Dairy industry must capitalise on product development record, says Curry

The UK dairy industry is in a strong position to capitalise on its outstanding record for development of new products as part of its drive to secure a vibrant future, David Curry, MP, the chairman of Dairy UK said today (June 27).

Speaking at a Dairy UK reception at the House of Lords, Mr Curry said: "All too often the debate surrounding the dairy industry in this country focuses on failure rather than success.

"We all know that our industry faces serious and difficult challenges at local, national and international levels but this should not overshadow our tremendous achievements. The UK dairy industry is now in the vanguard of innovation in relation to environment and production and particularly in product development.

"The UK can rightly boast of developing a range of exciting and inspirational dairy products that will help underpin the future of an industry in which people sometimes think of the glass being half empty rather than half full.

"It is important to remind political decision-makers that we have a first class industry in this country and one that should be supported and encouraged from the farm to the kitchen table."

Leading dairy companies and milk producing companies displayed a range of products - including new varieties of milk, cheese, yogurt and butter ­- at today's reception, which was attended by Peers, MPs, representatives from Defra, prominent food and agricultural journalists and members of the Dairy UK board.