The company said it is now the Spanish dairy company with the most farms certified for animal welfare in the country.
In addition, Lactalis said its field team returns to work today, after the confinement measures due to coronavirus were relaxed, to continue working with the aim of certifying all their dairy suppliers in animal welfare over the next two years.
The milk from the 900 certified farms, located almost entirely in Galicia, will be bottled in the two Lactalis Group factories in the region in Nadela and Villalba.
The Welfair certification guarantees consumers that the milk has been obtained from cows that live in ethically responsible conditions, in accordance with the protocols established in the European projects Welfare Quality and AWIN (Animal Welfare Indicators).
Lactalis said Welfair is currently the most rigorous certification in Spain, which assesses four basic principles for the animal: food supply, comfort of accommodation, good health and behavior.
Lactalis Group said the certification adds to its measures to produce more sustainable products, especially in organic milk, a strategic product category for the company. It currently collects 20m liters of organic milk per year.
Ignacio Elola, CEO of the Lactalis Iberia Group, said the animal welfare certification reinforces the company’s commitment to produce milk that is more respectful of the environment and animals.
“We have been demonstrating our commitment since 1999 when we bet on organic milk, which is the most complete option on the market, because it combines criteria of animal welfare and grazing together with an ecological diet for livestock,” Elola said.
In Spain, the Lactalis Group has eight factories and 2,500 employees. It purchases milk nationwide from more than 2,200 farmers. Among its Spanish products are brands such as Galbani, Président, Puleva, Lauki, RAM, El Castillo, Gran Capitán, Flor de Esgueva, El Ventero or Chufi.