Dairy Week gets under way

Britain’s love for dairy products is as strong as ever. As National Dairy Week gets under way today, 98% of homes in the UK will have dairy foods in the fridge.

And the vast majority of the dairy products in our fridges will be made in the UK from British milk. With more named cheeses than the French, some of the highest quality fresh milk in the world and a huge array of yogurts on offer, British dairy products are among people’s favourite foods. After centuries of popularity, they continue to form a natural, wholesome and common sense part of the nation’s diet.

Government Ministers were joined by TV cooks in paying tribute to Britain’s dairy farmers and processors to mark National Dairy Week. Dairy UK also sent postcards to key politicians throughout the UK declaring that ’Britain Loves Dairy’.

Dairy UK Director General Jim Begg said: "This really is a week to be Proud of Dairy. National Dairy Week is an opportunity to remind Government, Parliament and health professionals that British dairy products are among the nation’s favourite foods."

Begg’s view was echoed by TV cook Mary Berry and a host of high profile politicians. She said: "Dairy is a staple ingredient in cooking and some of the nation’s all time favourites, like cheese on toast, are made all the better with a good mature British cheddar. I enjoy using British dairy products in my cooking and support National Dairy Week in highlighting the British dairy Industry."

Defra Farming Minister Jane Kennedy also praised the UK’s dairy industry: "UK dairy farmers are doing great work often in very tough circumstances. National Dairy Week is an excellent opportunity for all of us to celebrate the industry’s many achievements."