When buying milk, shoppers want to instantly be able to see if the cows from which it came are kept under good conditions. In Germany, the “Für mehr Tierschutz” (“For better animal welfare”) label helps to indicate this. The benefits:

• Farmers receive a higher price per litre for milk with an animal welfare label
• Consumers can find the products they want
• Retailers can meet buyers’ demands and enjoy satisfied customers

Above all though, it is good for the cows!

The “Für mehr Tierschutz” label was created as part of an initiative by the University of Göttingen. For each animal species, experts developed special criteria at two levels. The premium level, indicated by two stars, means that dairy cows have a guaranteed outdoor exercise area and can be put out to pasture in the summer. However, both levels of the label indicate that the cows enjoy better shed conditions too:

• More space
• Greater comfort
• Better health

Click here to find out more about what the basic-level “Für mehr Tierschutz” label offers to cows. The premium-level benefits can be found here. (Please note that this information is only available in German.)

In 2011, the German Animal Welfare Federation took over responsibility for the “Für mehr Tierschutz” label from the University of Göttingen. Since then, the label has been further developed by an advisory board comprising representatives from science, society, organic agriculture, marketing and retail. One announced and two unannounced inspections are performed at all participating farms every year.

Gropper has offered products made from milk that are certified with the animal welfare label since 2017. Today, it processes more unpasteurised milk with the “Für mehr Tierschutz” label than any other company in Germany.