Arla launches Lurpak plant-based ‘butter’ in the UK

A new plant-based alternative to butter being launched next week by Arla Foods won’t “sit comfortably” with the company’s dairy farmer suppliers, says one milk producer.

Lurpak Plant Based will be available in UK shops from 21 August, a product launch that the company says is part of its growth strategy.

But David Brookes, who milks 200 cows in Uttoxeter, Staffordshire, and sells his milk to Arla, said that while he understands reasons why the company is venturing into the plant-based market, he won’t be queuing up to buy the new spread.

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“Clearly as a dairy farmer it doesn’t sit comfortably with me but I understand the rationale, to maximise profits and to make sure that as a dairy we provide a wide portfolio of products,” he said.

“If people want to follow food fads I guess it is about making sure that we have alternative products on the shelves and if we can profit from it then all well and good, but I won’t be queuing for those products, they do nothing for me.”

Peter Giørtz-Carlsen, executive vice president and chief commercial officer, Arla Foods, insists “dairy is and always will be” at the heart of Arla.

“But in order to strengthen the position of our brands and attract new consumers, we have to innovate,” he said.

“We believe there is room for both dairy and non-dairy in a healthy, sustainable diet and our new innovation in Plant Based allows us to offer our shoppers that choice within our brand portfolio.”