It's been a busy first half of the year for dairy companies on the global stage

Mergers, acquisitions, expansions, executive hires and other important news highlighted in USDEC's mid-year review. 

Across the international dairy sector, business activity has been brisk the first six months of this year, as one can see from the U.S. Dairy Export Council's Mid-Year Dairy Company News Review. 

We started this review with items from the January 10 edition of our weekly, members-only newsletter, Global Dairy eBrief, and ended with news from the June 27 edition.

This is a fast-paced yet lengthy review. We put company names in bold for easy scanning and searching. One way to find a collection of items pertaining to a particular company is to copy and paste this blog post into a Word document and then use the search function. 

The news items are presented in month-by-month chronological order.   

After France-based dairy giant Danone submitted two unsuccessful offers to acquire Illinois-based kefir and probiotic products manufacturer Lifeway Foods, Danone said it now plans to file a lawsuit accusing Lifeway of breaching its fiduciary duties to shareholders by allowing its CEO to “engage in self-dealing waste and value destruction.” Danone said Lifeway’s decision to award CEO Julie Smolyansky nearly 300,000 shares of Lifeway stock violates an agreement dating back to 1999, when Danone made its first investment in Lifeway, that requires Danone’s consent before making such a move. In a company statement, Lifeway said the company rejected Danone's acquisition offers because they severely undervalue the company, and that the 1999 stockholders’ agreement between the two companies violates Illinois law and should be nullified. Lifeway also said it is not opposed to a sale at a price that more accurately reflects its true value. (Company reports; Food Dive, 1/6/25)

New York-based Avance Investment Management and Florida-based AUA Private Equity Partners LLC announced a significant investment in Tropical Cheese Industries LLC, a New Jersey-based producer of Hispanic cheese, meat and other food products. A company statement said the founding Mendez family and the management team of Tropical Cheese will retain a significant minority interest in the company. … Chinese dairy manufacturer Junlebao Group and beverage franchise chain Mixue announced a deal to build a dairy farm in an effort to jointly expand their reach, drive product innovation and improve their supply chains. The farm will reportedly hold 8,000 Holstein dairy cows and is expected to start operations in June. (USDEC China Office; Company reports; Beijing News Media, 12/19/24)

Canadian dairy company Saputo announced that COO Frank Guido has stepped down from his role for personal reasons. In the interim, President and CEO Carl Colizza will assume the duties of COO in addition to his current responsibilities. … Wisconsin-based dairy co-op Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery announced the appointment of Kevin Pieh to CEO effective Dec. 18, 2024. Pieh was elevated from his role as interim CEO, which he assumed in September 2024 after serving as CFO since 2022. Prior to joining Ellsworth Creamery, he held leadership positions with Land O’Lakes in the Dairy Foods, Corporate Finance, and Truterra divisions. … Domino’s Pizza announced it reached 1,000 operating outlets in China in November and that it plans to open 300 to 350 outlets annually in the coming two years. It currently operates in 33 Chinese cities. … After three consecutive quarters of declining customer traffic, Minneapolis-based ice cream brand Häagen-Dazs said it will accelerate its pace of shutting down poor-performing physical stores in China and shift efforts to retail and catering to boost profits. The company, which owned 402 outlets in 90 cities in China as of mid-December, will reportedly focus more on ice cream cones and seek new online retail channels, such as social media retail via TikTok or Red Note. (USDEC China Office; Company reports)

Brazilian dairy processor Pirancanjuba Group is building a new R$612 million (about US$101 million) multi-use dairy plant in São Jorge d’Oeste, Paraná state. The plant will produce up to 39,400 MT of mozzarella, 7,900 MT of butter, 6,000 MT of whey protein and 14,800 MT of lactose annually, the company says. Originally proposed in 2018, the plant has since grown in scope and cost. Pirancanjuba expects to begin operations by the end of 2025. (Valor International, 1/14/25)

Following a “comprehensive strategic review of its manufacturing footprint,” UK-based Ornua Ingredients Europe (OIE) announced a proposal to close its Ledbury cheese manufacturing and cut-and-wrap facility. The site, which produces natural and processed cheeses for the food manufacturing, foodservice and global quick service restaurants sectors, has six production lines. If the proposal proceeds, the facility is expected to close at the end of June, and the majority of production will be transferred to OIE’s sites in Nantwich, Cheshire and Avila, Spain. (Agriland, 1/8/25)

French dairy company Lactalis has reportedly decided to close a factory in Zambia and begin exporting products from South Africa into Zambia. According to a Zambian government official, the company said the decision was prompted by market dynamics and influenced by new players in the milk industry. The switch to an import model is expected to take place in April. (Just Food, 1/10/25)

Yum Brands terminated its franchisee IS Gida, which operated more than 500 Pizza Hut and KFC stores in Turkey, for “failure to meet Yum Brands standards.” Yum expects the stores to close “at least temporarily.” .... French biotech company Standing Ovation, which specializes in precision fermentation applied to dairy proteins, announced a long-term strategic partnership with Ajinomoto Foods Europe (AFE) to produce fermentation-enabled caseins designed to deliver traditional dairy proteins’ functional properties at AFE’s biomanufacturing plant in Nesle, France. (Food Ingredients First, 1/9/25; Restaurant Business, 1/8/25)

Wisconsin Whey Protein announced that it is building a new whey protein isolate (WPI) plant at its Darlington, Wisconsin, facility, which currently produces barrel cheese, WPC80 and lactose. The company said the expansion will meet the growing demand for WPI that’s being driven by healthy lifestyle trends and consumer use of GLP-1 drugs. The plant is expected to open in early 2026 and enable the company to produce nearly 6,000 MT of WPI per year. (Dairy Processing, 1/16/2025)

Minnesota-based cheese cooperative Associated Milk Producers Inc. (AMPI) said final steps are underway in restoring full operations at its cheese processing and packaging plant in Portage, Wis., after suffering damage from a fire in January 2023. A company spokesman said the rebuild plan “better utilizes space within the building, focusing on those products in demand and incorporating new capabilities to innovate and grow with our customers.” (Company reports)

As part of the ongoing restructuring of its global operations, Canadian dairy company Saputo Inc. has proposed closing its Kirkby Malzeard, North Yorkshire, cheese facility. The company’s UK division said it is discussing the closure with employees of the plant, which produces the wensleydale. If the closure proceeds, it’s expected to happen in July of this year and production will shift to Saputo’s dairy factory in Nuneaton, Warwickshire, where the company said a “major investment” has recently been completed. (Just Food, 1/16/25)

Germany-based dairy company Hochland Group and Belgian-Dutch precision fermentation startup Those Vegan Cowboys announced an agreement to explore the production of animal-free cheese using microbial casein. The partnership will focus on the use of the startup’s precision fermentation casein in semi-hard and hard cheese varieties. (FoodBev Media, 1/22/25)

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz presented Associated Milk Producers Inc. (AMPI) with the Governor’s International Trade Award at an event held Jan. 24 in Bloomington, Minn. The award recognizes companies that have shown exceptional progress and results in foreign markets. Two of AMPI's seven manufacturing facilities and one-third of its employees are based in Minnesota. “This award fuels our momentum to continue building strong international partnerships,” said AMPI Sales Director Tony Busch, who accepted on behalf of the co-op.

Recent dairy-related acquisitions highlight company efforts to increase global or national footprints. Here are some of the latest deals:

• London-based private equity group InvestIndustrial agreed to acquire a majority stake in Spanish ice cream producer Grupo Alacant, which operates four manufacturing plants in Spain and focuses primarily on private-label ice cream for retail clients and co-manufacturing for branded ice cream companies. The move is designed to strengthen Grupo Alacant’s position in Spain and accelerate its international expansion strategy through both organic growth and acquisitions.
• To expand its presence into Eastern India, Chennai, India-based dairy company Hatsun Agro Product Ltd. (HAP) acquired Odisha, India’s Milk Mantra Dairy and its Milky Moo brand for Rs 233 crore (about US$27 million). The companies said the acquisition will strengthen HAP's presence in the Eastern Indian dairy market by enabling it to have a “sizeable market share, wide distribution and procurement network and two strategically located processing facilities” in Odisha in addition to the Milky Moo brand’s strong market presence.
• In a move to expand its portfolio into the better-for-you category in the U.S., Luxembourg-based packaged food company Ferrero Group agreed to acquire protein snack company Power Crunch from Bio-Nutritional Research Group. (Power Crunch products use dairy protein to provide their protein content.) Under the terms of the deal, which is expected to be finalized in the coming weeks, Ferrero will take over Bio-Nutritional Research Group’s office site in Los Angeles, and its 50 employees will join Ferrero Group North America. (Company reports; FoodBev Media, 1/27/25; Business Standard, 1/28/25)

Scotland-based dairy cooperative First Milk and Nestlé Waters & Premium Beverages UK announced a four-year partnership to promote regenerative dairy farming practices in Pembrokeshire, Wales. The initiative will involve up to 30 dairy farmers and will mainly adopt regenerative farming practices like rotational grazing, increasing sward grassland diversity, and enhancing rooting depth. These methods are intended to improve soil structure, allowing for better water infiltration, promoting the soil's ability to retain water, and fostering biodiversity. The project aims to capture up to an additional 250 million liters of groundwater per year. (FoodBev Media, 1/28/25)

As part of its sustainability efforts, New Zealand-based dairy cooperative Fonterra said it will make NZ$150 million in investments (about US$85 million) in electrification projects across the North Island over the next 18 months. The initiatives announced include the installation of two electrode boilers at its Whareroa sites; transitioning the Edgecumbe site from the use of steam and electricity generated through a co-generation plant to a new electrode boiler; installing two resistive element boilers at Waitoa and Waitoa UHT; and a pilot of six EV tankers and associated infrastructure later this year. (Company reports)

Italian dairy and dairy-alternative manufacturer Granarolo Group is investing £10 million (about US$12 million) to build a new head office and distribution center for Granarolo UK and Midland Chilled Foods in Willenhall, England. The facility will also contain an innovation center and test kitchen for presentations and customer collaboration. … As part of its mission to “support organic family farmers and promote sustainable agriculture,” Wisconsin-based dairy cooperative Organic Valley entered the plant-based category with the launch of a line of oat-based creamers. Oats for the creamers, which are available in four flavors, are sourced directly from the co-op’s family farm partners. … In an announcement ahead of its Feb. 26 annual report release, Swiss dairy Group Emmi Group revealed that it recorded “good, volume-driven organic growth” of 2.4% in FY2024, a number the company says exceeded its own guidance of between 1% and 2%. … Famous Brands International, owner of frozen-yogurt retailer TCBY, signed a franchise deal with Sterling Restaurants (a subsidiary of Al Muftah Group) to open 10 TCBY stores in Qatar over the next five years and possibly bring the Mrs. Field’s chain to the country as well. (USDEC Middle East/North Africa office; Company reports; Dairy Reporter, 1/27/25; FoodManufacture.co.uk, 1/6/25)

