Kerry Dairy Ireland (KDI) has become the first dairy processor globally to achieve stage 5 verification under the Sustainable Dairy Partnership (SDP) framework.

The framework was developed by the global food and beverage sustainability network, SAI Platform, in collaboration with industry stakeholders.

It provides a structured, five-stage verification system that aligns sustainability expectations between dairy processors and buyers.

Built on the Dairy Sustainability Framework (DSF), the SDP encompasses 11 key criteria, including greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, animal welfare, and water quality.

Reaching stage 5 verification is the highest recognition within the framework, demonstrating that a processor has achieved exceptional progress in advancing on-farm sustainable dairy practices and collaborating effectively across the supply chain.

By harmonising sustainability efforts across the supply chain, the SDP aims to foster accountability and ensure that dairy processors deliver verifiable, farm-level sustainability data to buyers.

The framework also integrates national and company-specific programmes that demonstrate tangible impact, for a globally consistent approach to sustainable dairy production.

Pat Murphy, Kerry Dairy Ireland chief executive, emphasised the company’s commitment to sustainability.

"This achievement reflects our dedication to advancing sustainable practices across our milk supplier farms and business operations.

"We are proud to be the first processor to reach Stage 5 verification and look forward to working with our partners to maximise its positive impact," he said.

The Kerry Dairy Ireland Evolve Programme is central to its sustainability strategy by providing dairy farmers with technical expertise, data-driven insights, and financial incentives to accelerate the uptake and implementation of sustainable action on farm.

KDI also has a close partnership with Bord Bia’s Origin Green programme which has been integrated into the SDP framework.

The Origin Green SDP module, developed with Irish dairy processors, aligns with SDP standards by using verified sustainability data from the Sustainable Dairy Assurance Scheme (SDAS).

Zita McCarthy, Kerry Dairy Ireland sustainability manager, said that the processor's collaboration with Bord Bia was "instrumental in meeting SDP verification requirements".

"This achievement underscores the importance of robust monitoring, measurement, and reporting in validating sustainability progress," she said.

Jim O’Toole, chief executive of Bord Bia congratulated Kerry Dairy Ireland on becoming the first Origin Green member to achieve stage 5 verification under the SDP.

"This significant milestone underscores Kerry Dairy Ireland’s leadership and unwavering commitment to sustainability, while reinforcing Ireland’s efforts to become a global leader in sustainable food production," he said.