Opportunity: Meeting Consumer Demands for Health and Sustainability
In today’s economic climate, consumers are becoming increasingly discerning about their purchasing decisions. With the pressures of inflation and other economic impacts, they seek products that offer multiple benefits, reducing the need to buy various items to meet their needs. This shift in consumer behaviour highlights a growing demand for products that accommodate their personal lifestyles, health concerns, and sustainability views.
In addition to desiring dairy alternatives that prioritise their well-being, consumers also want sustainable products and packaging to support environmental sustainability. There is a heightened expectation for products that are sustainably sourced, minimise environmental impact, and support ethical practices. Recognising these evolving consumer demands, Dairy Consumer Foods saw an opportunity to develop a product that combines the nutritional benefits of traditional dairy with the sustainability and health advantages of plant-based ingredients: SMUG Dairy.
Approach: Creating a Sustainable Dairy Solution
Through sophisticated technology and innovation, the SMUG Dairy brand represents a significant advancement in the dairy industry. To create this high-quality product, Dairy Consumer Foods assembled a cross-functional team dedicated to producing the UK’s first range of products that blend the goodness of dairy with the health benefits of oats.
The development process emphasised maintaining the rich, creamy taste that consumers love while enhancing the health benefits. This approach ensures that SMUG Dairy products meet the nutritional needs of consumers while supporting their environmental values. The product lineup includes Blended Oat & Dairy Milk, Spreadable Blended Oat & Dairy Butter, and Blended Oat & Dairy Cheddar, each of which is designed to offer specific health benefits.
Further, no detail was overlooked in ensuring the sustainability of SMUG Dairy products. Life Cycle Assessments (LCAs) were conducted to measure and minimise the carbon footprint of each product. But we didn’t stop there… This commitment to sustainability is also reflected in the thoughtful design of the products and packaging, aimed at reducing waste and promoting a circular economy. Collaborating with HowGood, SMUG Dairy is proud to ensure that our products have significantly lower CO2e emissions compared to traditional dairy products. This holistic approach ensures that SMUG Dairy products meet the nutritional needs of consumers while supporting their environmental values.
Impact: Setting Sustainability Standards
SMUG Dairy has completely disrupted the traditional dairy market, becoming a favourite among health-conscious and environmentally mindful consumers. Through our relentless commitment to sustainability, SMUG Dairy products show a significant reduction in CO2e emissions compared to traditional dairy products.
For instance, SMUG Blended Oat & Dairy Butter has 45% less CO2e/kg compared to salted British butter, which equates to a potential saving of enough CO2e to travel 339 miles by train. Similarly, Spreadable Blended Oat & Dairy Butter saves 54% CO2e/kg, equivalent to a 391-mile train journey. These efforts significantly reduce the carbon footprint of our products, aligning with the growing consumer demand for environmentally sustainable food options.
Consumers have responded positively to SMUG Dairy products, appreciating the combination of sustainability and health benefits . The lower saturated fat content and the environmentally friendly production processes make SMUG Dairy a preferred choice in households seeking to make a positive impact on their health and the planet.
By addressing the demand for healthier dairy options and reducing environmental impact, Dairy Consumer Foods has successfully combined innovation, nutrition, and sustainability to create SMUG Dairy. However, this isn’t the first time we’ve revolutionised a product for the betterment of our world. Discover the sustainable journey of our Cheesestrings to see that sustainability is not just a goal, but part of our culture.