Quality management in the Lithuanian dairy industry: the beginning and the experience

Abstract

The early practice of quality management in the Lithuanian dairy industry from 1918 to 1940 is examined. This practice utilized the effective collaboration between the governmental and administrative institutions and the dairy companies, in order to assure the development of dairy products, their export, and quality. The practice for achieving quality objectives, such as stimulating the milk farmers, the dairy companies and their specialists, their education and training, study and use of best international practice is discussed. Product quality improvement activity, problem solving practice, markets and consumers’ requirements, research, and assessment in the Lithuanian dairy industry are presented. Significant product quality improvement was directly correlated with the export increase.