Swiss food giant Nestlé announced plans to invest $1 billion in its Mexico operations between 2025 and 2027, to expand production capacity across its four plants in the country. The expansion will take place at Nestlé’s plants in Estado de México, Guanajuato, Querétaro, and Veracruz. The investment includes the development of a new distribution center in an effort to position Nestlé Mexico as an export hub. Nestlé also opened a $675-million beverage factory and distribution center in Glendale, Arizona. That facility will produce creamers for several brands including Coffee Mate, Starbucks and Natural Bliss, with the potential to expand to other beverages in the future. The company said the investment was made in an effort to meet increasing consumer demand and preferences for refrigerated creamers. (FoodBev Media, 2/3/25)

French dairy cooperative Sodiaal said it will close its cheese production site in Malestroit, France, in 2028 or 2029. Production from the plant will be transferred to its facility in Montauban-de-Bretagne, a move the company said will help “optimize its industrial facilities” in response to increased competition in the emmentaler market. (FoodBev Media, 2/5/25)

After a tumultuous 2024 that saw the New Zealand-based dairy processor in a major partnership dispute and facing the threat of insolvency (see Global Dairy eBrief, 8/23/24 and 8/30/24), Synlait Milk announced that its business recovery plan is “on track.” In a statement providing financial guidance for the six months ended Jan. 31, 2025, Acting CEO Tim Carter said the company expects to return to profitability at its upcoming half-year result, with an expected EBITDA for the period to be around NZ$60 million (about US$34 million). The company attributed the improved performance to growth in its Advanced Nutrition products, strong performance in its Ingredients business and continued cost-control measures. Synlait also said it earmarked additional milk premiums for the next three seasons to all South Island farmers committed to a future with Synlait without a cease notice in place. The company will release its HY25 result on March 24. (Company reports)

Finnish dairy manufacturer Valio and Swedish precision fermentation startup Melt&Marble announced a partnership to create “next-generation” food products. Melt&Marble uses precision fermentation technology to create animal-free ‘designer fat’ ingredients that can be used in a variety of food product applications. (Company reports)

China will remain a key focus for expansion of U.S. fast food chain McDonald’s in 2025. The company stated that while global same-store sales in Q4 2024 increased 0.4% YOY, same-store sales in China in Q4 grew 4.1% YOY. Of the 2,200 new restaurants the company plans to open in 2025, 1,000 are expected to open in China. The total number of McDonald’s restaurants in China was 6,820 as the end of 2024. This year in China, McDonald’s plans to launch a Year of Value promotion that includes upgrading coupons and discounts while leveling up membership marketing to let consumers feel cost-effective throughout the entire year. McDonald's 2024 consolidated revenue was US$25.92 billion, up 2% year-over-year, while net income was US$8.22 billion, down 3% year-over-year. (USDEC China Office; Company reports)

In its Q4 and full-year 2024 results report, Kentucky-based Yum! Brands said revenues increased 7% in 2024 over the previous year, and net income dropped 7% for the same period. The company opened 4,535 new stores across more than 100 countries. In FY 2024, Yum’s KFC division saw positive system sales growth in China (6%), Latin America (15%), Africa (11%) and Thailand (6%), while systems sales declined in Asia (-5%), the Middle East (-2%). For the same period, the company’s Pizza Hut markets saw system sales grow in China (3%), stay even in Latin America and the Middle East, and dip in Asia (-3%). In China, specifically, Yum China reported that total 2024 revenue reached US$11.3 billion, an increase of 5% YOY without currency exchange influence, and it had achieved eight consecutive quarters of same-store transaction growth. The total number of outlets in the country grew to 16,395 in 2024, including KFC, with 11,648 outlets and system sales growth of 6% YOY; K-coffee café, which grew to 700 outlets and increased sales roughly 30% YOY; and Pizza Hut, which reached 3,724 outlets in 2024 and posted a system sales increase of 6% YOY. Looking ahead, Yum China said it will focus on opening more franchise stores, with roughly 40-50% of KFCs and 20-30% of franchised Pizza Huts, and an overall goal to reach 20,000 outlets in 2026. (USDEC China Office; Company reports)

Months after announcing the separation of its ice cream business from its other divisions, London-based consumer goods giant Unilever announced it would close its ice cream factory in Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria. The company said it will move operations from that site to other facilities including its Betty Ice factory in Suceava, Romania, which it says is significantly larger and more technologically advanced. The shift is expected to be complete by April of this year. Separately, Unilever opted for Amsterdam over London or New York as the primary listing for its de-merged ice cream operation. (Reuters, 2/13/25; Romania Insider, 1/31/25)

In a move to reinforce its supply chain resilience, Edeka, Germany’s largest supermarket chain, announced the acquisition of dairy manufacturer Uckermärker Milch. The independent dairy already supplies quark, butter and milk powder to Edeka, and the acquisition reflects the trend of retailers purchasing food production assets in an effort to gain more control over supply and pricing in an unpredictable market. The acquisition is expected to be complete on March 1, and the new entity will operate under the name EMP Milchof Prenzlau GmbH. (Top Agrar, 2/5/25; Nordkurier, 2/11/25)

Chinese dairy manufacturers Feihe and Beijing Milkyway have joined together to form a new joint venture called Qiqihar Yinhe Dairy to manufacture milk beverages. Feihe will hold a 51% stake in the new unit. … As part of previously announced plans to separate its Animal Nutrition & Health business from the parent group, Dutch-Swiss company DSM-Firmenich announced the sale of its stake in Feed Enzymes Alliance to its equal partner Novonesis for €1.5 billion (about US$1.6 billion). The divesture is expected to be complete sometime this year. (Company reports; USDEC China office)

Fonterra Co-operative Group is spending NZ$22 million (about US$12 million) to expand cream production at its Waitoa, North Island, UHT operation. The project will add up to 30,000 MT of additional UHT cream capacity for foodservice, with a focus on China. … China’s Yili Group opened a tea beverage manufacturing line at its Huanggang, Hubei, dairy processing plant. The facility mainly makes yogurt, sterilized milk and milk beverages. The tea operation replaces one of the yogurt lines and is expected to generate sales of more than $25 million per year. … Netherlands-based FrieslandCampina Ingredients received approval for its milk fat globule membrane ingredient, Vivinal MFGM, for use in infant formulas and other food products in Thailand. The ingredient is a whey protein concentrate obtained from unpasteurized cheese whey. … Sweden-based dairy alternatives manufacturer Oatly said it will discontinue the building of a second processing plant in China because it has “determined that the production capabilities” at its existing manufacturing site in Ma’anshan “will be sufficient to support current customers and business growth.” … Moroccan dairy processor Copag-Jaouda rolled out what it says is Morocco’s first entirely homegrown line of plant-based milk alternatives under the name Nabatlé. (Company reports; USDEC China office; USDEC Middle East/North Africa office; Farmers Weekly, 2/13/25; Just Food, 2/12/25)

Algerian-government-owned dairy processor Giplait opened a major new dairy processing facility in the Rouiba industrial zone as part of ongoing plans to boost local capacity and reduce reliance on imports. The 5-billion-dinar facility (about US$37 million) can reportedly produce up to 1 million liters of subsidized pasteurized milk and 400,000 liters of UHT milk per day. (USDEC Middle East/North Africa office; The Maghred Times, 2/16/25)

Fonterra Co-operative Group is moving ahead on its plans to divest its Consumer business and integrated businesses Fonterra Oceania and Sri Lanka. The co-op may divest via a sale or an IPO, choices it expects to continue to explore in the weeks ahead. In preparation for an IPO, Fonterra unveiled a new corporate identity and executive leadership for the consumer-facing businesses. The new company would be known as Mainland Group. René Dedoncker will lead Mainland as CEO-elect, with Paul Victor as CFO. Separately, Fonterra provided an update on the $75-million project to transform its Studholme, South Island, site into a hub for high-value advanced proteins. Fonterra said the site is on track for its first advanced proteins to come off the line in 2026. (Company reports)

Colombia’s Superintendency of Industry and Commerce (SIC) has sanctioned four of the country’s main dairy processors for allegedly adding whey to sterilized milk and presenting it as whole milk. The SIC imposed a fine of more than $21 billion pesos (about US$5 million) on Lactalis, Gloria, Hacienda San Mateo and Sabanalac, claiming the companies engaged in unfair competition by reducing costs without lowering the price of their products or informing consumers about the composition of their milk. Lactalis Colombia publicly rejected the decision, issuing a statement that its milk has not been adulterated and that the sanction has no legal basis. It pledged to defend its position in court. (La Republica, 2/12/25)

In its fiscal 2024 annual results, FrieslandCampina reported revenue dropped 1.1% from the previous year, but operating profit jumped to €527 million (about US$551 million), up from €75 million (about US$78 million) in 2023. Jan Derck van Karnebeek, CEO of the Dutch dairy co-op, said last year had been a “year of transformation.” Thanks to a combination of cost reductions, an improved performance by its business groups and higher commodity dairy prices, co-op members would receive an “extra reward”—a supplementary cash payment of €1.21 per 100kg of milk. He also noted that the proposed merger between FrieslandCampina and Milcobel (finalization expected by the end of 2025) will reinforce its international market position. Looking ahead, FrieslandCampina said it expects to achieve additional cost reductions in 2025 that will be used to offset inflation, facilitate growth and support the company’s profitability. Investments in 2025 will be below 2024 levels due to the completion of large projects last year. (Company reports)

In its 2024 full-year report, Swiss food giant Nestlé saw revenues drop 1.8% and net profit decrease 2.9%. Despite an increase in invested capital in the Milk Products and Ice Cream segment, 2024 sales in that segment dropped roughly 5% from the previous year. CEO Laurent Freixe said the performance was solid and in line with the company’s latest guidance “in a challenging macroeconomic context and soft consumer environment.” Looking to 2025, he said that increasing investment to drive growth is central to the company’s plan, and it is creating the fuel for these growth investments through a new CHF2.5 billion (about US$2.8 billion) three-year cost savings program. (Company reports)

The Brazilian state of São Paulo and the French Embassy launched a collaboration that aims to establish between five and 10 cheese production schools in Brazil. Through the partnership, which kicked off with a January workshop that brought together representatives from both organizations, cheese producers will receive training from government technicians in partnership with French specialists. A São Paulo government official said the goal of the initiative is to cover all regions in the state with cheese production training units to drive diversity and quality. (Dairy Global, 2/11/25)

Restaurant Brands International paid a reported US$158 million to acquire most of the outstanding shares of Burger King China. The company now has nearly full-ownership of the business, which includes almost 1,500 Chinese Burger King outlets. The company said it is looking for a new partner in the market amid a tough competition and softer demand. … In a move to expand its local market position, French dairy company Lactalis said it plans to buy Granja Pocha, a Uruguay-based dairy company that produces cheese and yogurt under the Colonial brand. … Finland-based dairy company Valio agreed to acquire the plant protein business and the Härkis and Beanit fava beans brands from Raisio plc for €7 million (about US$7 million). Valio said the deal, which is expected to be complete next month, is part of its strategy to grow “from a dairy company into a food company.” (Company reports; Reuters, 2/18/25; Just Food, 2/18/25)

