UK: Acorn Dairy Sees 700% Spike in Doorstep Delivery Applications Amid Additive Concerns
Source: DairyNews.today
Acorn Dairy, an organic dairy farm in northeast England, has reported a 700% surge in applications for doorstep milk deliveries following public backlash against an additive trial by major dairy supplier Arla.
The spike in demand comes after news that Arla, which supplies brands such as Lurpak and Anchor, is testing Bovaer, a methane-reducing supplement for cows. While British and EU regulators have deemed the additive safe, some consumers have voiced concerns about its use, prompting boycotts of Arla products.
Caroline Bell, co-director of Acorn Dairy, said the farm has been inundated with inquiries. “Since the Bovaer story broke, we’ve been bombarded with messages fr om customers across the North East seeking reassurance about consuming safe and natural food,” Bell said.
Organic Approach Resonates with Consumers
Acorn Dairy, founded in 2000 and based near Darlington, prides itself on producing organic milk, cream, and butter from cows raised on a natural diet. The farm is certified by the Soil Association and avoids routine antibiotic use and chemical-based fertilizers.
“Our customers choose us not only for environmental reasons but also because they want clean, natural foods for their families,” Bell explained. “They are concerned about additives and overly processed products. With us, they know exactly wh ere their milk comes from and how it is produced.”
Handling the Surge
Acorn Dairy has traditionally fielded 5-10 doorstep delivery inquiries per week. The recent surge, however, has placed unprecedented demand on its operations. “Thanks to our network of third-party milkmen, we can now connect customers across Northumberland to Yorkshire with our milk,” said co-director Graham Tweddle.
Tweddle emphasized the farm’s long-standing commitment to sustainable practices, including feeding cows natural seaweed to reduce methane emissions. “Seaweed is a natural source of iodine and zinc, which boosts immunity and reduces methane,” he noted.
While Bovaer trials aim to address climate change, Tweddle advocates for organic farming systems that promote biodiversity, healthy soils, and carbon sequestration. “We believe nature would choose organic,” he said.
Customer Trust Drives Growth
Acorn Dairy’s family-run model and nearly a century of farming in the local community have helped build strong ties with its customer base. The recent surge in demand underscores a growing preference among consumers for transparency and natural food production methods.
“Our connection with customers and ability to trace every stage of production has become increasingly important,” Tweddle said. “This week has been a testament to that trust.”
Caroline Bell, co-director of Acorn Dairy, said the farm has been inundated with inquiries. “Since the Bovaer story broke, we’ve been bombarded with messages fr om customers across the North East seeking reassurance about consuming safe and natural food,” Bell said.
Organic Approach Resonates with Consumers
Acorn Dairy, founded in 2000 and based near Darlington, prides itself on producing organic milk, cream, and butter from cows raised on a natural diet. The farm is certified by the Soil Association and avoids routine antibiotic use and chemical-based fertilizers.
“Our customers choose us not only for environmental reasons but also because they want clean, natural foods for their families,” Bell explained. “They are concerned about additives and overly processed products. With us, they know exactly wh ere their milk comes from and how it is produced.”
Handling the Surge
Acorn Dairy has traditionally fielded 5-10 doorstep delivery inquiries per week. The recent surge, however, has placed unprecedented demand on its operations. “Thanks to our network of third-party milkmen, we can now connect customers across Northumberland to Yorkshire with our milk,” said co-director Graham Tweddle.
Tweddle emphasized the farm’s long-standing commitment to sustainable practices, including feeding cows natural seaweed to reduce methane emissions. “Seaweed is a natural source of iodine and zinc, which boosts immunity and reduces methane,” he noted.
While Bovaer trials aim to address climate change, Tweddle advocates for organic farming systems that promote biodiversity, healthy soils, and carbon sequestration. “We believe nature would choose organic,” he said.
Customer Trust Drives Growth
Acorn Dairy’s family-run model and nearly a century of farming in the local community have helped build strong ties with its customer base. The recent surge in demand underscores a growing preference among consumers for transparency and natural food production methods.
“Our connection with customers and ability to trace every stage of production has become increasingly important,” Tweddle said. “This week has been a testament to that trust.”
