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CHEESE UNCUT @specialityfood 22 New retail perspectives from industry experts A s the Government prepares to launch a consultation on dairy contracts, the NFU is urging farmers to speak up for a more effective dairy supply chain that offers fairer terms. The long-awaited consultation follows two years of looking at the issue after a review of supply chain fairness by the Grocery Code Adjudicator revealed an uneven distribution of power within the dairy supply chain. Now, the NFU wants dairy farmers to engage with the consultation to ensure fairer terms are set up for the future. “Dairy farmers want to place themselves in a more sustainable position for the long term and dairy contracts are at the heart of this,” NFU dairy board chairman Michael Oakes said. “We want to see flexible and innovative regulation that not only delivers fair terms for farmers but an equitable balancing of risk between farmers and buyers. “During the COVID-19 pandemic, we have seen a significant number of cases where farmers have borne a disproportionate amount of the cost in the supply chain, as the risks within the market place were shunted down to farm level at an alarming pace. “As we leave the EU, the UK dairy market needs to be commercially focused, innovative and resilient in order to tackle the challenges and opportunities that the change will bring. At times when the market is under pressure, milk buyers often have the discretion to change contracts terms and pricing mechanisms, even to introduce retrospective penalties and price cuts without negotiation. A headline milk price is of no value whatsoever if a buyer has the sole right to change it at will. We need to be able to share risk along the supply chainmuch more effectively than we currently do. At the moment, there is no incentive for a milk buyer to look up the supply chain to manage their risk, as they knowmuch of it can be managed by pushing the risk down to a farm level. “The NFU has been working with all the UK farming unions to improve dairy contracts, and we will be consulting widely with our members to get a range of views that will form the basis of our submission to government. Farmers can contact us directly or respond to the consultation. This is a once-in-a- lifetime opportunity to build a better future for the UK dairy sector.” The consultation closes 15th September 2020. Dairy farmers urged to speak up for fair contract terms T he International Cheese and Dairy Awards has announced a new venue and dates for its 2021 edition. After a long association with Nantwich Agricultural Society that began in 1897, International Cheese and Dairy Show chairman Ian Luxton thanked the venue for its support throughout the event’s history, during which time the awards has gone from strength to strength. However, seeking a more sustainable venue that’s weather- proof and more economical, the awards organisers have made the decision to move to a new home. The 2021 edition of the International Cheese and Dairy Awards will now be hosted at Staffordshire County Showground where there is a range of exhibition halls, conference suites and outdoor facilities. The awards typically welcomes over 5,500 entries every year, and for 2021, organisers hope that will grow – though what impact Brexit will have remains to be seen. D airy farmers and cheesemakers have been hit particularly hard during the coronavirus pandemic, and it seems that despite the onslaught of support for British producers, many cheesemakers are still facing the prospect of throwing away perfectly good cheese. With the hospitality sector still closed and the majority of events cancelled, artisanal cheesemakers across the country will soon have to discard short shelf-life cheese unless a newmarket is found. Companies such as the Cornish Cheese Co have lost a huge chunk of their business since lockdown began in March. For some producers, it’s the result of the hospitality sector ceasing operation overnight, whilst for others, the closure of deli counters inmajor supermarkets has also had a detrimental impact. Whilst British cheesemaker Wyke Farms said that Cheddar retail sales in the UK and Europe have increased 15% during lockdown, other varieties haven’t been quite as lucky, with stilton sales dropping by 30%. Producers of soft cheese have been particularly affected given the short shelf life of the product. Some cheeses have also been frozen to be used later in foodservice products like pasties and pies, but even these are now reaching the end of their best-before date. Throughout the pandemic, retailers large and small have been doing their bit to support British cheesemakers by helping them find new routes to market. Such support, alongside national campaigns urging Brits to buy more locally produced cheese during lockdown, have been vital in keeping business going throughout the pandemic so far. What’s more, several surveys have shown consumers’ desire to purchase British produce over imported ones. But this slow increase in business will need to gainmore traction as cheesemakers begin production again. Having witnessed a rise in Brits cooking from scratch, many industry bodies and producers are now focusing on encouraging people to cook with local cheeses to help shift produce and continue the growing trend for buying British. British cheesemakers faced with ditching surplus stock Prestigious cheese awards moves to new venue for 2021 Ian Luxton, chairman said, “The emphasis is on innovation, making sure we encompass market trends, become more light-footed, respond to changes in the industry and remain a relevant and credible competition so we can develop a sustainable platform and secure our future; I think we’ve set this plan in motion but there’s always room for improvement. Having had a year off as well, we’re using this time to make sure the awards are as good as they can be.” The International Cheese Accompaniment Awards, which started two years ago, is also returning: “That’s very much something we want to grow because the consumer definitely wants to know what to eat with cheese, how to eat cheese – and that’s a significant part of our future development.” As with previous years, next year’s instalment will include a Trade Day and Show Days, hosted on 1st July, and 2nd and 3rd July, respectively. Historically, the awards have taken place later in the month. However, to avoid clashes with existing shows around the UK and internationally, the event has been moved to welcome more exhibitors and visitors as organisers aim to make the 2021 edition bigger and better. SPECIALITY FOOD HAS PRODUCED A REPORT LOOKING AT THE PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE OF THE CHEESE INDUSTRY. TURN TO PAGE 24 TO READ THE FUTURE OF CHEESE REPORT.