn secures a home for AFMP members’ milk. Arla is making positive steps forward in the UK and it is important that we continue to play our part by working closely with Arla to build a sustainable future for farmer members, having made an initial investment in 2008.”

Peter Lauritzen, chief executive of Arla Foods UK, welcomes the move: “As a farmer-owned co-operative it would be a positive step forwards, allowing UK farmers to work more closely with their Danish and Swedish counterparts by increasing their stake in Arla Foods UK.”