European dairy brands saw major shifts in 2025 in Brand Finance’s annual ranking of the world’s most valuable dairy brands. Valio gained ground, while Arla slipped back.

Finnish Valio has had a remarkable year, climbing the list of the strongest brands in the dairy sector. At the same time, Valio performs strongly among European food and beverage brands with a Brand Strength Index (BSI) score of 96.3/100. The growth is driven by rising demand for protein-rich products, as well as a strong focus on Finnish origin, quality, and sustainability. Among Finnish consumers, Valio scores top marks on preference, awareness, understanding, and recommendation—signs of market dominance and loyalty on the home market, writes Dairy Reporter.

For Arla Foods, the trend has been the opposite. Brand value dropped 9% to USD 2.5 billion, driven by declines in key metrics such as awareness, consideration, and preference in its core markets. According to Brand Finance, this is due to lower consumer engagement as well as pressure from both regional economic conditions and global market challenges. However, the planned merger with Germany’s DMK—which will create Europe’s largest dairy cooperative—could in the long run strengthen Arla’s position through a stronger sustainability profile and greater marketing impact, the analysis notes.

Danone retains its position as Europe’s most valuable dairy brand, despite a slight dip in its BSI score.

The French Président-brand, part of Lactalis, has surged ahead as the world’s fastest-growing dairy brand with a 45% increase in brand value to USD 3.2 billion. The keys to its success are strong local roots, a broad product range, and the ability to adapt to international taste preferences.

Read the article in Dairy Reporter HERE

Graphic: Mejerimedier/LW (The graphic shows the ten most valuable dairy brands in the world In 2025. Source: Brand Finance)