The Dutch dairy collective FrieslandCampina has agreed to merge with Belgian rival Milcobel, aiming to create a leading international dairy cooperative and dairy company.

In a press release, it was stated that the merger would establish a future-oriented organization capable of seizing opportunities and addressing challenges more effectively in the global dairy market. Both FrieslandCampina and Milcobel, owned by dairy farmers for many generations, have complementary market positions and product portfolios. The merger is expected to unlock opportunities for business development in segments such as consumer cheese, mozzarella, white dairy products (milk, buttermilk, and yogurt), and ingredients. It also promises increased efficiency and shared expertise, particularly in sustainability.

Based on their combined 2023 annual figures—excluding Milcobel’s Ysco business, which is being divested—the new organization would have a pro forma revenue of over €14 billion. It would operate in 30 countries, employ nearly 22,000 staff worldwide, and process approximately 10 billion kilograms of member milk annually. This milk is supplied by nearly 11,000-member dairy farms, representing around 16,000 dairy farmers in the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, and Northern France.

The proposed merger is subject to approval by FrieslandCampina’s Members’ Council, Milcobel’s Extraordinary Meeting of Shareholders, and relevant antitrust authorities. Member dairy farmers, employees, works councils, and trade unions have been informed about the proposal. The aim is to finalize a detailed merger proposal in the first half of 2025.

Read the press release HERE

CEO Jan Derck van Karnebeek, FrieslandCampina  (left) and  CEO Peter Grugeon, Milcobel. Photo: FrieslandCampina