Jan 27 2015
ARLA FOODS WINS WAITROSE SUPPLIER AWARD
Arla Foods, the farmer-owned dairy company, has been awarded the 2014 Supplier Award for Collaborative Working by food retailer Waitrose.
The company which supplies Waitrose with own-label as well as branded cheese, butter and fresh milk products has triumphed for adding value to the retailer's dairy category. Selected examples include improving in-store navigation and customer engagement, tailored customer activation through Waitrose's media channels (Waitrose Kitchen, Waitrose Weekend, Waitrose On-Line etc.), and taking the lead in format planning such as Little Waitrose (Convenience).
A close working partnership with Waitrose's internal team, improving working practices, fostering a strong innovation pipeline (leveraging ASIC), and supplying products of market-leading quality helped Arla to support Waitrose's overall market performance.
Arla's farmer-owned status complements Waitrose's principles and long-term dairy ambition for all products to come from sources with market-leading practices. These principles include that suppliers should have the highest level of animal welfare, are strong and well invested, add value at every level and have a clear innovation strategy as well as effective world-class operations.
James Pirie, Arla's senior director for the Waitrose account, said:
"The Waitrose and Arla ownership models are a perfect fit, with both organisations deeply aware of the responsibilities of a cooperative structure. Sharing a common philosophy, purpose and vision provides a strong platform for an exciting, progressive and long-term partnership."
Anna Lloyd, buying manager, dairy at Waitrose explains:
"This award is testament to the hard work that has gone into developing a proactive, collaborative relationship between Waitrose and Arla. The Arla team understand our business and our customers, allowing us to focus on working together seamlessly to deliver relevant and inspiring products for our customers."
Contact
Chloe Redfern: Chloe.redfern@mhpc.com / +44 (0) 3128 8213 / +4407585 303 177
David Ross: David.ross@mhpc.com / +44 (0)20 3128 8517 / +44 (0)7584 681 480