Uganda’s Pearl Dairy Farms expanded its range of dairy and nutrition products in Africa with the launch of Lato Frutish, a new powdered milk drink available in apple, mango, and strawberry flavors. … Nashville-based Purity Dairies said it will stop making ice cream products at its Athens, Tennessee, facility. The plant will replace those products with Mayfield Dairy ice cream products. Kansas City-based Dairy Farmers of America owns both companies. (USDEC Middle East/North Africa office; Dairy Business Africa, 2/13/25; Company reports; Nashville Post, 2/13/25)

New Zealand-based dairy cooperative Fonterra Co-operative Group announced new funding initiatives designed to incentivize farmers to reduce emissions. For the 2025/26 season beginning on June 1, Fonterra will introduce an additional NZ1-5 cents per kgMS for farms that achieve certain emissions-related criteria as part of updates to its Co-operative Difference framework. (Based on last season’s data, Fonterra estimates about 5,000 farms should be eligible next season.) In addition, additional new incentives benefiting farmers will be funded through separate agreements with Mars and Nestlé as part of their efforts to reach their individual sustainability goals. Those monies (US$27 million over five years in the case of Mars) will be split among two farmer benefits: (1) on-farm tools, technologies and services designed to further improve emissions efficiency and (2) an extra payment of NZ10-25 cents per kgMS to farmers who achieve the Co-operative Difference and have one of the lowest emissions footprints in the Co-op (i.e., around 30% lower than the average farm). Mars called the program with Fonterra “a cornerstone” of its Moo’ving Dairy Forward initiative—a multimillion-dollar platform launched last year to drive investment in new technologies and partnerships to slash GHG emissions across the Mars global dairy supply chain. (Company reports)

Hong Kong-based China Mengniu Dairy issued a profit warning for 2024, stating it expects to record a profit of approximately 50 million yuan to 250 million yuan (about US$7-$34 million) for 2024, a significant drop from 4.8 billion yuan (about US$661 million) in 2023. The company cited impairment provisions at its subsidiary Bellamy’s Australia and asset devaluation at China Modern Dairy for the decline and added that an “imbalance between supply and demand in raw milk and lower-than-expected consumer demand” affected its earnings. But the dairy company also said the expected impairments are “not expected to have any material adverse effect on the current and future operations or cash flow of the company” and that its operating cash flow is projected to remain “stable” year-on-year for 2024. (Just Food, 2/20/25)

Danish-Swedish dairy cooperative Arla Foods announced a proposal to invest €108 million (about US$113 million) in its Lockerbie site in Scotland to make it a “center of excellence” for the production of UHT and lactose-free milk. A company official said the move will enable the co-op to “increase UK production capabilities in UHT and Lactofree technologies, supporting further growth with our strategic customers in the UK.” As part of the investment plan, Arla has proposed closing its Settle site in North Yorkshire. If the proposals move forward, the changes are expected to occur in the second half of 2026. (Company reports)

Corporate report season is well underway. Here’s a quick rundown of some of the latest dairy-related releases:

• Danone’sFY24 sales increased 4.3% on a like-for-like (LFL) basis, and recurring net income rose 2.7%. The Essential Dairy and Plant (EDP) category saw overall sales growth of 3.8%, including Europe (0.9%), North America (5.4%), APAC (11.6%) and AMEA (3.8%). In China, North Asia & Oceania sales rose 6.8% LFL, with infant formula continuing to gain market share and medical nutrition maintaining strong momentum. In Latin America, sales increased 4.7% LFL, with growth “impacted by the licensing out of milk business in Brazil.” In the Rest of the World, the company said sales increased by 5.4% LFL and that in EDP, Dairy Africa showed progress with a quarter of strong growth in Morocco. In its 2025 guidance, Danone said it expects the business to grow between 3% to 5% in the next financial year, with recurring operating income growing faster than sales.
• Switzerland-based Emmi Groupreported revenue up 2.5% for FY 2024. Gross profits grew 7.1%, which the company said “reflects the ongoing transformation of the portfolio and operational progress in markets outside Switzerland.” For FY2025, Emmi expects challenging economic conditions to continue but is forecasting organic group sales growth of 1.5-2.5%. Emmi expects positive momentum in the key markets of Brazil, Chile, Mexico and the U.S. in its Americas Division, but warned of “uncertainties” in Tunisia.
• Ireland’s Glanbia plcwarned that earnings could fall as much as 11% this year due largely to elevated whey costs. The company expects high whey prices to continue into the second half of 2025, easing only toward the end of 2025 and into 2026. Glanbia’s FY24 revenues increased 5.8% on a constant currency basis, and group EBITDA jumped 11.8%, but Glanbia Performance Nutrition (GPN) saw revenue growth of only 0.5%. The company announced a group-wide transformation program designed to drive efficiencies that includes a new operating model with three focused divisions: Performance Nutrition (PN), Health & Nutrition (H&N), and Dairy Nutrition (DN). As part of a portfolio evaluation related to that program, the company said it will exit its direct-to-consumer e-commerce business Body & Fit and its weight management brand SlimFast. The cost-cutting plan aims to achieve annual savings of $50 million by 2027. (Company reports; Reuters, 2/26/25; RTE News, 2/26/25)
  

The Ethiopian government signed a $600-million agreement to jointly invest in an Integrated Dairy and Commercial Farming Project with UK-based private equity firm Asset Green. The investment will be implemented in two phases: The first will focus on establishing a dairy farming and processing operation that includes integrated feed farming on 37,000 acres. The second will expand into cotton, oilseed, and rice farming and will include advanced processing facilities and a support center. (Company reports)

Tether Holdings (issuer of the cryptocurrency stablecoin) has submitted a proposal to acquire a majority stake in Luxembourg-headquartered farming company Adecoagro, which produces, dairy, sugarcane (and biofuels), rice and other crops in Argentina, Brazil and Uruguay. A statement from Tether said the investment represents the company’s “broader approach to allocating profits into strategic sectors.” … Ohio-based food and beverage company Lakeview Farms completed its merger with UK-based yogurt brand Noosa Holdings. The combined businesses will operate as a new company, Novus Foods. (Bloomberg, 2/18/25; Company reports)

China’s Feihe is spending $18 million to reequip a facility in Heilongjiang Province to produce demineralized whey. The project also includes a “smart” warehouse. The operation will reportedly produce up to 6,000 MT of demineralized whey per year. … Dutch ingredients startup Vivici, which is backed by Fonterra and other investors, secured €32.5 million (about US$34 million) in Series A funding to grow its precision fermentation operation. The company, which claims it already has a customer for its first fermentation-derived dairy proteins, says it plans to use the additional funding to expand access into new international markets, launch a second dairy protein ingredient, and establish long-term manufacturing capabilities. … London-based consumer goods giant Unilever announced CEO and Board Director Hein Schumacher will step down on March 1 “by mutual agreement.” Current CFO and Executive Director Fernando Fernandez will step into the role. (USDEC China office; Company reports)

To strengthen its ability to meet the growing demand for protein-enriched dairy in the U.S., Denmark-based Arla Foods Ingredients signed a contract manufacturing agreement with South Dakota-based dairy processor Valley Queen. Under the agreement, Valley Queen will produce ingredients from the Nutrilac ProteinBoost product range, a whey protein concentrate line designed to increase protein levels in foods and beverages while retaining texture and taste. Production is expected to begin at the company’s Millbank, S.D., plant in winter 2025/2026, after new specialty equipment has been installed. (Company reports)

After Dutch ingredients startup Vivici announced it received new funding to expand its ability to create dairy protein from precision fermentation last week, two more startups revealed new innovation and growth plans. In Boston, cellular agriculture startup Brown Foods announced its new lab-made UnReal Milk, a dairy alternative achieved through a “biotech-driven approach called mammalian cell culture.” The company said that unlike precision fermentation, this technology creates a product that contains the same dairy proteins, fats and carbohydrates found in cow’s milk and can be “scaled up further using bioreactor systems to produce mass volumes” for human consumption. Brown Foods plans to bring UnReal Milk to consumers for tasting late this year, with a market pilot planned for late 2026. And New Zealand food-tech startup Daisy Lab, which includes Waikato dairy cooperative Tatua as an investor, announced it aims to scale its precision fermentation operations from its current 10-liter production facility to a 1,000-liter pilot plant by the end of the year. (Dairy Processing, 2/25/25; RNZ, 2/26/25)

New Zealand-based Synlait Milk appointed Richard Wyeth as its new CEO. Wyeth, who has previously served as CEO of both Westland Milk Products and Taupo-based dairy company Miraka, will join Synlait on May 19. … In an unrelated move, Miraka CEO Karl Gradon stepped down from his role for personal reasons. COO Richard Harding was named acting chief executive while the company searches for a permanent replacement. … New Zealand’s Fonterra announced the discontinuation of its “carbon zero milk” claim for its Simply Milk range after the company acknowledged it failed to meet emissions reduction targets for the product last year. The company has instead rebranded the product to emphasize a 10-cent per bottle donation to “social supermarkets”—akin to food pantries. … Subway China plans to add 300-500 new stores per year as it enters a period of rapid expansion in the country. … Oman Air signed an agreement with Oman’s Mazoon Dairy for Mazoon to serve as the airline’s official supplier of dairy products including milk, yogurt, laban and cheese. … Kenya-based Kinangop Dairy Ltd. introduced Kinangop Gold Yoghurt, a new range of premium dairy products that aims to appeal to a range of consumer taste preferences. The new line includes pineapple, vanilla, strawberry, lemon biscuit and chocolate flavors. … To address the challenges posed by excess milk production and provide employment opportunities in the region, Ugandan President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni officially inaugurated the BENNI Foods dairy processing factory in Kiruhura District. The site currently employs 73 youths, with plans to expand job opportunities as the company progresses beyond its initial test phase. (USDEC Middle East/North Africa office; USDEC China office; Company reports; Farmers Weekly, 3/5/25; Rural News Group, 3/5/25; TradeArabia, 3/3/25; Dairy Business Africa, 2/28/25) 

After announcing last year that it planned to close its King Island Dairy operation in Australia because it couldn’t find a buyer, Canadian dairy company Saputo sold the facilities and the King Island brand. The new owner, a newly formed entity called King Island Dairy 2 Pty Ltd., is led by Melbourne businessmen Nicholas Dobromilsky and Graeme Wilson. In addition to the facility and brand, the sale includes the dairy’s on-site cheese store and two local farms that provide a guaranteed milk supply. (eDairy News, 3/9/25; ABC News, 3/6/25)

