Dairy Crest, the leading British dairy foods company, has been highly commended for the Business in the Community (BITC) Responsible Business of the Year Award 2013, coming second behind Jaguar Land Rover. Dairy Crest also took home the Sustainable Supply Chain Award and the Marketplace Sustainability Leadership Award.

The awards recognise the positive contribution made by businesses in society. Dairy Crest's Chief Executive, Mark Allen, was praised for his personal efforts by the judges who also gave Dairy Crest's campaign slogan - "if we can do it anyone can" - a special mention. Spreading best practice is an important part of the evaluation process.

Dairy Crest, the company behind a number of leading foods brands, including Cathedral City cheese, Country Life butter, Clover and Frijj flavoured milk was one of only a handful of companies to be awarded a Platinum Big Tick, the highest ranking in the BITC's annual Corporate Responsibility Index 2013, earlier this year. This built on the Highest New Entry position and Gold Award they achieved in 2012.

Key to winning the Sustainable Supply Chain Award has been the work Dairy Crest has done with its dairy farmers. Dairy Crest was the first company to fully sign up to the voluntary code of practice for dairy processors as well as working with their farmers to develop and launch a ground-breaking simple, transparent milk price formula.

The Marketplace award reflects Dairy Crest's commitment to making it easier for consumers to choose healthier foods across their product range. Added together, the lighter food brands and the reformulation of our products have removed a total of 10,000 tonnes of saturated fat from the nation's diet.

Chief Executive Mark Allen said:

"Corporate responsibility matters because it is good for Dairy Crest. I am really pleased that all our efforts to improve sustainability across the business have been acknowledged by BITC. Congratulations to Jaguar Land Rover who were worthy winners."

For more information, please contact:

Corporate Affairs Director
Arthur Reeves 01372 472236

External Communications Manager
Olivia Seccombe 01372 472249