Arla Foods UK has capped off an incredible first year for Arla B.O.B after it was awarded ‘Product of the Year 2017’ in the milk category. Launched exactly a year ago by the farmer-owned dairy company, Arla B.O.B was recognised by the highly prestigious consumer survey on innovation.

Product of the Year is the world’s largest consumer award for product innovation, voted for by over 11,600 people. Last year, Arla’s innovation was acknowledged with Arla skyr winning the ‘Product of the Year 2016’ in the yogurt category.

The award-winning Arla B.O.B, skimmed milk that tastes as good as semi-skimmed, offers the best of both worlds. It has secured major grocery listings, generating total value sales of more than £8m within year one, contributing much needed added value to the milk category.

Stuart Ibberson Category Director, Arla Foods UK, comments: “This launch was almost unprecedented within the milk aisle and it has already become a popular choice for many consumers. Arla is a leader in driving value back in to the milk category through innovation with 2016 a particularly strong year with Arla Organic and Arla Farmers Milk also launched with more to come in 2017.”

Innovation is a key driver in achieving Arla’s ambitious UK business strategy to launch 30 new dairy concepts and 50 new range extensions and become a household name by 2020. Arla B.O.B is also part of Arla’s promise to support farmers by developing products with tailored consumer benefits and to restore long-term health to the milk aisle.

The win is the latest milestone following a hugely successful first year for Arla B.O.B. Other significant successes include winning The Grocer Top Product Survey 2016 – Top Launch in Milk.Arla B.O.B also secured a finalist title for the Best New Brand or Business Category at World Dairy Innovation Awards as well as finalist for Best Brand MarketingCampaign or activation for “A life without joy is no life at all.”

Following its success as Product of the Year 2016 in the Yogurt category, the Arla skyr team was awarded the Campaign of the Year at this year’s award ceremony in London. The award recognises the best use of the Product of the Year 2016 logo in campaigns throughout the year. Each year the judges look at how the previous year’s winners make an impact and maximise their success as Product of the Year and the Arla skyr team came out clear winners.

Arla has recently launched a number of new innovations in the milk aisle including Arla Organic, its first branded organic product. Arla Farmers Milk was created to give shoppers the opportunity to pay a little extra on each bottle to help Arla farmers. Arla Big Milk has added Iron, Vitamin D and Vitamin A, providing parents an easy and convenient way of giving their children the vitamins and minerals they need