Aldi’s recent cuts to the price of its own brand liquid milk has been condemned by the IFA as “incompatible” with Origin Green’s values.

“Aldi is currently selling fresh milk at €1.30 for two litres. This is below the true cost of putting that milk on the shelf and is not economically sustainable,” IFA national liquid milk chair John Finn has said.

“This is the second time in 12 months that Aldi has shown its aggressive discounting streak on fresh milk.

“I believe Aldi must prove to farmers just how genuine their commitment is by living up to the spirit of Origin Green and desisting from unsustainable discounting.”

Across the retail sector own brand milk accounts for 80% of the liquid milk market share.

In comparison to Aldi, SuperValu and Tesco sell two litres of own brand liquid milk for €1.49, according to their online stores.

Demonstrations

Last year, the IFA led a number of demonstrations outside Aldi and Dunnes Stores shops to protest the low cost of milk.

Aldi achieved Bord Bia Origin Green status in April this year, with CEO of Bord Bia Tara McCarthy highlighting the retailer’s commitment to sustainability and social responsibility.

In response to this recent case of discounting, Bord Bia told the Irish Farmers Journal: “While pricing is not specifically addressed in Origin Green, sourcing sustainably and in partnership with the supply chain is an important value of the programme.”

The Irish Farmers Journal understands that the lower price for Aldi’s own brand milk is not nationwide and only 28 specific stores have the milk on sale at a discounted price.

Aldi statement

An Aldi spokesperson said: “Our promise to our customers is that we won’t be beaten on price and will always provide the best value.”

He added: “Keeping with our commitment to our customers that we will not be beaten on price, we have introduced an additional branded, fresh milk line in a select number of stores which retails at €1.30 for two litres, in response to local competition.”

“Aldi pays a fair and sustainable price for all our products.”

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