A highly respected figure who has played a pivotal role in supporting and driving positive change across the UK dairy sector, John Allen has been awarded the prestigious RABDF Princess Royal Award.
The award was presented to John by Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal on [INSERT DATE] at Gatcombe Park. Presented annually by the Royal Association of British Dairy Farmers (RABDF), the Princess Royal Award recognises an individual who has made an outstanding lifetime contribution to the dairy industry.
John’s career spans more than five decades and has become synonymous with leadership, strategic insight and unwavering commitment to the dairy supply chain. He began his career on a small family dairy farm with 40 cows in the Peak District before graduating from Nottingham University in 1979 and joining ADAS (the Agricultural Development and Advisory Service) as a farm advisor in South West England.
Following roles in Wales and the South West, John progressed through ADAS to become Head of Dairy and later Head of Agriculture, supporting farmers and dairy businesses through some of the most turbulent and transformative periods the sector has experienced. These included the introduction of EU milk quotas in 1984, the deregulation of the Milk Marketing Board, and the formation of Milk Marque and its successor organisations.
John is perhaps best known as one of the founders and managing partners of Kite Consulting, established in 2000. Under his leadership, Kite grew into a highly respected consultancy working across the entire dairy supply chain, supporting farmers, processors and retailers. The business expanded to more than 50 employees before being acquired by Associated British Foods in 2022, where John continued as Head of Corporate Dairy until his retirement in December 2025.
Throughout his career, John has helped the industry navigate de-regulation, milk price volatility, fluctuating interest rates, rising input costs and major structural change, while also working closely with retailers to develop aligned supply pools that have helped bring greater market stability.
Commenting on the award, Hayley Campbell-Gibbons, Chief Executive of RABDF, said: “John Allen is one of the most influential and respected figures the UK dairy industry has known. His career has been defined by integrity, leadership and an unwavering commitment to supporting dairy farmers and the wider supply chain.
“The Princess Royal Award recognises individuals who leave a lasting legacy, and John’s contribution over more than 50 years has helped shape the modern dairy sector. It is entirely fitting that RABDF recognises his outstanding lifetime achievement with this award.”
John was also recognised by the industry in September 2025, when he received the Dairy UK Award for his contribution to the sector. He worked closely with Dairy UK and processors to promote dairy as being the best source of sustainable nutrition, lobbying the Climate Change Committee. He also helped in making the case for bringing inward investment to the UK as witnessed with Arla and Muller’s commitments.
On receiving the RABDF Princess Royal Award, John said: “I am incredibly honoured to receive this award. The dairy industry has been a huge part of my life for more than 50 years, and I’ve been privileged to work alongside so many committed, innovative and resilient people during that time.
“From my early days on a small family farm to working across the supply chain, my passion has always been about supporting farmers and helping the industry adapt and thrive through change. To be recognised by RABDF and presented with this award by The Princess Royal is truly humbling.”
As he steps away from full-time industry roles, John plans to continue giving his time and expertise to other ventures, including a charity he and his wife Delyth have supported for more than 35 years, as well as a start-up business in which they are investors. Now also embracing life as a grandfather, with a love of travel and family living abroad, John looks forward to the next chapter.