Outlook positive for 2014 says Lakeland

The outlook for 2014 is positive, according to Lakeland Dairies as the dairy industry prepares for the abolition of milk quotas in April 2015.

“After the severe winter and spring fodder crisis we saw one of the best summers in history, excellent grass and milk production conditions and buoyant dairy markets,” CEO Michael Hanley added. “While economic circumstances are difficult on a global basis, the dairy industry is well placed for continuing export growth but this must be built on a platform of sustainable development for the future. Inevitably, there will be times of volatility and it is the most efficient and market orientated producers and processors who will best cope with that.”

He went on to say that the company had very “high levels” of preparedness built into its operations. “Our ongoing investments ensure that we can process a major increase in milk volumes,” he added. “Our food service and food ingredient customers have expressed their intention to source significantly more dairy products from Lakeland Dairies in 2015.”