Sales of Arla Brands Remain Steady Amid Boycott Calls

Despite threats of a boycott against Arla-owned brands like Lurpak butter and Cravendale milk, consumers have continued to purchase these products, according to leading British supermarkets.

Arla, a prominent dairy cooperative supplying major UK retailers, revealed last month that it had initiated a trial of Bovaer, a feed supplement that aims to lower methane emissions from cows.

Recent criticisms surged following claims that Bovaer poses health risks, including toxicity and carcinogenic effects, alarming some British social media users who reportedly acted by pouring milk down sinks as a form of protest.

However, several large grocery chains and a significant wholesaler indicated that these protests have not deterred customers from buying dairy products produced by the Danish company.

A retail source stated, “We have not observed any changes in sales volumes. Despite the surrounding noise, it seems to have had little effect on consumers’ buying habits regarding dairy.”

Another supermarket noted that the negative sentiments surrounding the claims did not have a “noticeable” effect on Arla’s sales, while a third remarked that they noticed “no impact stemming from this story.”

Bovaer, created by DSM-Firmenich, is formulated to reduce methane emissions from cows by 30% to 45% when added to their feed, targeting significant contributions to climate change.

Lurpak is among Arla's brands

The feed additive has received approval from UK regulators, with milk produced from the trial already available in supermarkets like Tesco, Aldi, and Morrisons, involving thirty participating farms.

Many of the health concerns stem from studies involving the additive at high concentrations in rats. Additionally, there have been unfounded claims linking Bovaer to American philanthropist Bill Gates, who is actually exploring a different food supplement through a rival company, Rumin8. DSM-Firmenich has firmly rejected these claims, asserting that it independently developed Bovaer without any involvement from Gates.

The company remarked, “The ongoing misinformation surrounding Bovaer exemplifies how quickly scare stories can spread online. Misinformation is now prevalent, yet we must focus on the facts: this is a crucial scientific advancement in our battle against climate change, confirmed safe for both cows and consumers alike.”

Arla added, “Bovaer has undergone 15 years of research and is already utilized in 29 countries worldwide. Scientific evidence confirms it is safe for consumers, effective at reducing emissions, and does not transfer into milk, thereby not affecting our products.”

“With our farmer partners, this represents a key component of our commitment to decreasing the carbon footprint of our food production.”

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