As a next step in its move to divest its consumer and associated businesses, New Zealand-based dairy cooperative Fonterra announced changes to its management team. Richard Allen will lead Fonterra’s Global Ingredients business as president; Teh-han Chow will lead the co-op’s global Foodservice business as president while continuing as CEO for Greater China; and René Dedoncker’s title will change from managing director Global Markets Consumer and Foodservice to managing director Global Markets Consumer, as he leads those businesses toward divestment. (Company reports)

France-based food giant Danone reached an agreement to settle a lawsuit launched by a coalition of three NGO groups claiming the company does not do enough to reduce its use of plastics in its supply chain. The suit, which was filed by ClientEarth, Surfrider Foundation Europe and Zero Waste France last year, said Danone must comply with the French duty of vigilance law, which holds large corporations to account for their environmental impact. As part of the agreement, Danone said it is “reinforcing the vigilance plan” and provided information on the actions it was taking in relation to plastic packaging use, which include “reducing, reusing, recycling, and recovering plastic packaging.” (Just Food, 2/25/25)

Den Sociale Kapitalfond, a Danish investment firm, acquired a 60% stake in family-owned ice cream producer Hansens Is. In a statement, the new owners announced a strategy that includes expanding Hansens’ presence in the Danish market while also taking initial steps toward exports to neighboring countries. (Company reports)

Food processing and packaging solutions company Tetra Pak kicked off a three-year project to modernize the production facilities of Al Rabie, a Saudi producer of juices, nectars and dairy products. The project will leverage Tetra Pak’s technology to enhance the efficiency and sustainability of Al Rabie’s operations. … Abu Dhabi-based Samaya Food Investments signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Malaysian restaurant operator Berjaya Food International to bring the Paris Baguette bakery café brand to the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The collaboration aims to meet a growing demand for high-quality bakery products and premium dining experiences in the region. … Speaking of Paris Baguette, South Korea’s SPC Group, owner of the Paris Baguette name, completed a new $56-million bakery product manufacturing plant in Johor, Malaysia. The company has major expansion ambitions, aiming to operate 12,000 stores worldwide by 2030, with plans for Southeast Asia, the Middle East and the U.S. (a plant is in the works in Texas). … After threatening in January to sue Illinois-based kefir and probiotic products manufacturer Lifeway Foods (see Global Dairy eBrief, 1/10/25), Danone North America filed a lawsuit last week alleging Lifeway breached the shareholder agreement signed by the two companies in 1999. Lifeway responded by calling Danone’s actions “the latest aggressive action in Danone's campaign to execute a hostile takeover of Lifeway at a price that substantially undervalues the company,” and saying it intends to file a counterclaim. (USDEC Middle East/North Africa Office; company reports; MSN.com, 3/10/25; FoodNavigator-Asia.com, 3/10/25; Zawya, 3/5/25)

California-based Hilmar Cheese cut the ribbon on its new $600-million production facility in Dodge City, Kansas this week. The facility makes American-style cheese in commercial 40-pound blocks, which are then sold wholesale to customers and used in a variety of foods. It also produces a wide range of innovative proteins to meet the needs of customers worldwide. The new site employs nearly 250 people. (Company reports)

Bankers for New Zealand dairy cooperative Fonterra are scheduled to present to Sydney fund managers next week about the ASX listing of Mainland Group, the company’s consumer business. Sources reported this week that the consumer business, which includes the Western Star butter and Mainland cheese brands, could be valued at up to NZ$4 billion (about US$2.3 billion) and that the potential IPO might raise between NZ$1.5-$2 billion (about US$873 million-$1.2 billion). Rene Dedoncker, who is slated to become the consumer business’s CEO, will lead the IPO meeting, which the company is calling a “non-deal roadshow.” (The Australian Financial Review, 3/12/25)

Qatar-based dairy company Baladna said it is shifting its growth strategy toward high-protein dairy products and significant collaboration with Algeria following the collapse of a joint venture in Malaysia. The shift was discussed as the company announced its full-year financial results for 2024, revealing a record-high revenue of US$316 million, an 8% increase from the previous year. Net profit also jumped 69% to US$51 million. According to the company, Baladna holds a 96% share in fresh milk and nearly 93% in UHT milk in its home market. With this solid foundation, the firm said it is exploring new avenues to sustain that growth. During a recent investors’ meeting, Baladna CFO Saifullah Khan emphasized the company’s focus on innovation, noting that “On the consumer strategy front, we have strong interest in the high-protein milk and yoghurt segments, and have already launched new innovations into this market where we see a lot of potential.” The company added 39 new products in 2024, including new Greek yogurt flavors, an enhanced cheese range, and a revitalized Awafi product line. Khan also highlighted Baladna’s partnership with the Algerian National Investment Fund to establish a large vertically integrated dairy farm as well as other agreements to strengthen its presence in Algeria—including a Memorandum of Understanding with the Algerian government to explore infant milk production. (USDEC Middle East/North Africa Office; Dairy Business Africa, 3/11/2025)

Chicago-based Mondelēz International and Belgium-based Biscoff maker Lotus Bakeries announced an expanded partnership to produce Biscoff-branded frozen novelties. The companies are working with England-based Froneri, which manufactures ice cream under license for Mondelēz and other companies, to produce the products in a move designed to expand Biscoff’s global presence. Froneri will produce, market and sell Biscoff ice cream in several European countries starting in 2026 before gradually expanding into other areas. (Food Dive, 3/14/25)

In its half-year 2025 results, Australian food and beverage giant Bega Group, which includes the Bega Cheese brand, reported revenues hit $1.8 billion (about US$1.1 billion) over the six-month period, an increase of 3% compared to the same time last year. The company cited the recovery of the Bulk segment as a key factor in the gain. Normalized EBITDA jumped 44% from the previous year, and profitability in the Branded segment increased 8%, an increase the company said, “reflects the success of cost-savings initiatives (including supply footprint rationalization) as well as focus on high-value categories.” Looking ahead, the company reaffirmed its target of a normalized EBITDA of $190 to $200 million (about US$121 million to $127 million) for the full year. (Company reports)

Indian agri-food group Godrej Agrovet struck a deal to become the sole owner of local dairy business Creamline Dairy Products. The company, which first invested in Creamline in 2005 and already owns nearly 52%, will pay Rs9.3 billion (about US$107 million) for the remaining shares. … In a move to expand its presence in the premium yogurt category, UK-based organic food company Yeo Valley Production acquired Epicurean Dairy (UK), the owner of The Collective yogurt brand. (Just Food, 3/13/25, 3/12/25)

After a devastating fire destroyed its previous facilities in 2023, UK-based Butlers Farmhouse Cheeses announced it has received permission from the local government to construct a state-of-the-art cheesemaking campus on its Inglewhite farm. The company expects to complete the facility by the end of 2025. It will feature a maturation space tailored to the unique requirements of farmhouse cheese production. … California-based New Culture announced it has received a $5 million investment from pizza chefs and restaurant operators for its plant-based mozzarella alternative, which is formulated with a casein derived from precision fermentation. … Lifeway Foods shareholder Edward Smolyansky launched an official campaign to replace the board of directors of the Illinois-based kefir and probiotic products manufacturer at its next annual meeting. In a statement, Edward, the brother of Lifeway CEO Julie Smolyansky, said “The Board's failure to maximize shareholder value while enriching the CEO warrants a complete and immediate overhaul.” He proposed a “new slate of independent directors” that includes himself and his mother, Ludmilla. (Company reports)

During the China Development Forum 2025, Danone CEO Antoine de Saint-Affrique announced that the company will build another new research center in China to make breakthroughs in nutrition research and improve distribution. China is the second largest market for Danone, where the company has established one research center in Shanghai, one medical nutrition manufacture basement in Wuxi, and three special nutrition plants in Qingdao, Changsha and Shanghai. According to Danone’s FY2024 Performance Report, sales revenue in China, North Asia and Oceania increased 3.5% to approximately US$1.99 billion in the reporting period. (USDEC China Office)

Yili’s pet food brand EBorn has opened stores on various online shopping platforms to sell dry pet food with probiotics and liquid milk for pets. The products were processed to remove lactose and enhanced with enzymes for better absorption while containing functional ingredients including calcium and chondroitin sulfate for pets’ bone health. It was reported that Ausnutria also joined the development of those pet products. (USDEC China Office)

Tokyo-based Meiji announced the launch of Meiji W Skin Care Yogurt, a functional dairy product designed to protect against UV-induced skin irritation and maintain skin moisture levels. The drinkable yogurt contains SC-2 lactic acid bacteria, collagen peptides and sphingomyelin and is now available nationwide in Japan. (Dairy News Today, 3/25/25)

New York-based food company Chobani said it is investing $500m to expand its Twin Falls, Idaho, plant, which manufactures Chobani yogurt, oat milk, and coffee creamers. The company said the expansion will add more than over 500,000 square feet of space and boost production capacity by 50%. The expanded facility will supply products to customers in the U.S. and Mexico. Operations are expected to start in early 2026. (Just Food, 3/24/25)

The Albex Group, a Scottish Food company, acquired the assets of U.K.-based online artisan cheese retailer Cheese Geek out of administration for an undisclosed sum. … Japan-based dairy company Morinaga Milk announced a strategic partnership with Indonesian dairy manufacturer PT ABC Kogen Dairy (AKD) to introduce a new line of dairy products to the Singaporean market. The collaboration will see branded products manufactured by AKD under both Morinaga and AKD’s flagship 'KIN' labels, with plans to launch sales in April 2025. … Saudi Arabia-based food and beverage group Almarai’s agreement to acquire Jordan-based dairy and cheese company Hammoudeh Food Industries has fallen through. A stock exchange statement on behalf of Almarai said the deal was not completed due to "factors beyond the company's control." (Company reports; Just Food, 3/18/25)

Wisconsin-based organic farmer-owned cooperative Organic Valley named Shawna Nelson as the co-op’s CEO, effective March 28. Nelson, who began working with the co-op nearly 20 years ago as an intern, takes the reins from outgoing CEO Jeff Frank, who is leaving to become CEO at Tennessee-based Monogram Foods. … Dutch-Swiss company DSM-Firmenich launched a novel coagulant enzyme called MaxirenEVO. A company statement said the enzyme is engineered with fermentation technology and targets alpha s-1 (αs1) casein via a highly specific mode of action “to deliver better texture and flavor development, improved yields, and increased processing flexibility.” … New Zealand dairy company Synlait Milk Ltd. reported first-half 2025 earnings that showed a return to profitability, driven by what Acting CEO Tim Carter called “a focus on getting the fundamentals of our operational performance right, seizing opportunities to deliver for customers, and continued cost control.” The results show the company’s EBITDA for the six months ending January 31, 2025, was $63.1 million, while group revenues for the company were $916.8 million (about US$525.3 million), up 16% from the previous year. … New Zealand’s Fonterra Co-operative Group reported operating profit rose 16% in the first half of 2025. The company attributed the gain in part to “an optimized product mix, designed to capture value across the Co-op’s sales channels.” (Company reports)

In a move to strengthen its presence in the U.S. food market, California-based Marquez Brothers International (MBI) reached an agreement to acquire Florida-based Hato Potero Farms, the maker of drinkable yogurt brand YoGusto. (Company reports)

