Innovation must be rewarded as demand soars, says Dairy UK boss Begg

Innovation by dairy manufacturers must be rewarded in the market to foster industry growth, Dairy UK’s director general has warned.

Speaking at the Dairy NPD Conference in Amsterdam yesterday, Jim Begg told delegates the global demand for milk could outstrip supply over the next few years.

“Market volatility is likely to escalate and already commodity markets are challenging added value markets in generating the highest returns,” he said.

Innovation, NPD and R&D would be the drivers of industry growth in the future, he said, stressing it was vital that innovation was rewarded.

The dairy industry, more than many other manufactured goods industries, had to work hard to “communicate the scientific development of dairy production, and dairy products, to consumers and governments,” Begg added.