FrieslandCampina unveils measures to minimise Covid-19 impact

Dutch multinational dairy cooperative FrieslandCampina has announced that it is taking all the safety and precautionary measures to slow down the spread of coronavirus (Covid-19).

FrieslandCampina CEO Hein Schumacher said that the company will prioritise ensuring the health and safety of its farmers and employees during the Covid-19 outbreak.

The company will follow all recommendations given by the appropriate bodies and experts and, if necessary, will adjust its measures.

Schumacher said: “These are extraordinary times for all of us. By now, far-reaching measures have been taken in the Netherlands, our home market, to slow down the spreading of the Covid-19.

“As a globally operating company with almost 24,000 employees and part of a cooperative of over 17,000 dairy farmers, we are confronted with the challenges that many of you have to cope with as well.

“I would like to briefly set out how we are working on making sure that you as our customers and business connections can keep relying on us for your daily high-quality nutrition.”

The company has imposed strict access controls to its production locations. This will ensure a safe working environment for its employees.

FrieslandCampina has advised its employees to follow strict hygiene and safety regulations while carrying out their activities.

It also said that it will take extra care during milk collection at farms for its dairy products and avoid contact with milk collection truck drivers.

The company said that, where possible, its employees will work from home until 6 April 2020. It has asked employees to observe the adjusted social codes of conduct for the countries in which they work and live.

To maintain the continuous supply of their dairy products, FrieslandCampina will ensure that its transporters have the appropriate documents to prevent delays on the road and at the borders.

In October, FrieslandCampina signed an agreement with Royal A-ware for mozzarella cheese production and delivery.

FrieslandCampina will supply milk from its member dairy farmers and carry out the sale activities of mozzarella cheese.

Royal A-ware will produce milk and cheese in a new location in Heerenveen, the Netherlands.