The Global Dairy Congress 2024, held in London from June 25-27, featured over 200 representatives from around the world discussing the dairy industry’s role and contribution to sustainable development for life, humanity, and the planet. This year’s theme, “Healthy People, Healthy Planet”, emphasized the challenges and opportunities facing the dairy industry and addressed strategic innovations aimed at sustainable development.

Vinamilk attended the conference with a completely new brand identity, showcasing a narrative of robust innovation from a billion-dollar brand that embodies the Vietnamese spirit and is ready to integrate with global trends. This showcased the grand vision and dynamism of Vietnam’s leading dairy enterprise and its aspirations to affirm its position on the global stage.

“From this year’s presentations, it is clear that product quality is paramount,” said Mr. Richard Hall, Chairman of the Global Dairy Congress. “Companies must create high-quality, innovative products that demonstrate the nutritional benefits of dairy for human health. Additionally, there is an awareness and action towards sustainable development for the planet.”

Vinamilk’s presentation highlighted its strategies, including carbon-neutral farms and net zero goals, as well as its Green Farm dairy products. This exemplifies the values nature can bring to its products, thanks to its efforts to reduce emissions from farms, products, and many other aspects of the value chain, Mr. Hall noted.

Sustainable development - The future of the dairy industry

Vinamilk made a presentation at the Congress with the message “Care to Change” as part of the “Branding for Future” discussion. Mr. Nguyen Quang Tri, Executive Director of Marketing at Vinamilk, shared its strategic innovations focused on four directions: Future Generations, Better Nutrition, Customer Experience, and Sustainable Future. These aspects, he told the gathering, are expected to propel Vinamilk and the dairy industry towards significant development in the global landscape.

“‘For You, We Change’ is a powerful affirmation from Vinamilk and our commitment to the community as we launch our new brand identity,” he said. “Changing a brand that has established itself for nearly half a century was a challenging decision for us. The reality has shown that this change has been welcomed beyond our expectations.”

Regarding the provision of groundbreaking, innovative nutritional solutions, Mr. Tri cited the breakthroughs in Vinamilk’s Green Farm fresh milk product line. These products apply dual vacuum technology to retain a natural, fragrant taste with a hint of grass and flowers and a sweet aftertaste. Green Farm represents Vinamilk’s journey to build a “new world”, leading a series of innovations in other product lines to follow.

“Applying technology to seamlessly switch between online and offline will ensure a consistent Vinamilk customer experience regardless of location,” he continued. “Our goal is to connect existing consumers and excite new consumers to step into Vinamilk’s new world.”

As one of the top 5 most sustainable dairy brands globally, sustainable development is highlighted as a primary goal within Vinamilk’s strategy. In 2023, marking a significant milestone, Vinamilk officially announced its Net Zero 2050 roadmap.

Less than a year since announcing the roadmap, Vinamilk now has three units, including one farm and two factories, certified as carbon-neutral under PAS2060:2014 standards. Vinamilk is also the first Vietnamese entity to register to support the global dairy sector’s Pathways to Dairy Net Zero initiative. This achievement garnered significant attention at the Congress.

“Sustainable development is a major issue for the dairy industry, and that is why it was the theme this year,” said Dr. Timothy Robinson, an independent advisor from the Dairy Sustainability Framework (DSF). “We greatly appreciate Vinamilk’s results, which serve as an example of Vietnam’s dairy sector working towards net zero. Moving forward, I expect more cooperation between Vietnam and the Pathways to Dairy Net Zero initiative and deeper participation in the DSF to support more of Vinamilk’s and Vietnam’s programs.”

The world is continuously changing, and new generations of consumers are reshaping the future of the dairy industry. The global dairy industry, and Vietnam’s in particular, is facing the challenge of sustainable development. The positive contributions from Vietnamese enterprises are helping affirm the dairy sector’s role in health, the environment, and the sustainability of future generations.