FrieslandCampina and Milcobel have announced the start of a merger process to create a new dairy cooperative. The goal is to build a solid, forward-looking organization that will deliver benefits for farmers, employees, customers, and consumers. The project still requires approval from FrieslandCampina members, Milcobel shareholders, and the relevant competition authorities.
The merger aims to combine the two cooperatives' respective market positions and complementary portfolios, with a focus on sectors such as cheese, dairy products, and ingredients. The goal is to improve efficiency and promote sustainable management. FrieslandCampina President Sybren Attema emphasized that the merger will strengthen the cooperative and ensure a competitive milk price. Milcobel President Betty Eeckhaut emphasized the importance of shared cooperative values as the basis of the agreement.
In 2023, the two cooperatives achieved a combined turnover of over €14 billion, processing approximately 10 billion kilograms of milk from 11.000 farms. The new organization, with a total of 22.000 employees, will operate in 30 countries, strengthening the role of 16.000 member farmers located in the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, and northern France.
The merger includes an operational plan to be finalized by the first half of 2025. Once approved, the initiative aims to create a more robust and competitive structure capable of addressing the challenges of the global dairy market and supporting sustainable growth.
