Dairy farmers are being encouraged to diversify into ice cream production by the UK’s trade body for the ice cream industry, as a means of adding value to their milk.
The Ice Cream Alliance has said that ice cream production can generate greater profits and maintain the viability of milking operations. It has put together a package of training and support to help farmers take advantage of the £1bn-a-year industry.
The call has been made at a time when the dairy sector is divided by the continuing row over the price that supermarkets pay to farmers for their milk. Public protests have prompted many retailers to increase the amount that it pays its suppliers per litre; some retailers have maintained that adding value is the key to ensure profitability in the sector, while farmers have insisted that consumers are ready to back them by paying more for their milk.
Ice Cream Alliance chief executive officer Zelica Carr said: “There are plenty of opportunities for dairy farmers to break into ice cream manufacture. The market is extremely buoyant and the sector is forecast to continue its growth for at least the next five years.
“Ice cream remains the UK’s favourite affordable treat with each person consuming an average of 9 litres a year. One of the reasons for its success is the wonderful array of small producers making high-quality products and many of these are dairy farmers.
“We believe it is vital for our industry that we continue to attract high-quality businesses into ice cream manufacture and we are particularly keen to help dairy farmers. We can offer farmers a superb business start-up service with advice and training from some of the industry’s most skilled and experienced operators.
“Already many dairy farmers have joined our association and are now running highly successful businesses making award winning ice creams.”
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