Waitrose launch first “free range” dairy cream

Waitrose has become the first major UK retailer to launch its own line of “free-range” cream products.

The supermarket chain will produce a range of single, double and whipped cream products under its Waitrose Essentials and Waitrose own brands.

These new cream products will sit alongside its “free-range” milk offering, which was first launched by the retailer two years ago.

See also: Tesco to cut producers from its sustainable dairy group

Rachel Aldridge, dairy buyer for Waitrose said: “Having successfully launched free-range milk a couple of years ago, we knew that we could, and should, challenge ourselves to expand the offering to free-range cream.

“We’re proud to be the first supermarket to make it happen and hope others will follow suit.”

Outdoor grazing 

All dairy cows supplying these ranges at Waitrose will have access to outdoor grazing for at least 183 days a year.

Dairy farmers will be required to leave gates open during the spring and summer, giving cows the choice between grazing outside or staying inside, with a focus on higher animal welfare.

The vast majority of cattle in the UK already have access to outdoor grazing, with figures from the RSPCA suggesting that just 5% of UK dairy herds are kept in year-round housing systems.

Jake Pickering, Waitrose senior agriculture manager, added: “By working with our dairy farmers and suppliers to introduce free-range cream, we can provide customers with the best products along with continued higher animal welfare standards.”