Dairy UK, the trade association representing British dairy farmers and producers, has announced that Paul Vernon has been appointed as its new chairman, succeeding David Dobbin.
Vernon has worked with dairy company Glanbia for 22 years, and is currently chief executive of Glanbia Cheese.
Dr Judith Bryans, CEO of Dairy UK, described Vernon as a "leading industry figure" who could bring the association through "an extraordinarily busy and challenging period".
Challenges And Opportunities
Vernon commented that this appointment was a "huge privilege", but warned that there was a lot of work to be done in the future of the industry.
"I can make one firm commitment without any hesitation, and that is that Dairy UK will spare no effort in fighting for the interests of dairy," he said. "We have massive challenges ahead of us, particularly in relation to Brexit, so there has never been a more important time to remind government and decision-makers of the relevance and importance of dairy."
"Whilst Brexit might dominate the political landscape, we mustn’t forget there’s still work to do across a whole range of other key issues facing the industry, such as protecting and promoting the nutritional benefits of dairy foods."
"These are extraordinary times, but where there is challenge there is also opportunity," he added. "We must ensure our industry works to create an environment conducive to these new opportunities."
© 2017 European Supermarket Magazine – your source for the latest retail news. Article by Sarah Harford. Click subscribe to sign up to ESM: The European Supermarket Magazine.
