Lactalis UK & Ireland

As part of our CSR journey, we are pleased to announce that our Président Butter with Sea Salt Crystals packaging now has 17% less plastic! But it still looks just as you know and love 👍 How did we do it? The edge height and thickness of the new, more sustainable pack has been reduced by 4mm, but everything else remains unchanged! The Président team, Audrey Romanzin and Grace Ridley, have been working hard behind the scenes to make this happen with suppliers and other teams within the business, and we caught up with them to find out more about the project! ⭐️ How long has the process taken? The whole packaging reformulation process has taken 3-4 years, from the first evaluation to implementation! The most challenging part of reducing plastic in the packaging, was to ensure we could make a reduction without compromising on product quality. ⭐️ What surprised you most about the process - any revelations along the way? Every gram of plastic reduction makes a really big difference. ⭐️ What did you enjoy the most about the process? For us it was the pride in delivering a top-quality product, a great consumer experience and with sustainable packaging. This product is a favourite among our team and often doesn't last long whenever there are samples in the kitchen! #Lactalis #SustainablePackaging #PlasticReduction #PrésidentButter #TeamworkInAction #BehindTheScenes

We’re proud to announce that Lactalis UK & Ireland has been shortlisted as one of the Top 8 Socially Responsible Businesses in the UK at the British Business Awards 2025! 🌍 Over the last 5 years, we’ve been on a transformative journey, and taken meaningful action on CSR endorsed externally by: ⭐️ Science Based Targets initiative goal validation ⭐️ Anthony Nolan“Organisational Fundraiser of the Year” ⭐️ GroceryAid Gold Award And it’s good business too, with +31% turnover growth (2021–2023) and a stronger bottom line. Key highlights along the way have included: 👨🌾 Supporting our farmers through our Sustain programme, setting clear expectations and sharing best practices. In January 2024, we introduced a 0.75ppl Sustain payment for meeting sustainability criteria. From 2020 to 2022, we conducted UK-wide carbon audits to establish our baseline and in 2023 launched an ongoing audit programme, measuring all UK farms within a 3-year cycle. Each farmer receives a visit from a carbon expert to create a personalised emissions reduction plan ⬇️ In 2023, our UK sites cut carbon by 6.5% vs 2019 baseline, by improving efficiency and implementing emission monitoring systems. New boilers at our Stranraer site save 1,050 tonnes of carbon annually ♻️ 65% of UK packaging is now recyclable, and in 2024, our Seriously Cheddar block range moved to a flow wrap using 40% less plastic; and our branded cheddar slices are now in recyclable trays with 30% recycled material 🧀 We’re now in our 9th year of partnering with FareShare UK. In 2024, we donated 116T of surplus food from our UK operations, which correlates to 276,910 meals. Or, 1,761,831 meals since our partnership began. 💰 Since 2021, we've raised over £70k for Anthony Nolan, enough to fund 1,768 new recruits to the stem cell register. In 2024, we were also honoured at the Anthony Nolan Supporter Awards as winner of “Organisational Fundraiser Of The Year” 💛 And we're a GroceryAid gold-level supporter for the third year running recognising our fundraising and volunteering activities. The awards ceremony takes place 24 April, supporting homelessness charity Social Bite, with a £1M fundraising goal through the event and a lunch. Wish us luck 🤞 and thank you to everyone who's helped us on our journey! #CSR #Sustainability #BritishBusinessAwards #Lactalis #FoodIndustry

