Fonterra Recognised by McDonald's as Sustainable Supply Award Winner

22 Apr 2014 --- McDonald’s has announced its “2014 Best of Sustainable Supply” award winners in a report highlighting how its suppliers achieved positive results by identifying opportunities and applying sustainable solutions in diverse places across the world.

More than 600 entries were submitted, with Fonterra Australia earning a prestigious place alongside 50 other top projects.

Fonterra Australia was awarded for its ‘Doing More with Less in Dairy’ program which helps farmer suppliers in Australia become more profitable through the more efficient use of high impact inputs like energy, water and fertilisers.

Fonterra Australia Managing Director Judith Swales is proud the great work by Fonterra Australia’s Milk Supply, Sustainability and Foodservice teams has been recognised by this global award.

“Fonterra Australia is firmly focused on helping our suppliers be the most profitable dairy farmers in Australia and grow their farm businesses into assets for the future. The ‘Doing More With Less in Dairy’ program helps farmers improve their bottom-line and improve their environmental performance. This is a win-win-win for the environment, farmers and Fonterra Australia and is another step toward achieving a more sustainability business.”

“Nearly 25 per cent of our suppliers have participated and benefited in this program so far and they deserve recognition for their initiative and commitment to sustainability.”

“The project identified average reductions in each farm’s fertiliser-related emissions of 15 per cent and 10 per cent savings for electricity-related emissions, generating an annual financial gain of A$10,000 in input costs,” said Ms Swales.

McDonald’s leadership and external subject matter experts recognised Fonterra for sustainability leadership in the Land and Biodiversity category.

“The submissions in the Best of Sustainable Supply report demonstrate that our suppliers go above and beyond to provide sustainable leadership, and that they take their commitment to preserving resources seriously,” said Jose Armario, executive vice president, McDonald’s Global Supply Chain, Development & Franchising. “We are fortunate to work with such a diverse and dedicated group of suppliers to service our 35,000 global restaurants each day.”

Fonterra provides cheese and dairy beverages to McDonald’s in many markets including Australia, NZ and across Asia.