Yum Brands CEO David Gibbs announced he plans to retire in the first quarter of 2026. A company board spokesman said the board “is committed to overseeing a thorough succession planning process” to replace Gibbs, who has served as CEO since January 2020 and been with the company for nearly 40 years. … India’s Mother Dairy will invest Rs 1,400 crore-Rs 1,500 crore (about US$164 million-$176 million) to boost its production capacity by enhancing its existing 12 plants and adding three new ones. The company said it is also launching several new products to meet increasing demand. … North Carolina-based doughnut chain Krispy Kreme is continuing its global expansion with the launch of its first restaurant in São Paulo, Brazil, later this month. The launch is a partnership with Brazil’s largest convenience store operator, AmPm. … Yum Brands’ Taco Bell operation said it expects to nearly triple its international unit count from 1,100 to 3,000 by 2030. As part of its international growth plans, the company said it is working with major operating partners in India and Spain and building a presence in Latin America while investing in company-operated restaurants in key markets, including the UK. … At its annual investor day, Oregon-based coffee chain Dutch Bros. Coffee said the company believes there is potential for more than 7,000 stores in the U.S., up from its previous forecast of 4,000, and it is aiming to double its current store count to 2,029 outlets by 2029. … French biotech company Bon Vivant officially rebranded itself to Verley and introduced a line of proteins produced through precision fermentation that mimic the proteins found in cow’s milk. The new product line is called FermWhey and includes three specialized proteins: FermWhey Native, FermWhey MicroStab, and FermWhey Gel. (Company reports; Financial Express, 3/26/25; Restaurant Business, 3/28/25, 3/21/25; Nation’s Restaurant News, 3/24/25; Protein Production, 3/27/25)

Denmark-based Arla Foods announced plans to merge with German rival DMK Group in a deal that would create Europe’s largest dairy cooperative, owned by more than 12,000 farmers and with a combined annual pro forma revenue of €19 billion (about US$21 billion). In a joint statement, the companies said the merged entity will carry the Arla name, and current Arla CEO Peder Tuborgh will become head of the company, which will be headquartered in Denmark. They also said the new entity will be “stronger and more resilient in the face of an anticipated decline in overall European milk volumes, through more diversified product portfolios and market positions.” The agreement is subject to board approval, scheduled for June of this year, as well as regulatory approvals, which are expected toward the end of 2025. (Company reports)

Following the March 31 deadline and after bankers for New Zealand dairy cooperative Fonterra presented to Sydney fund managers about the ASX listing of its consumer business, Mainland Group, offers have landed from bidders. Suitors include French dairy giant Lactalis and Australia’s Bega Group, which already licenses the use of its brands to Fonterra — which may give it pre-emptive rights in a sale. Other bidders still in the mix include private equity firms Pacific Equity Partners and Warburg Pincus, and investment firms Kohlberg Kravis Roberts and The Carlyle Group. French dairy giant Danone was reportedly in the mix but only bidding for part of the business, making that offer unlikely to progress. (The Australian, 4/3/25)

As part of its efforts to boost production of cheese and butter in Brazil, French dairy group Lactalis said it is investing €46.2 million (about US$50 million) in its dairy manufacturing facility located in the southeastern state of Minas Gerais. The announcement follows the company’s November allocation of around $42 million for the same state across seven plants, in a project that stretches through 2026. The company said the new investment round will fund a new manufacturing facility at the state’s Uberlândia site for the local semi-hard cheese variety prato, along with an additional production line for butter. These projects are expected to be completed by 2027. (Just Food, 4/1/25)

Denmark-based Arla Foods Ingredients launched a campaign to highlight the benefits of milk fat globule membrane (MFGM) beyond the infant formula category. Called Whey360, the initiative follows a Danish Veterinary and Food Administration ruling confirming that MFGM is not classified as a novel food in the EU, which allows for MFGM to be labeled clearly on products for infants and adults. The company said the goal of the campaign is to raise awareness about its MFGM ingredients—which contain whey protein and are a source of essential amino acids, complex milk lipids and other nutrients—and also communicate the potential for MFGM to create functional nutrition products targeting adults, toddlers and older children. To that end, Arla Food Ingredients aims to introduce three concepts featuring MFGM in functional nutrition products for children and adults, including a squeezable cheese, a kids’ UHT drink and high-protein drinking yogurt. (Company reports)

As China continues to enact birth rate stimulus measures to promote parenting, infant formula maker Feihe is reportedly launching its own nationwide maternity subsidy program this month. The program will provide each eligible family with a subsidy of no less than 1,500 yuan (about US$206). The total investment for the promotion, which equates to about six cans of free formula per family, will amount to RMB1.2 billion (about US$162 million). Analysts predict it could lead to margin reset risks for competitors including Danone, Yili, Friso and a2 Milk Co. (Dairy Reporter, 4/2/25)

In an effort to help address the issue of undernutrition in school-age children in the Philippines, Switzerland-based Nestlé is expanding its Bear Brand range with a new, “affordable” drink combining powdered milk and soy for school-age children. The product is called Bear Brand Milk N’ Soy. … Nestlé is also expanding its Nescafé Ready-to-Drink cold coffee range to India, the Middle East/North Africa (MENA) region and Brazil as it looks to tap growing demand among Gen Z and Millennial consumers. The range includes varieties like latte, cappuccino and mocha as well as chocolate and caramel flavors. … Wisconsin-based dairy co-op Foremost Farms announced that President and CEO Greg Schlafer resigned his role, effective April 11. Schlafer, who joined Foremost Farms in December 2019, will reportedly “take some time to rest and recharge before his role at another organization begins mid-year.” The company said it was moving ahead with a search for a replacement. … French dairy giant Danone said it plans to shut its Ochsenfurt, Germany, site by the final quarter of next year. The company said production costs at the site are “well above the average of other European Danone plants” and cited “years of inefficiency caused by declining capacity utilization.” … The Dairy Nexus Project, a new research and development facility designed to boost innovation and sustainability in the dairy industry, officially opened at Scotland's Rural College's (SRUC) Barony campus. The facility is funded with £4 million (about US$4.4 million) from the UK and Scottish governments and £738,00 (about US$808,000) from South of Scotland Enterprise. (Company reports; FoodBev Media, 4/8/25; BBC, 4/4/25)

Hilmar Cheese named former Foremost Farms USA President and CEO Greg Schlafer as the company’s new CEO effective July 1. Schlafer replaces David Ahlem, who announced he was stepping down as CEO in late 2024. Ahlem will become a board advisor. Schlafer has served on the boards of the National Council of Farmer Cooperatives, NMPF and the Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy. Prior to Foremost, he held leadership roles at J.R. Simplot, Lamb Weston and General Mills. He will be only the third CEO in Hilmar’s 41-year history. (Company reports)

Wales-based South Caernarfon Creameries (SCC) and its dairy processing line designer/manufacture Gemak completed SCC’s new whey, milk and cream processing facility. Gemal says the plant meets SCC’s net-zero water goals for processing whey concentrate with 30% solids. In addition to the whey processing plant, the project also includes a new milk and cream processing plant, storage silos and a CIP unit for SCC’s existing cheese plant. The facility has a processing capacity of 600 tons per day of milk and whey concentrate. In an effort to bolster its competitiveness in the global market, SCC recently undertook a £15 million (about US$17 million) expansion to ramp-up cheese production from 15,000 to 23,000 tons annually, including £5 million (about US$6 million) in support from the Welsh government. (Company reports)

As part of its strategy to enter the growing functional health yogurt and drinks market, Müller UK & Ireland acquired UK.-based kefir brand Biotiful Gut Health. The Biotiful Gut Health business will continue to operate as usual, with Founder Natasha Bowes supporting the team in an advisory capacity to ensure a smooth transition and Müller Yogurts & Desserts CEO Richard Williams joining the existing leadership team to support the brand’s growth. … Spain-based dairy group Capsa Food acquired an additional 20% stake in local cheese maker Innolact, which supplies cream cheese, mascarpone and other dairy products to 45 countries across five continents. The acquisition makes Capsa, which acquired a 40% stake in the cheese maker in July, Innolact’s majority shareholder. … In a move to strengthen its specialty cheese platform, New Jersey-based food importer Gellert Global Group acquired Heartisan Foods, a Wisconsin-based producer of premium branded and private-label specialty cheeses including the Red Apple and Naturally Good Kosher brands. (Company reports: Just Food, 4/11/25)

British dairy cooperative Arla Foods began work on its previously announced £179 million (about US$203 million) mozzarella plant at its Taw Valley Creamery in Devon, UK. … Following Feihe’s lead, Chinese infant formula makers Yili Group and Junlebao are offering subsidies to encourage couples to have babies. The two programs are funded at about $219 million each. Yili’s program will offer qualifying households about $220 each and also provide health and counseling services during pregnancy and the first three years of a child’s life. Details on Junlebao’s program were unavailable at press time. … Ireland-based Kerry Group expanded its footprint in East Africa with the opening of a taste manufacturing facility in Rwanda to support local food and beverage manufacturers. A company statement said the facility, which is located in Kigali, will enable Kerry “to deliver sustainable and authentic taste solutions tailored to local preferences and build on Kerry’s strategy to locate manufacturing and R&D facilities closer to high-growth markets across the continent.” … To improve production efficiency and profitability, Finnish dairy company Valio said it plans to relocate the Kauhava factory operations it acquired from Raisio plc in March to Oulu or Joensuu. If implemented, the plan would mean the closure of the Kauhava factory as early as the end of the year. … French dairy group Yoplait filed a lawsuit in Ireland against Danone alleging the company has imitated Yoplait’s Skyr yogurt range with its own product. (USDEC China office; USDEC Middle East/North Africa office; Company reports; Food Business Gulf & Middle East, 4/5/25; Irish Independent, 4/14/25; FoodBev Media, 4/16/25)

Australia-based dairy manufacturer Brownes Dairy was put up for sale after its biggest lender, China’s Mengniu Dairy, called in its A$200 million (about US$128 million) loan. Mengniu appointed McGrathNicol’s Keith Crawford for the sale, who said that because the sale is limited solely to shares in the dairy’s holding company, Australian Zhiran Co. Pty, he does not anticipate any change to Brownes Dairy’s day-to-day operations. (Australian Financial Review, 4/22/25)

In a move to keep up with “soaring product demand,” New York-based Chobani broke ground on a new $1.2 billion, 1.4-million-square-foot dairy processing plant in Rome, New York. The facility, which is being built on 150 acres that was formerly the Griffiss Air Force Base, will reportedly house up to 28 production lines designed to process approximately 12 million pounds of milk per day. Chobani expects to complete the project by the end of 2026. (Company reports)

