Tuesday, 03 March 2026 13:25

Oat Dear!

Written by Milking It

font size decrease font size increase font size
Print
Email

OPINION: The UK dairy industry is celebrating a win after plant-based drink maker Oatly lost a long-running legal battle over its use of the word "milk" in its marketing.

The Swedish company tried to trademark the slogan "post-milk generation" in the UK in 2021 but Dairy UK, the representative body for British dairy farmers, objected.

After years of litigation in several courts, last month the UK Supreme Court said Oatly could neither trademark nor use the phrase "post-milk generation".

UK farmers argued under trademark law, the term "milk" can only be used to refer to products that come from an animal.

The Supreme Court ruled the phrase "post-milk generation" could confuse people over whether Oatly's products are completely milk-free or merely have a low milk content.

Featured

Mark Cameron Steps Down, Reflects on Farmers' Voice

When Northland farmer Mark Cameron entered parliament six years ago, the Beehive was a lonely place.

What Would Synlait Be Worth to Fonterra or a2 Milk?

Speculation of a possible joint move by Fonterra and a2 Milk to buy Synlait raises a much bigger strategic question, says agribusiness expert Dr Nic Lees.

Ex-National MP: Coup Attempt Could Cost Luxon the Election

I think it's going to greatly weaken National at the election. That's the view of a former senior National MP on the recent attempted coup against Prime Minister Christopher Luxon.

RMA Reform Still on Track Despite Wellington Drama — Feds

Despite political shenanigans in Wellington, farmers are confident that Resource Management Act (RMA) reforms will get over the line in this term of Parliament.

NZ Pest Crisis Costs Farmers $466M a Year — Survey

New Zealand's pest problem has reached crisis point, according to Federated Farmers' second National Pests Survey, which shows farmers are spending more money and effort on control — yet pest numbers keep climbing faster than they were two years ago.

Third H5 Bird Flu Case Found in NZ Wild Bird

Testing confirms H5 bird flu in a single northern giant petrel, found dead on a remote Cape Palliser beach in the Wairarapa, says Dr Mary van Andel, the Ministry for Primary Industries' (MPI) Chief Veterinary Officer.

National

Ballance Urges Farmers to Plan Ahead for El Niño

With forecasters advising El Niño conditions will develop through winter and strengthen into spring and summer, Ballance Agri-Nutrients is encouraging…