MILK
Conscious
consumption
Whether dairy-based or plant-based, when it comes to the milk you use it’s important to promote the qualities and characteristics of each to your customers for a variety of reasons. STRAIGHT FROM THE FARM “When it comes to all dairy products quality, sustainability, traceability and provenance are becoming increasingly important to today’s more socially aware consumer. You only have to witness the fast growth of farmer led, fresh milk vending machines to see how consumers are taking to the idea of fresh, high quality milk, straight from the farm,” says David Ashton, UK sales and marketing manager at Jersey Dairy (https://jerseydairy.com/). “Customers eating out of the home like their foods to be natural and wholesome, made with respect for any animals involved in the production and for the environment. Milk is no exception, and as well as being attractive to the consumer, quality milk 14 CAFÉ LIFE | FEBRUARY 2021
is fundamental to the quality of the coffee, milkshake, ice cream or other milk-based products that a café or coffee shop might offer. “In dairy, as in every other food sector, there is no one size fits all. Some dairies have made big advances in terms of animal welfare, care for the environment and quality of product, and these values are attractive to customers who want to be socially responsible. “The Jersey Dairy for example, is the first dairy in the world to be awarded a LEAF marque which is the gold standard recognition for sustainable farming. LEAF recognises high standards of environmental care including more sustainable soil and water management, enhanced energy efficiency, improved biodiversity and
landscape management, optimal animal health and welfare and stronger community connections. “It is a farmer led co-operative established for over 250 years, and we like to feel that it is leading the way when it comes to the production of milk and dairy products in a modern, sustainable and kinder way. These attributes help to give operators and customers confidence when it comes to choosing a milk-based drink or dish.” COMMUNICATING VALUES Many outlets talk about the provenance of their meat, condiments, vegetables and cheeses, but forget to boast about the quality of their milk, feel the company, who urge the sector as a whole not to let dairy be the poor