After Egypt’s Arabian Food Industries, widely known as Domty, announced it will divide into two separate entities, Danish dairy company Arla Foods withdrew its offer to acquire a majority stake in the business and said it will instead pursue a potential deal focused on the entity that will control Domty’s dairy operations after the separation is complete. The demerger process is expected to take several months. … New York-based food and beverage company PepsiCo reinforced its commitment in the Middle East with the opening of a new regional headquarters in Riyadh’s King Abdullah Financial District. The company also announced plans to launch a new SR30 million (about US$8 million) R&D center in the Kingdom that will focus on innovation in product development and packaging tailored to regional preferences. … French dairy giant Danone announced plans to stop selling its plant-based organic brand Provamel in Germany this August. The company said it is preparing to launch a range of organic plant-based products under its Alpro brand. … France-based dairy company Bel Group partnered with French biotech firm Standing Ovation to develop casein proteins derived through precision fermentation technology. … California-based burrito chain Chipotle Mexican Grill signed a development agreement with Mexico-based restaurant operator Alsea to open restaurants in Mexico for the first time. The burrito chain said it expects the initial outlet to open early next year and that it is considering further expansion in the region. (USDEC Middle East/North Africa office; Company reports; Just Food, 4/22/25; Arab News, 4/21/25; Dairy Business Africa, 4/15/25)

Minnesota-based Actus Nutrition finalized an agreement to purchase a 99,000-sq.-ft. processing plant from Wisconsin-based Foremost Farms USA. The facility, located in Sparta, Wisconsin, currently manufactures whey protein products, which Actus will continue producing at the location. As part of the deal, Actus and Foremost Farms will begin a long-term exclusive, network-wide whey protein partnership supporting growth for both organizations. Actus plans to invest significant capital in the facility to increase capacity and expand its capabilities. (Company reports)

Australia-based Bega Cheese announced that a lawsuit filed by Fonterra over licensing agreements and the New Zealand dairy firm's divestment plan was dismissed by the Supreme Court of New South Wales. Last year, Fonterra's Australian units initiated proceedings against Bega, seeking confirmation that Fonterra's divestment proposal would not impact the existing trademark license agreements with Bega. Fonterra has a long-standing agreement to make cheese in Australia under the Bega brand, and wanted a ruling that its divestment plans would not affect the existing trademark deal and trigger clauses which would allow Bega to end the deal. The ruling could potentially delay Fonterra’s proposed divestiture of its global consumer and integrated businesses and complicate the potential changes to the license deal between the two firms. (Radio New Zealand, 4/28/25; Reuters, 4/27/25)

After police in Vietnam dismantled a major counterfeit milk powder operation targeting vulnerable consumers, Vietnam’s Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh ordered several government ministries to review food safety regulations and step up measures against counterfeit food and milk products. The manufacturing ring, which involved two companies that were created to make and sell the fake product, is accused of producing and marketing 573 brands of counterfeit powdered milk and targeting vulnerable groups like diabetics, kidney patients, premature infants, and pregnant women over the last four years. (The Vietnam Dairy Association confirmed that the two companies involved in the fake milk production are not members.) The resulting government review reportedly may result in changes to food safety regulations involving dairy products in the country. (NutraIngredients-Asia 4/23/25)

In its FY 2024 annual results, Tirlán reported group revenue for FY24 was up 5% from the previous year and operating profit dropped 2%. The Irish dairy cooperative’s annual report characterized 2024 as “a year of two distinct halves for our co-op and our members.” The co-op backed its members financially with a €30 million (about US$34.1 million) support package offered in the face of weather challenges in the first half of the year that curtailed milk supply and resulted in the late sowing of crops, but that milk supply “made a strong recovery in the later months of 2024.” (Agriland, 4/29/25)

The South Australian government took the unusual step of establishing an A$3 million fund (about US$1.9 million) to support dairy farmers affected by the bankruptcy filing of Australian dairy processor Beston Global Food. Beston was buying about one-fifth of the milk produced in South Australia before entering voluntary administration late last year. … Despite widespread opposition from the local union and other stakeholders, Danish dairy company Arla Foods confirmed it will continue with its plans to close its Settle creamery and relocate production to its Lockerbie factory. … Switzerland-based Nestlé appointed Jeff Hamilton, currently business head of Purina PetCare Zone Europe, as CEO Zone Americas (AMS) and member of the Group Executive Board, effective July 1. He replaces Steve Presley, executive vice president and CEO Zone AMS, who will retire from the company this week after almost 30 years of service. … Following its decision to focus on higher value ingredients such as advanced proteins and medical nutrition, New Zealand’s Fonterra said it plans to shutter its Canpac canning and packaging facility. The facility, which is located in Hamilton, New Zealand, and blends and packages milk powders, will close at the end of July. … Lactalis Canada entered a new licensing agreement with Nestlé Canada to enter the frozen yogurt category. The collaboration features eight SKUs under Lactalis Canada’s iÖGO brand including four bars and four tubs, and three pops under the iÖGO nanö brand. (ABC Rural, 4/27/25; Farming UK, 4/27/25; Company reports)

Wisconsin-based Foremost Farms USA named Brenda Dehart president and CEO, effective immediately. Dehart joined Foremost Farms in February 2024 as CFO. She previously served as CFO at Edlong and held leadership roles at Sensient Technologies and Kerry Inc. Former Foremost chief Greg Schlafer stepped down in April to become take over as president and CEO of Hilmar Cheese. (Company reports)

Japan-based Meiji Holdings Co. and Canada-based Saputo have reportedly joined the list of potential bidders for the global consumer businesses that New Zealand’s Fonterra Co-operative Group is looking to divest. The proposed divestiture includes the operations and marketing of brands such as Mainland and Anchor butter, Kapiti ice cream and cheese, and Anlene packaged milk powder. The sale also includes the Fonterra Oceania and Fonterra Sri Lanka units, with operations from milk collection to processing to supplying products to consumers and foodservice companies. A deal for the businesses Fonterra is divesting is estimated to be valued at around NZ$4 billion (about US$2.4 billion). Separately, Fonterra said it planned to appeal a ruling last week by the New South Wales Supreme Court. The court dismissed Fonterra’s claim that the divestment would not affect its trademark deal with Bega Cheese, and there was some speculation the dismissal could delay a sale. Fonterra said the dismissal does not change its divestment plans, and it will continue to pursue both a trade sale and initial public offering (IPO) as potential options. (Rural News Group, 5/7/25; Reuters, 5/1/25)

Recent financial results in the Chinese dairy industry reveal a mixed landscape marked by areas of strong growth alongside ongoing challenges. Chinese dairy companies credit product innovation, cost control measures and improvements to operational efficiencies for their positive gains, and say they are looking to enhance future results through similar efforts.

• In its 2025 Q1 report, Chinese cheese company Milkground said its revenue reached US$169 million, up 6% YOY. Net profit of the company reached about US$11 million, a leap of 115% YOY. In the first quarter, Milkground increased its investments in product innovation, launching a series of new cheese items focused on products targeting family eating occasions and nutritional demands, including cheese marketed for children’s growth and cheese snacks. Milkground said it will continue to focus on innovation in cheese snacks and other products for adolescents and adults, family table consumption and sales to corporations. It also plans to enhance its supply chain, producing domestically made cheese products using milk produced at local farms.
• Xinjiang Terun Dairy reported that 2024 revenue was about US$383 million, an increase of 3% YOY. However, net profit plummeted 69% to about US$6 million. The dairy company cited the decrease of the gross profit from dairy farm operations, which was the result of low raw milk and cattle prices amid fierce competition. A company statement said Terun expects to reach about US$410 million in revenue in 2025.
• Infant formula brand BeingMate reported first-quarter revenue at about US$100 million, up 1% compared to last year. Net profit increased 94% YOY to about US$6 million. The company said the increases were the result of cost control measures and increased operational efficiencies. In recent years, it has actively expanded its product lines and market layouts, especially in the promotion of e-commerce channels.
• Bright Dairy’s Q1 2025 report showed revenue at US$877 million, down almost 1% YOY. net profit was about US$19 million, a decrease of 18% YOY. Despite the pressure on profitability, the company said it would improve its performance by optimizing its product portfolios and improving operational efficiency.
• Sanyuan Dairy reported first-quarter revenue of about US$227 million, a decrease of 19%. However, the net profit was about US$12 million, up 21% YOY—a result attributed to cost control measures.
• Total 2024 revenue for Yili Group was about US$16 billion, with the net profit at US$1 billion, both representing a YOY decrease. Meanwhile, its 2025 Q1 report showed revenue at about US$5 billion, up 1% YOY, with the profit increasing 24% to about US$637 million. Though the company still ranks first regarding market share of liquid milk, it said it focused more on its double-digit growth of powdered formula products this year. (USDEC China Office)
  

To strengthen its presence in Portugal, France-based dairy company Lactalis said it will acquire local cheese maker Queijos Tavares from Lisbon-based private-equity firm Crest Capital Partners. Queijos Tavares produces cow’s, sheep and goat’s milk cheeses and supplies products under the brands Seia do Tavares, Serras de Penela, Damar and Monte da Soalheira to food distributors and the hospitality sector. The acquisition includes Queijos Tavares’ two production facilities located in Seia and Fundão and will increase Lactalis’ production sites in Portugal to four. The deal is subject to approval by regulatory authorities. (Just Food, 5/1/25)

As part of its efforts to simplify its operational footprint, Australia-based Bega Group said it will close its cheese processing and packaging facility in Strathmerton, Victoria, and transfer its functions to the company’s Ridge Street site in Bega, New South Wales. To support the transfer, Bega Group plans to invest approximately A$50 million (about US$32 million) in the Ridge Street site to modernize its cheese processing and packing capabilities to accommodate the combined operations. The closure is expected to be completed by mid-2026. (Just Food, 5/6/25)

Argentine dairy processor Mastellone Hermanos rejected a bid from Argentine confectionery manufacturer Arcor to acquire La Serenísima. Mastellone Hermanos owns a 51% stake in fellow dairy processor La Serenísima and criticized Arcor’s bid as undervaluing the company. Arcor and Bagley Argentina, a division of Danone, currently own 49% of La Serenísima. (Dairy News Today, 5/5/25)

Last month, K Coffee, a subsidiary coffee brand of KFC, marked its 1,000th China outlet in Beijing. The brand’s rapid expansion since opening standalone stores two years ago has been credited to opening stores close to KFC outlets and covering venues including airports and tourist destinations. … Clearway Capital, a German investment firm that’s an activist investor in Irish nutrition company Glanbia, wrote a plea to the board of Tirlán, Glanbia’s largest shareholder, seeking support for a “fundamental strategic review focused on separating Glanbia’s distinct business units.” The letter calls out “the persistently disappointing returns that Glanbia has delivered to its shareholders over the past several years including to Tirlán Co-operative Society and to the thousands of society members who own shares directly.” … New Zealand-based boutique dairy company Origin Earth announced it will close after receiving a notice from its landlord that the lease was ending and Origin Earth had to be out of the building by May 31. Officials from the company, which has been producing a range of milk, cheese and yoghurt products for 15 years, said they have listed the business and factory equipment for sale and are hoping someone might buy the Origin Earth brand. (USDEC China office; Agriland, 4/24/25; Radio New Zealand, 5/4/25)

