What can you tell us about Lakeland Dairies?
Lakeland Dairies starting as a cooperative based in Ireland. We are owned by our farmers — 3,200 of them. We collect over two billion liters of milk and convert that into a whole range of products: butter, milk powders, creams, cream blends, dairy-based products, and some non-dairy based products. We’ve been doing business in the Middle East for about 45 years.
What are the latest dairy trends?
I think consumers are starting to appreciate the quality of dairy and the nutritional benefits of dairy. They’re walking this line between using some plant-based products and plant-based ingredients while realizing the health benefits of dairy. It is very much back in fashion, and people are out and about again, so they are looking to indulge and enjoy the taste of dairy.
From a health perspective, dairy received bad press in the past. Many people used to focus on dairy fats, saying that they are not good for you. However, things have moved on and research has proven that dairy is good at preventing heart disease, strengthening muscles and enhancing bone development. I believe that people are much more open to enjoying dairy these days with a clear conscience, which is reflected in rising demand for dairy products.
What were some of the major challenges you faced in 2021?
Supply has been a significant challenge. It’s huge effort to get supply chains up and running while dairy products are scarce, so our customers are asking if we can supply. Everybody is prepared to carry a little more stock in order to make sure customers get what they need.
At this point in time, one of our greatest challenges is inflation and the rising cost of food. We hope that this settles down soon. Nevertheless, people are enjoying the taste of dairy and are ready to indulge in it.
About author
Rita Ghantous
Rita Ghantous is a hospitality aficionado and a passionate writer with over 9 years’ experience in journalism and 5 years experience in the hospitality sector. Her passion for the performance arts and writing, started early. At 10 years old she was praised for her solo performance of the Beatles song “All My Love” accompanied by a guitarist, and was approached by a French talent scout during her school play. However, her love for writing was stronger. Fresh out of school, she became a freelance journalist for Noun Magazine and was awarded the Silver Award Cup for Outstanding Poetry, by The International Library of Poetry (Washington DC). She studied Business Management and earned a Masters degree from Saint Joseph University (USJ), her thesis was published in the Proche-Orient, Études en Management book. She then pursued a career in the hospitality industry but didn’t give up writing, that is why she launched the Four Points by Sheraton Le Verdun Newsletter. Her love for the industry and journalism led her to Hospitality Services - the organizers of the HORECA trade show in Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Jordan, as well as Salon Du Chocolat, Beirut Cooking Festival, Whisky Live and other regional shows. She is currently the Publications Executive of Hospitality News Middle East, Taste & Flavors and Lebanon Traveler. It is with ultimate devotion for her magazines that she demonstrates her hospitality savoir-faire.