Today, on ♻️ Global Recycling Day ♻️ we celebrate the power of recycling and its role in protecting our planet 🌍. Organised by the Global Recycling Foundation, this day promotes a circular economy while highlighting recycling as the ‘seventh resource’, essential for reducing waste, saving energy, cutting carbon emissions, and preserving our finite natural materials. And we all have a role to play. At Lactalis UK & Ireland, we’re committed to making our packaging more sustainable, ensuring it meets recycling criteria while continuing to protect the quality of our products. But we’ll be honest, it’s not easy! Balancing sustainability with product integrity (especially for living, maturing cheese) is a challenge, and finding the right materials takes time, testing… more testing and innovation. It’s a continuous journey of learning, with plenty of ups and downs along the way. This is why sustainability isn’t just one person, or one department’s job, it’s a cross-business responsibility. And today, we want to introduce you to the incredible team driving this change in our business: Stephanie Aubert (Technical Controller), Tracey Wilson (CSR Manager), Lesley Moody (Technical Packaging Manager), and Heloise Le Norcy-Trott (Group Marketing Director) 💚. Talking with the team it’s clear they're determined, but it’s not easy – for example, they have been working on some projects since 2020 – now that’s dedication! And while it can be tough keeping the motivation and momentum, they also know it’s a journey of trial and error, learning, and breakthroughs. While there are challenges, there are also plenty of successes to celebrate, and we couldn’t be prouder of this super team 🦸♀️🦸♂️. Interested in seeing our most recent packaging innovations? Check them out here 👇 ➡️ #GlobalRecyclingDay #Sustainability #PackagingInnovation #CircularEconomy #RecyclingHeroes

🔬 This week marks British Science Week - a ten-day celebration of science, technology, engineering, and maths, centred around the theme ‘Change and Adapt’. In STEM, adaptability is key, and at Lactalis UK & Ireland, our expert teams continuously evolve to drive innovation across our manufacturing processes. So, it seemed the ideal opportunity to introduce you to Jonathan Gore, our Engineering Manager. With a Bachelor of Engineering in Energy and Sustainability and extensive experience gained through years working in the food production industry, Jon is highly skilled in GMP, Manufacturing Operations, Systems Engineering, Maintenance & Repair, and Root Cause Analysis. His analytical approach ensures continuous improvement, operational efficiency, and tangible results. Jon's passion for engineering started at a young age, when he was drawn towards learning more about energy and sustainability, and he was keen to pursue a career in manufacturing. Fast-forward to today, at Lactalis UK & Ireland, Jon is responsible for leading major projects like the recent installation of a Bosch Commercial and Industrial UK Industrial Steam Boiler system at our Stranraer factory - where we produce up to 32,000 tonnes of cheddar each year. Reflecting on the project, Jon said: “We had two 11-tonne boilers and one 16-tonne boiler, all between 30-40 years old. They were coming to the end of their life and were becoming high maintenance and inefficient. Steam production on site is pivotal to our manufacturing process for both production of our products and also for cleaning, so any significant losses of steam or steam production can really impact the site in a negative way.” By installing new boilers, the project has enhanced operational efficiency and delivered significant energy savings - a reduction of 1,050 tonnes of CO₂e per year and lowered gas and water usage. What a cool example of science and engineering in action, helping us adapt, improve, and drive sustainability! You can check out a short timelapse of the build here 👏 #BSW2025 #BritishScienceWeek #STEMCareers #Innovation #Sustainability #EngineeringExcellence

At Lactalis, we believe that apprenticeships are more than just training programmes, they are pathways to success, innovation, and leadership. These programmes are also essential for our business in providing fresh perspectives, addressing skill shortages, and contributing to succession planning. By developing talent in-house, companies can also ensure continuity, stability, and allow employees to get a feel for leadership development opportunities. This National Apprenticeship Week we're throwing the spotlight on our apprenticeship and trainee programmes in Stranraer, demonstrating our commitment to our employees' development. Here we aim to enhance our reputation, and attract new employees, whilst developing future dairy professionals, by continuing to nurture our talent through Reaseheath College. Here our apprentices complete a Foundation Degree in Dairy Technology. This programme is designed to develop world-class professionals in the dairy industry, covering all aspects of dairy technology, including practical hands-on craft skills and key science principles to run an efficient modern dairy operation. This approach has been instrumental in shaping the future leaders of the dairy industry. Meet some of our rising stars: 🙋♂️🙋♂️ Ross Cunningham & Tom McMillan both began their journey to become qualified dairy technologists in 2022 - and successfully completed their FdSc Dairy Technology in August 2024! 🙋♀️🙋♀️ Helen Bodle & Louise Lewicka have been part of the Lactalis family for 5 years and 19 years respectively and are our latest team members to join the Quality Management Trainee programme in August 2024, balancing work and study to earn their Foundation Degree in Dairy Technology. 💡 The future of dairy is bright! #NAW2025 #Apprenticeships #DairyIndustry #NurturingtheFuture