Switzerland-based Nestlé announced the creation of a new center for “deep tech” that will screen, test and develop new generations of sensors, robots, coding systems, high-performing AI and virtual/mixed reality solutions “to increase efficiency in research, innovation and operations.” The company said the resulting enhanced R&D expertise will lead to new nutritional solutions that will bolster Nestlé’s consumer-centric innovation pipelines for maternal, early life and medical nutrition, and support new growth platforms such as healthy longevity, women’s health and weight management. The center will open in the first half of 2026 at the existing facilities of the Nestlé System Technology Center in Orbe, Switzerland. (Company reports)

Canadian dairy co-operative Gay Lea Foods completed the sale of Notre Dame Creamery in Manitoba to local peer Fromagerie Chaeban Ltd. The creamery, which is known for producing “high-quality, conventionally churned” butter in small batches, will remain in operation at its current location. … France-based Danone agreed to acquire a majority stake in California-based Kate Farms, a plant-based and organic nutrition brand that produces a range of everyday and specialized nutrition products, including children’s drinks and medical nutrition shakes. Following the closing of the transaction, which is subject to regulatory approvals, Kate Farms’ CEO, Brett Matthews, will serve as chairman and CEO of Danone’s North America medical nutrition business. (Company reports)

Chinese dairy beverage maker Liziyuan is spending $44 million on a new processing facility in the Ningxia Autonomous Region. The plant, which the company expects to complete in December 2025, will make WMP, SMP, condensed milk, whipped cream and cheese. … Dutch food company Royal A-ware said it will close a Belgian dairy factory operated by its subsidiary Olympia, which became part of Royal A-aware Food Group in 2022. Despite efforts to increase efficiency at the plant—which is located in Herne and produces cream, oatmeal desserts and other puddings, yogurt, milk and chocolate milk—A-ware said, “too many of the installations and infrastructure are so outdated that complete new construction is needed.” … As part of its efforts to gradually move production from its Vantaa plant to Joensuu, Finnish dairy and food company Valio is investing roughly €30 million (about US$33 million) in a new cheese maturation warehouse to be built at the Joensuu production plant. The project, which includes constructing a new, automated maturation warehouse and upgrading existing facilities to support the move, is expected to be complete by 2027. … U.S. burger chain Shake Shack signed a licensing deal with Panama’s Grupo Attie-Multifood Enterprises that will see Attie-Multifood open 12 Shake Shack restaurants over the next 10 years. Shake Shack has more than 210 international units, all of which are run through licensing agreements. … New Zealand sheep milk processor Maui Food Group signed a deal with China’s Mengniu Dairy to supply sheep milk to China. (USDEC China office; Company reports; Restaurant Business, 5/13/25)

Bob Carroll officially assumed the role of CEO at USDEC member California Milk Advisory Board. Carroll, who was serving as CMAB vice president of business development, takes over from John Talbot, who announced plans to retire in March. Talbot has been working with Carroll during a transition period and will continue to serve at a reduced capacity over the balance of the year working on a variety of strategic projects.

Italian dairy company Granarolo opened a new dairy facility in Gioia del Colle as part of a €25 million (about US$28 million) investment aimed at expanding production of traditional Apulian cheeses in both local and foreign markets. The “Perla” plant, which had been producing milk under the Perla and Granarolo brands, has been upgraded to now manufacture regional cheese specialties, including burrata, stracciatella, buffalo mozzarella and ricotta. The facility includes custom-designed production lines built to improve the microbiological quality of the burrata and improve shelf-life, supporting the company’s export ambitions to meet growing international demand. (Food & Drink Technology, 5/16/25)

Brazil-based dairy company Grupo Piracanjuba acquired local dairy business Natulact in a move that will give Piracanjuba its first manufacturing site in the northeast of the country. Natulact’s portfolio includes mozzarella, Minas frescal cheese, butter and whey powder. Piracanjuba said it plans to maintain Natulact’s cheese lines while gradually expanding the portfolio and increasing production capacity. Production will continue under the Natulact brand initially and then move to Piracanjuba branding over time. The deal is subject to regulatory approval. (Just Food, 5/20/25)

Denmark-based Arla Foods Ingredients extended its distribution partnership with Germany’s Brenntag Group to include Vietnam, Thailand and Indonesia. The expanded collaboration, which will allow Brenntag to distribute Arla Foods Ingredients’ portfolio of protein ingredients in Southeast Asia’s three largest food and nutrition markets, will cover a wide range of categories including health foods, infant nutrition and sports nutrition, as well as solutions for functionality in dairy and bakery. (Company reports)

In a move to reduce on-farm methane emissions, French food company Danone signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Mexico-based biodigester technology provider Sistema.bio to equip 6,500 smallholder dairy farmers with biodigesters by 2030. The systems, which transform livestock waste into renewable biogas and organic fertilizer will be deployed in several geographies where Danone operates, starting with Mexico, India and Morocco. (Company reports)

New York-based Chobani acquired plant-based frozen smoothies and meals startup Daily Harvest, which is also based in New York. A statement from Daily Harvest said the company’s website, products and team would remain the same under the deal, which marks Chobani’s entry into the ready-to-make meals category. (Food Dive, 5/16/25)

Chinese dairy processor Royal Group is reportedly associated with a new project to build a $49-million dairy plant in Hubei Province. Details are limited, but the plant will produce up to 300 MT of finished product per day once completed. Construction began this month. … Arla Foods said production at its plant in the German town of Upahl was disrupted by a cybersecurity incident that involved “suspicious activity” in the co-op’s IT network. The Danish co-op did not provide any details about the cyberattack, but said it expected normal operations to resume in the days following the incident. … Japan-based Asahi Group launched a new product called Like Milk, a yeast-based, dairy-free milk alternative that’s being marketed as the first yeast-derived milk alternative in Japan. Like Milk will be available online only, with a nationwide release slated for 2026. (USDEC China office; Just Food, 5/20/25; Dairy Reporter, 5/19/25)

Five UAE-based food producers—Al Ain Farms, Marmum Dairy, Al Ajban Chicken, Golden Eggs (Al Jazira Poultry) and Saha Arabian Farms—came together under a newly launched entity called Al Ain Farms Group (AAFG). The group, which is backed by UAE-based investment firms Ghitha Holding and Yas Holding, aims to support the country’s long-term food security and industrial innovation goals and will focus on dairy, poultry, juice and egg production. The consolidation is part of the UAE’s wider efforts under its National Food Security Strategy 2051, which aims to enhance local food production capabilities and reduce import dependence. Hassan Safi, group CEO of AAFG, said the consolidation brings the best of each brand under one unified umbrella and its priority is to “deliver wholesome, high-quality, accessible nutrition to every home in the UAE—and extend that impact through collaborations with leading partners in integrated production, advanced R&D and automation.” AAFG outlined a five-year plan to scale up operations and invest in new technologies. Officials said the group will continue to supply a significant share of the UAE’s dairy and poultry needs, while also working on new product lines, including sugar-free and alternative protein products. (USDEC Middle East/North Africa office; Gulf Insider, 5/23/25; Gulf News, 5/20/25)

Land O’Lakes President and CEO Beth Ford was named No. 12 on Fortune’s 2025 Most Powerful Women in Business list. This year’s recognition highlights Ford’s commitment to tackling challenges facing the agriculture industry, from advocating for legal immigration reform and advancing trade efforts, to improving access to healthcare and supporting the vitality of rural communities. She has served as president and CEO of Land O’Lakes since 2018. (Company reports)

The California dairy sector and Dairy Cares, a nonprofit coalition of California dairy leaders dedicated to sustaining dairy farming through environmental stewardship and responsible animal care, announced that this year the state's dairy farms will achieve an annual reduction of five million metric tons of methane (5 MMTCO2e/year). Achieving this milestone means the state's family dairy farms are more than two-thirds of the way to delivering their share of California's goal to reduce livestock methane emissions by 40% below 2013 levels by 2030. Strategies that California dairy farms have implemented to achieve this reduction include methane capture and reutilization with the use of dairy digesters, methane avoidance through more than 128 alternative manure management projects, and milk production efficiency combined with herd attrition to produce more milk with fewer cows. (Company reports)

Florida-based Firehouse Subs, owned by Restaurant Brands International, signed a franchise deal with Mexico-based restaurant operator Foodplay to develop 100 locations in Mexico over the next five years. The agreement is the latest in a series of deals to expand the brand internationally—the first Firehouse united in Brazil and Australia later this year. … Denmark-based Arla Foods Ingredients (AFI) and Australia and New Zealand-based specialty food and beverage ingredients distributor Alchemy Agencies announced a new distribution partnership to serve the performance nutrition market in Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific Islands. The agreement supports AFI’s strategy to expand sales in Southeast Asia and Oceania, and covers its range of premium nutrition ingredients. … Daisy Brand broke ground on a new 750,000-sq.-ft., $676-million sour cream and cottage cheese manufacturing plant in Boone, Iowa. The company initially announced the project last year. The company expects to complete construction in 2027, with the plant becoming fully operational the following year. (Company reports; Restaurant Business, 5/28/25; Dairy Herd Management, 5/23/25)

Vietnam’s Nutifood and Australia’s ViPlus Dairy formed a joint venture to co-found a new “international premium nutritional brand.” The joint venture, called ViPlus Nutritional Australia, will launch an Australian-standard premium dairy brand to be known as GippsNature. It will focus on nutritional products spanning all life stages, from children and adults to seniors, along with nutritional supplements. GippsNature will first roll out in Vietnam in the third quarter of this year, with a wider international launch to follow. (Business Daily Media, 6/3/25)

Denmark-based Arla Foods Ingredients signed a new distribution agreement with Brazil-based specialty ingredient and flavor solutions distributor MasterSense to bring its nutrition solutions to the Chilean market. The agreement expands a collaboration that began in Mexico in 2024 and covers Arla’s solutions in the performance nutrition and food and beverage segments—two key segments that both companies say have high potential for further development. (Company reports)

In a move to enhance product offerings and expand its market reach, Wisconsin-based Sartori Cheese announced the acquisition of California-based cheese and butter producer Rumiano Cheese. Sartori will maintain the cheesemaking division of Rumiano Cheese Co. in Crescent City. Meanwhile, as part of its strategic growth initiative to expand manufacturing efforts outside the upper Midwest, Wisconsin-based cheese packaging and distribution company Masters Gallery Foods purchased Rumiano's converting operation in Willows, California. Masters Gallery said Rumiano’s Northern California location will enable the company to service customers on the West Coast without the added freight costs associated with shipping products to and from Wisconsin. (Company reports)

Following the European success of Nestlé’s early-life-nutrition product Sinergity, the Switzerland-based food giant is rolling the product out in markets throughout Latin America and the Middle East, with launches in additional parts of Asia planned for later this year. Under the NAN brand, Sinergity combines probiotics with six human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) that the company says are structurally identical to those found in breastmilk. The company called Sinergity “a key innovation” in which it sees significant growth potential while addressing evolving consumer expectations and needs. (Company reports)

