Arla has defended its transfer of Anchor butter production to the UK - following consumer complaints - claiming the vast majority of shoppers are happy with the move.

In September, Arla shifted Anchor block butter production to the UK instead of buying it in from New Zealand.

The move sparked criticism from some brand loyalists. One shopper who commented on thegrocer.co.uk alleged it “now tastes like clotted cream, not the Anchor we are used to”. Another claimed he had been buying Anchor in the UK for 30 years both for the taste and to support the New Zealand industry. “Now tastes nothing like original so no longer buying,” he said.

An Arla spokeswoman admitted “a handful of consumers” were unhappy. However, butter was a natural product and there were bound to be slight variations in the end product as a result of seasonality and the cows’ diet, she said. Some consumers were also pleased Anchor was now being produced in the UK, she added.

Dairy Crest faced criticism after it reformulated Clover in July and in January, Unilever faced fierce criticism when it revamped its Flora recipe.

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