Who makes Tesco filtered milk?

Tesco works with major dairy cooperatives, namely Arla and Müller UK & Ireland, to source and produce its milk products, including the filtered varieties. The question of who makes Tesco filtered milk is answered through this collaborative partnership, which extends to wider sustainability efforts within the dairy industry.

Quick Summary

Tesco filtered milk is produced by major dairy companies Arla and Müller, utilizing their extensive network of British dairy farmers. This partnership includes own-brand products and wider industry sustainability initiatives.

Key Points

• Suppliers: Tesco filtered milk is produced by major dairy companies Arla and Müller, not Tesco itself.

• Tesco Sustainable Dairy Group (TSDG): These suppliers use milk from British farmers who are part of the TSDG.

• Microfiltration: The milk is finely filtered using ceramic filters to remove bacteria, extending its shelf life while maintaining a fresh taste.

• Cravendale Connection: Arla produces both Tesco's own-brand filtered milk and its branded equivalent, Cravendale.

• Sustainability Partnership: Tesco, Arla, and Müller have formed a partnership to drive sustainability and reduce emissions in the dairy industry.

• Longer Freshness: Filtered milk typically stays fresh for longer than standard milk, even after opening.

• Taste Preservation: The microfiltration method avoids the 'cooked' taste often associated with UHT long-life milk.

Tesco's Primary Dairy Partners: Arla and Müller

Tesco's own-brand milk products, including filtered varieties, are primarily supplied by large dairy processors Arla and Müller UK & Ireland. These companies are central to Tesco's fresh milk category and work with the supermarket through the Tesco Sustainable Dairy Group (TSDG), which was established in 2007. The TSDG aims to ensure fair pricing for farmers and achieve sustainability goals by working directly with processors and their affiliated British dairy farmers.

The Filtering Process: How It Works

Filtered milk undergoes microfiltration using a ceramic filter to remove bacteria that cause spoilage, resulting in a longer shelf life and a cleaner taste compared to standard pasteurised milk. This process differs from Ultra-High-Temperature (UHT) treatment, which can alter the taste.

The process includes:

• Collection: Milk is collected from TSDG farms.
• Filtration: Milk passes through a ceramic filter to remove bacteria.
• Pasteurisation: A brief heating step kills remaining bacteria.
• Packaging: Packaged milk is distributed with its extended shelf life.

Branded vs. Own-Brand Filtered Milk

Arla supplies both Tesco's own-brand filtered milk and Arla Cravendale. While both use similar filtering, sourcing and standards may differ. Arla, being a farmer-owned cooperative, supports its member farmers directly with its branded milk. Tesco's own-brand also uses British farmers, but through different commercial agreements. Consumer choice often depends on brand preference, taste, and price.

Tesco, Arla, and Müller's Sustainability Partnership

Tesco has partnered with Arla and Müller in the 'Future Dairy Partnership' to address environmental impacts. This initiative seeks to cut on-farm emissions by 30% by 2030, improve animal welfare, and promote nature-friendly farming.

Key aspects include:

• Innovation: Exploring new technologies like methane-reducing feed.
• Farmer Involvement: Engaging farmers in developing sustainability measures.
• Collaboration: Encouraging wider industry participation.
• Blueprint: Creating guidelines for farmers on sustainability.

This partnership, highlighted by Arla Foods UK, shows a move towards a more sustainable dairy supply chain.

Comparison Table: Filtered vs. Other Milk Types

Feature	Filtered Milk (e.g., Tesco Filtered)	Standard Fresh Milk	UHT (Long-Life) Milk
Shelf Life (Unopened)	Longer (Up to 3 weeks)	Shorter (Usually a few days)	Significantly Longer (Months)
Taste	Pure, fresh, and clean	Full, creamy, and traditional	Slightly 'cooked' due to high heat
Processing	Microfiltration and pasteurisation	Pasteurisation only	Ultra-High-Temperature heating
Texture	Smooth and consistent	Varies based on processing	Can be slightly different
Storage	Must be refrigerated	Must be refrigerated	Can be stored at room temperature until opened
Cost	Typically higher than standard fresh milk	Lower than filtered milk	Varies; sometimes higher

Conclusion

Tesco filtered milk is produced by dairy cooperatives Arla and Müller, who source from British farmers in the Tesco Sustainable Dairy Group. Microfiltration extends shelf life and preserves flavour. Tesco and its suppliers also collaborate on sustainability through the 'Future Dairy Partnership' to reduce emissions and improve standards, ensuring a consistent, high-quality supply for own-brand and branded products like Arla Cravendale.

Visit Arla Foods UK to learn more about the Future Dairy Partnership

Frequently Asked Questions

Who produces Tesco own-brand filtered milk?

Tesco's own-brand filtered milk is primarily produced by major dairy processors, including Arla and Müller UK & Ireland.

Is Cravendale milk made by the same company that makes Tesco's filtered milk?

Yes, Arla, which supplies Tesco's own-brand filtered milk, is also the manufacturer of the branded Cravendale filtered milk.

What is the Tesco Sustainable Dairy Group (TSDG)?

The TSDG is a group of British dairy farmers who supply milk to Tesco through its dairy processor partners, including Arla and Müller.

How does filtered milk last longer than regular milk?

Filtered milk lasts longer because it undergoes a process called microfiltration, which removes more of the spoilage-causing bacteria compared to standard pasteurisation.

Does Tesco filtered milk taste different from regular milk?

The taste difference is minimal; the microfiltration process is designed to preserve the fresh flavour of milk, unlike the heating process used for UHT milk.

Where does the milk for Tesco filtered milk come from?

The milk is sourced from British dairy farmers who are part of the Tesco Sustainable Dairy Group (TSDG), which works with Arla and Müller.

Does Tesco have its own farms for milk production?

No, Tesco does not own the farms directly but works closely with a dedicated group of dairy farmers through the TSDG and its dairy partners.

Are Arla and Müller part of a wider partnership with Tesco?

Yes, Tesco, Arla, and Müller are all partners in the 'Future Dairy Partnership,' a sustainability initiative focused on reducing emissions and improving farming standards.