🚀 It’s Careers Week! 🚀 At Lactalis, we’re proud to be the world’s leading dairy company - but what truly sets us apart is our people. They are at the heart of everything we do, and we’re always looking for talented individuals to join our team. Our Group HR Director, Andrew Joyner, shares what makes working at Lactalis so special: ✅ A culture where ambition is valued ✅ A team of down-to-earth, passionate people ✅ Dedicated training and development programs to help you grow Want to know more about the people behind Lactalis? Dive into their stories, career journeys, and what makes working here so unique 👉 https://lnkd.in/epz-Qk6U #CareersWeek #NurturingtheFuture #JoinOurTeam

🥞 Happy Pancake Day! 🍽️   Whether you like them fluffy, thin and crêpe like, or topped with sweet or savoury treats, today is all about celebrating the joy of pancakes!   From classic American stacks to delicate French crêpes, and fluffy thick soufflé pancakes, there’s a pancake for everyone! 🥄🍯   We'd love to know your favourite toppings, vote in our poll now! #PancakeDay #Foodie

❤️ Valentine’s Day, But Make It Président Themed ❤️ We couldn’t let Valentine’s Day pass without sharing some love for our Président brand! We’ve got plenty of recipe and serving suggestion inspiration, perfect to celebrate - whether you're cooking for your special someone, your best friends, or just treating yourself (because you deserve it!). From Président Crème spray cream to Slightly Salted and Unsalted Block Butters, not forgetting delicious Extra Creamy Brie, this Valentine's Day, go full-on comfort and indulgence with these flavourful delights. Which will you be trying? Drop your favourite Président product in the comments! ⬇️💬 #ValentinesDay #FoodieLove #PresidentUK #Indulgence

🌟 Celebrating Women in STEM at Lactalis UK & Ireland 🌟 Today, on the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, we’re reminded of the vital role that women and girls play in science and technology. Their contributions are invaluable, and fostering their participation in STEM is key to driving innovation and progress. So, what better time to spotlight some of the incredible women in our team at Lactalis UK & Ireland? Meet Elaine McKie (33 years service) and Lauren Neill (8 years service) from our laboratory team in Stranraer, Scotland, alongside Louise Lewicka (20 years service this May), Carolyn Ronald (29 years service this April), Aylie Mcilwraith BSc AIEMA (3.5 years service), and Helen Bodle (5 years service) - all of whom play a crucial role in ensuring quality, safety, and sustainability in our operations. At Lactalis, we are committed to supporting and nurturing our people in their development and growth, and are proud of these inspiring women who are currently advancing their careers in STEM: 🔹 Louise & Helen - as Quality Management Trainees, they’re currently pursuing the Foundation Degree in Dairy Technology at Reaseheath College, a leading programme designed to develop world-class dairy industry professionals; covering all aspects of dairy technology including practical hands-on craft skills and key science principles to run an efficient modern dairy operation. 🔹 Aylie - recently resumed education, by starting a Masters in Environmental Management at Glasgow Caledonian University, on a part-time basis over the next two years. 🔹 Carolyn – with a background in Food Technology with Dairy elective from Scottish Agricultural College, Auchincruive, Carolyn, she has built an impressive career at Lactalis, progressing from Laboratory Technician to Laboratory Supervisor, then Quality Assistant to Quality Manager, and now as Quality, Environmental, Health & Safety Manager. She plays a key role in ensuring we meet industry legislation and certification standards. We are incredibly proud of these talented women in STEM, and we are passionate about championing diversity, fostering talent, and celebrating the fresh perspectives and expertise they bring to our industry. 🔬💡 Here’s to inspiring the next generation of women in science! #WomenInSTEM #InternationalDayOfWomenAndGirlsInScience #DiversityInSTEM #LactalisUKIreland #WomenInScience

👨🍳 Yes, chef! Great to see our Development Chef Rory Larkin RNutr hosting another Lactalis Cheese Education Workshop for upcoming chefs, this time at East Riding College. It’s a great opportunity for the team to engage with students and share an in-depth look at Lactalis cheeses and our award-winning brands… and of course seeing the resulting creativity from the now infamous ‘mystery box’ challenge. We are passionate about nurturing future talent, so if you’d like to find out more, or are interested in hosting future workshops or collaborations, do get in touch!