UGANDA – Lato Milk has officially placed its first electric vehicle on the road as part of its Go Green initiative, marking the commencement of a significant journey towards electrifying its entire fleet.

According to the company, the  move highlighted the Lato’s  commitment to sustainability and reducing its carbon footprint.

“Our first electric vehicle is officially on the road under the Go Green initiative! This is just the beginning of our journey to electrify our entire fleet, aligning with our commitment to sustainability,” Rohit Rajasekharan, Chief Technology Officer (CTO) of Lato Milk announced.

“Stay tuned as we continue to make strides towards a greener tomorrow!”

The introduction of electric vehicles is a critical component of Lato Milk’s broader sustainability strategy, aimed at minimizing environmental impact while supporting the company’s mission to transform the dairy industry in East Africa.

This initiative not only reflects Lato Milk’s dedication to eco-friendly practices but also sets a benchmark for other companies in the region to follow suit in adopting greener technologies.

Meanwhile, the company is revolutionizing the livelihoods of smallholder farmers in the East African region while fostering a resilient next generation by addressing the nutritional needs of children, according to Rohit Rajasekharan.

“The dairy industry in Africa is at a pivotal moment, with the continent presenting both significant opportunities and challenges that are unique to the space,” Rajasekharan stated.

The growing demand for dairy products in Africa, driven by a rising middle class, urbanization, and increased awareness of nutrition and health, is pushing the industry towards greater innovation and efficiency.

Consumers are also becoming more discerning, seeking high-quality products that meet international standards, thereby accelerating the need for advanced farming and processing techniques.

However, the industry faces infrastructural limitations, fragmented supply chains, and the necessity for widespread adoption of modern farming practices.

Despite these hurdles, Africa’s diverse climate and abundant agricultural resources offer a robust foundation for dairy industry growth, especially with ongoing investments in technology, sustainability practices, and capacity building.

“The need for farmers in the region is mainly access to affordable capital, with which they can tap into their existing infrastructure and supplement with minimal capital expenditure for double-digit growth in milk yields,” Rajasekharan continued.

Pearl Dairy Farms, the company behind the Lato Milk brand, has become a key player in the East African dairy market.

“As a food and beverage company with a core focus on nutrition, Pearl has undergone a transformative journey, evolving from a traditional dairy processor to a leader in the industry with a mission-driven purpose,” Rajasekharan outlined.

In just over a decade, Lato has become synonymous with milk quality and goodness, significantly contributing to Uganda’s status as a net exporter of dairy products within the East African Community (EAC).

This has cemented Lato Milk’s mission pf becoming the leading nutrition company in East Africa, offering high-quality, innovative products that positively impact farmers’ lives and help reduce malnutrition.

Subscribe to our food and agriculture industry email newsletters that provide busy executives like you with the latest news insights and trends from Africa and the World. SUBSCRIBE HERE