Minnesota-based General Mills announced that the regulatory review for the sale of its U.S. yogurt business to France-based Lactalis is complete and has been cleared. The companies are aiming for the deal to close in late June. (Company reports)

French dairy giant Danone said it plans to spend €6 million (about US$7 million) this year and next to increase output at its dairy factory in the Almaty region of Kazakhstan from 18,000 MT a year to 40,000 MT. The plant makes products sold under such brands as Activia, Danoninio and Danissimo, exporting about one-third to countries in the Caucasus, Central Asia and Mongolia. … FrieslandCampina’s Malaysian operational company Dutch Lady Milk Industries Berhad (DLMI) unveiled its new state-of-the-art distribution center at its manufacturing facility, DLMI@Enstek, in Negeri Sembilan. The distribution center, which has a capacity of nearly 25,000 pallets, completes DLMI's production and distribution infrastructure on the 13-hectare site. … Finnish dairy company Valio said it will relocate the Kauhava factory operations it acquired from Raisio plc in March to Joensuu. The company estimates the Kauhava factory will be closed by the end of this year. … Egypt-based dairy products manufacturer Juhayna rolled out a new out-of-home ad campaign across Cairo to introduce its latest product—lactose-free milk (in fat-free and 3% fat variants). The high-visibility billboards emphasize the advantages of lactose-free milk in an effort to raise awareness about lactose intolerance and provide a solution for individuals already concerned about lactose. …After outgrowing its existing production site, Virginia-based Nightingale Ice Cream Sandwiches said it will relocate its production and corporate headquarters to a new 29,000-sq.-ft. facility in its home city of Richmond. … Danone also announced that Shane Grant, group deputy CEO, CEO Americas and executive vice president Dairy, Plant-Based and Global Sales, and a member of Danone’s Executive Committee, is stepping down effective June 13. Véronique Penchienati-Bosetta, Group Deputy CEO, will assume his duties in addition to her current responsibilities for the time being. … To focus resources on its core brands, France-based dairy company Bel Group said it will discontinue its plant-based cheese brand, Nurishh, by the end of 2025. As part of the closure, Bel Group will also shut down its Saint-Nazaire production site. (USDEC Middle East/North Africa office; Company reports; Dairy Business Middle East & Africa, 5/26/25; Dairy Foods, 5/30/25; Just Food, 6/2/25; Vegconomist, 5/4/25)

Seattle-based dairy producer Darigold began receiving and processing milk at its new facility in Pasco, Washington. The new plant represents more than $1 billion in investment in Washington's dairy sector, including both construction and on-farm expansion. It will process up to 8 million lbs. of milk per day from more than 100 regional farms, producing butter and powdered milk products for customers across the U.S. and in some 30 countries worldwide. Meanwhile, Oregon’s Tillamook County Creamery Association began production at its new ice cream facility in Decatur, Illinois—its first outside its home state in more than a century of operation. The plant, which is expected to produce 15.5 million gallons a year as production scales, was built as part of the company’s efforts to gain access to its growing consumer base in the eastern U.S. (Company reports)

As urban Indian consumers become more health conscious, demand for protein is on the rise. In response, Indian dairy cooperative Amul is scaling its whey protein production efforts, further processing its whey for use in higher-protein versions of products like cheese, chocolate bars and ice cream. It’s also developing new products, including high-protein paneer flatbreads, sandwiches and lime water. To keep up with rising demand, a spokesman said the company is doubling the size of its whey protein plant in Palanpur and building two new protein facilities. Heightened Indian consumer interest in protein may also be helping boost U.S. high-protein whey exports after a down year in 2024. Through the first four months of 2025, U.S. high-protein whey shipments to India were up 9% (+132 MT). (Bloomberg, 6/9/25)

In its results for the fourth quarter and fiscal year ended March 31, 2025, Canadian dairy processor Saputo reported 2025 revenues increased 4.6% and net earnings dropped 19.6%. The report noted improved performance in all of the company’s divisions except its Dairy Division (Argentina). It also said in Australia, results reflected an improved relationship between international cheese and dairy ingredient market prices and the cost of milk. Looking ahead, Saputo said the direct impact of trade-related tariffs on its business is expected to be “limited and manageable,” and that it anticipates organic sales growth in its U.S. sector and continued strong performance in Canada. The Europe sector is also expected to see an improved performance, supported by margin recovery initiatives including disciplined pricing and volume acceleration, the maturation of previously launched initiatives, and a continued focus on cost efficiency. (Company reports)

In a move to streamline its portfolio, Australia’s Maggie Beer Holdings agreed to sell its dairy subsidiary, Paris Creek Farms, to local group Katoomba Global Foods for AUD$500,000 (about US$326,000). The sale of Paris Creek Farms, whose product portfolio includes milk, butter, cheese and flavored yogurt, is expected to be completed next week. (Just Food, 6/10/25)

Vertically integrated dairy producer Youchan Husbandry is building a $70 million farm and processing facility in Jinchang City, Hebei Province. The company has not released details on what the plant will produce, but the company is known for fermented milk and other milk-based beveraqes. … To meet rising demand, Denmark-based dairy cooperative Arla Foods is investing €34.5 million (about US$39 million) in a new skyr production line in Linköping, Sweden. The new production line is scheduled to open in early 2028 and will primarily supply the Swedish market. … U.S. pizza chain Little Caesar’s plans to open its first Indian store this month in the Delhi National Capital Region this month and plans to have 100 Indian outlets by the end of the decade. The company says it is “thinking about hundreds and eventually thousands of stores over time,” in addition to expanding in Southeast Asia, the UAE and Brazil. (USDEC China office; Reuters, 6/9/25; FoodBev Media, 6/9/25)

In an effort to meet local demand and reduce the country’s reliance on imports, the Egypt Future Authority for Sustainable Development announced plans to build a $500-million factory to produce infant formula. The factory will be developed in partnership with the private sector, which will manage and operate the facility. A spokesperson for the authority said investment proposals had been received from Egyptian and Emirati companies, but no final decision on a partner has been reached. The factory is expected to begin operations in early 2027. (USDEC Middle East/North Africa Office; Egypt Daily News, 6/2/25)

After joining the list of potential bidders for Fonterra’s global consumer business, Australian dairy group Bega Cheese confirmed it is seeking informal regulatory approval for the potential acquisition. The company said it has advised the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) that it intends to lodge an application ‘imminently’ for informal clearance. (FoodBev Media, 6/17/25)

Idaho-based Dairy West and Dairy Farmers of Washington announced a new partnership designed to broaden dairy representation in the region. The alliance, which will move forward under the Dairy West brand, aims to achieve greater efficiency and enhanced value for dairy producers in Washington, Idaho and Utah. It will be led by Dairy Farmers of Washington's executive director, Steve Seppi, who will become the new CEO of Dairy West. (Dairy Processing, 6/11/25)

Nigeria-based dairy manufacturer FrieslandCampina WAMCO announced it is partnering with the country’s Federal Ministry of Livestock Development to establish a dairy academy aimed at advancing Nigeria’s dairy sector. The academy will be located on a 20-hectare plot at Maya Farm in Oyo State and will serve as a specialized training hub for farmers and service providers. It will be equipped with a training hall, laboratory, cow sheds, hay barns, silage storage and essential farm machinery. The facility will provide training in modern dairy farming, milk hygiene, animal health and climate-smart agriculture and will also offer flexible courses alongside an intensive artificial insemination program. (USDEC Middle East/North Africa office; Dairy Business Middle East & Africa, 6/11/25)

Danone announced the opening of a new $65 million production line in Jacksonville, Florida to meet increased demand for its coffee and creamer brands such as International Delight and STōK Cold Brew. The company is also investing in a new regional distribution center in the same area to help supply products to the Southeastern U.S. … Kentucky-based global fast-food operator Yum Brands has promoted Chris Turner, chief financial and franchise officer, to CEO, replacing the retiring David Gibbs. Turner is expected to assume the role on Oct. 1. (Company reports)

New Zealand’s Open Country Dairy expects to launch its first commercial butter within the next two months. The product, made possible by a multi-million-dollar investment at its Waharoa, North Island, cheese facility, also includes upgrades to whey processing capabilities that will allow higher-grade whey, the company says. Open Country says it hopes the project will help it meet rising global demand for both butter and high-protein whey. Additional projects are in the works for Open Country operations in Whanganui, North Island, where they are adding separators and a reverse osmosis facility, and Awarua, South Island, which might be getting a new cheese plant. (Rural News Group, 6/24/25)

New York-based Cayuga Milk Ingredients announced the opening of a two-phase, $270 million expansion project in the Town of Aurelius. In the first phase of the expansion, the Eagle Drive facility purchased and installed an ultra-high temperature (UHT)/aseptic low-acid packaging system and a new reverse-osmosis filtration system. The second phase added new machinery and equipment and expanded the facility’s wastewater treatment plant. The updated facility will enable the company to produce value-added products, including high-protein milk, powders and ultrafiltered dairy ingredients. Meanwhile, in Nebraska, DARI Processing broke ground on the state’s first new dairy processing plant in more than 60 years. The $186 million facility will be located on a 40-acre site within the Seward, Nebraska, Rail Campus. It will process approximately 1.8 million pounds of milk per day, producing shelf-stable dairy products targeted at several markets, including global export channels, schools and food banks. A company spokesman said the project will also “help keep 30% of the state’s milk production from being processed elsewhere.” The plant is expected to be fully operational by the first quarter of 2027. (Morning AgClips, 6/18/25; Dairy Herd Management, 6/19/25)

Dutch retailer Albert Heijn launched a new range of dairy and plant milk blends that were developed through a partnership between Farm Dairy Netherlands and PlanetDairy Denmark. The product aims to combine the taste and nutrition of dairy with the environmental appeal associated with plant ingredients. The partnership plans to expand into yogurt blends next. (Company reports)

The proposed merger of Denmark-based Arla Foods and Germany’s DMK Group, which was announced earlier this year, was approved by the boards of both companies. The deal is now subject to regulatory approval, which is expected to be completed in early 2026. … Danone acquired Belgium’s The Akkermansia Co. to bolster its gut health business. In 2004, Akkermansia discovered and developed a biotic strain, Akkermansia muciniphila MucT™ that, the company says, reinforces the gut barrier, reduces inflammation, and counteract ametabolic disorders such as obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular disease. (Company reports)

China's Feihe Dairy and bakery company Ligao Foods reportedly established a joint venture known as Heli Dairy Co. in Inner Mongolia. The new company will focus on dairy processing and technological consultation. (USDEC China office)

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The U.S. Dairy Export Council fosters collaborative industry partnerships with processors, trading companies and others to enhance global demand for U.S. dairy products and ingredients. USDEC is primarily supported by Dairy Management Inc. through the dairy farmer checkoff.