Milk lovers across the world will be celebrating the white stuff for World Milk Day tomorrow, Wednesday 1st June 2016.
Speaking ahead of her speech on the benefits of dairy at the International Dairy Federation’s celebration of World Milk Day in Seoul, South Korea, Dr Judith Bryans, Chief Executive of Dairy UK, said: "As the world celebrates this World Milk Day, let’s remember that milk is a product to be greatly proud of.
"Demand for dairy is growing across the globe and we have a key role to play to help feed a growing world population with safe, nutritious and affordable foods."
The first World Milk Day was organised by the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations in 2001 and is still going strong.
Dr Bryans added: "Dairy makes a difference to millions of people every day, everywhere. As we pour milk on our cereal or add it to tea or coffee, we should remember that milk gives us so many of the nutrients that our bodies need.
"It’s tasty, versatile and healthy – and it also plays an important nutritional role at all stages of life.
"Our industry is a vibrant and dynamic community which provides millions of livelihoods across the world.
"On World Milk Day, more than 30 countries will celebrate what milk has to offer and the dedication of all of those who put milk on our tables, from farmers to processors, manufacturers and milkmen.
Britain leads in milk consumption
With milk appearing in 98% of fridges across the country, Great Britain is one of the leading nations in the world when it comes to milk consumption.
To celebrate milk’s long-standing role in global diets and nutrition, The Dairy Council reacquainted the public with some of the facts about the milk we’ve been drinking for 11,000 years.
Members of the public starred in a milk quiz, where the nutrient richness of milk emerged, along with facts such as one would have to eat 63 Brussel sprouts to get the same amount of calcium as a glass of milk.
Dr Anne Mullen, Director of Nutrition at The Dairy Council, said: "People across the world, from all backgrounds and all countries, consume milk every day.
"Therefore, we decided that World Milk Day was the perfect time to have a bit of fun and ask consumers how much they really know about the milk in their fridge.
"What became clear is that, whilst many of us recognise that milk is a healthy and nutritious, there are actually so many nutrients and minerals contained in one portion of milk that it is almost impossible to remember them all!
"We are delighted that the public is so supportive of dairy.
"Milk is one of the most nutritious, and delicious, foods in the British diet and it plays a crucial role in leading a healthy diet at all stages of life.
"With more than 30 countries taking part in World Milk Day – and that number growing steadily each year – Wednesday sees the ideal day for milk to steal the spotlight."
Dairy UK and The Dairy Council will celebrate all things dairy in the lead-up to World Milk Day and will encourage all to raise a glass to dairy and tweet their best pictures using the hashtag #DairyMakesADifference.
