Global Dairy Platform appoints new chairman

Fonterra CEO Theo Spierings has been appointed as chairman of the Global Dairy Platform (GDP).

He will be replacing Dairy Farmers of America CEO Rick Smith, who has held the position since 2015 and will continue to serve on the board alongside Arla Foods CEO Peder Tuborgh and Royal FrieslandCampina CEO Roelof Joosten.

The GDP promotes sustainable dairy nutrition and Spierings suggested he is excited to work towards ensuring everyone can be fed safely and sustainably in the future. Since the global population is increasing by about 75 million people every year, the company aims to look at dairy's nutritional and environmental impact.

"More than ever, people are turning to dairy for nutritional security and sustainable food and every day we see the good that dairy can do. We also recognise that the world will have more than 2 billion more mouths to feed by 2050. With food demand expected to increase by at least 50% in 2050, the challenge is how best to apply the goodness of dairy to the places and people that need it the most," he said.

The nutritional benefits of dairy products include high levels of calcium, which maintains strong bones, whey protein containing high levels of amino acids and good dairy fats. But the dairy industry also provides millions of jobs and can help rural communities thrive.

"Along with the role dairy plays in everyday nutrition, there is a real opportunity to work together and look at new ways we can make the nutritional benefits of dairy more available for those facing poverty and hunger and those fighting obesity.

"Through the Global Dairy Platform, we will continue to push forward with a global effort to make the goodness of dairy contribute more by providing better nutrition, empowering our communities and promoting sustainable agriculture."

Spierings also praised the company's progress over the last 11 years and suggested it aims to continue to improve in the future.

Smith agreed, noting: "It has been a great privilege to serve as GDP's chair. Over the last two years, GDP has provided strong leadership and strategic thinking to increase the credibility and visibility of the dairy sector in the international community, particularly within the United Nations. We have built a solid foundation to grow on."