USDEC's Mid-Year 2026 Dairy Company News Review

Mergers, acquisitions, expansions, executive hires and other important news highlighted here. 

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 9 edition of our weekly, members-only newsletter, Global Dairy eBrief, and ended with news from the June 26 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.   

In a move to strengthen its local portfolio, France-based Savencia Fromage & Dairy agreed to acquire Quatá Alimentos (Quatá), a cheese and dairy products manufacturer in Brazil. Quatá Alimentos has strong regional recognition, especially its Quatá and Glória brands, which have been staples in Brazilian households for decades. The company’s portfolio spans a wide range of cheeses and dairy products, with operational bases across São Paulo, Minas Gerais and Rio de Janeiro. The acquisition is subject to approval from Brazil's antitrust authority. (Company reports)

Denmark-based Arla Foods announced it will bolster its dairy production in Nigeria, with a goal of producing 50% of its milk locally to reduce reliance in imports. The announcement comes two months after Arla Foods Nigeria officially launched its Yoghurt Factory and the Nigerian Dairy Centre of Excellence (NDCE) at the Integrated Arla-Dano Dairy Farm in Damau, Kaduna. (USDEC Middle East/North Africa office; Dairy News Today, 12/29/25)

Philippines-based fast-food group Jollibee Foods Corp. plans to spin-off all of its businesses outside its home market into a separate unit and list the company on a U.S. stock exchange. Establishing two listed businesses is designed to sharpen the strategic focus of each company, Jollibee said. The company has been growing its international profile over the past two decades, expanding the Jollibee chain into new markets and acquiring brands like Smashburger, Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf, and Compose Coffee. (Bloomberg, 1/6/25)

In the first international franchise agreement since the company launched its turnaround plan, North Carolina-based doughnut chain Krispy Kreme is selling its Japan business to Tokyo-based Unison Capital for $65 million in an effort to pay off debt. (Restaurant Business, 12/19/25)

China’s Feihe expects to open Phase 1 of a new manufacturing facility in the Ningxia Autonomous Region by July 2026. The 800,000-sq.-ft. plant will produce 6,000 MT of infant formula annually. Phase 2 will add another 290,000 sq. ft. and capacity for 34,000 additional MT per year of “high-value” dairy products, including lactoferrin. … Also in Ningxia, Sentai Dairy Co. opened a new $29 million facility to produce 20,000 MT of WMP and 600,000 MT of fluid milk per year. Three production lines at the facility are dedicated to producing milk products for coffee retailers, including Starbucks and Luckin Coffee. A Phase 2 plan will add production lines for customized products for other brands. … China’s Junlebao has reportedly begun construction on a new fluid milk plant in Anhui Province to produce 450,000 MT of milk per year. … McDonald’s opened three outlets in Yinchuan in China’s Ningxia Autonomous Region. With the openings, the company has now expanded to all 34 provincial-level administrative regions in China. McDonald’s opened a net total of 1,000 new outlets in China in 2025 and has more than 7,500 units across the country. … Chinese dairy manufacturer Deyuquan is spending $16 million to add milk beverage processing capabilities to its factory in Hebei Province. The project reportedly includes equipment to produce 66,000 MT of dairy beverages per year. … Tunisia’s Sidi Bou Ali dairy factory was taken over by the state and will restart under a new identity and revised governance. The factory, which had been closed since 2018, will operate under the name Tunisie Lait, with the goal of building the local milk supply and dairy sector stability. Previously, during peak periods, daily production at the site ranged from 400,000 to 500,000 liters. The plant is expected to launch its trial production phase by the end of the second quarter of 2026, with full-scale operations resuming by the end of the third quarter. … California-based precision fermentation company Perfect Day is planning to begin operations at its new fermentation plant in Gujarat, India, in the second half of 2026. The plant, which is part of Perfect Day’s joint venture with Gujarat-based Zydus Lifesciences, is the company’s first large-scale production site. … V&V Supremo Foods, a Chicago-based producer of authentic Mexican cheese, chorizo, and cremas, acquired 39 acres in Jefferson, Wis. Supremo intends to use the site to build a new production facility to support capacity to meet growing demand for its products. The company said the new facility will enable it to better serve retail and foodservice partners nationwide. (USDEC China office; USDEC Middle East/North Africa office; Company news; Webdo, 12/25/25; The National, 12/24/25; Global Dairy Weekly, 12/18/25)

Netherlands-based FrieslandCampina Ingredients expanded its partnership with Nippon Shinyaku to broaden its reach in Japan’s adult nutrition market. Under the agreement, FrieslandCampina Ingredients will provide dairy protein, prebiotic and application development capabilities, while Nippon Shinyaku will contribute local market expertise and its established commercial network. The collaboration will focus on developing locally adapted ingredient solutions for adult and senior nutrition, with an emphasis on areas such as muscle health, digestive health, metabolic health and immunity. (Dairy Business Middle East & Africa, 1/12/26)

Nestlé has expanded a global recall of infant formula and follow-on formula to more than 60 countries after testing identified the possible presence of cereulide, a toxin that can cause food poisoning. The expanded recall follows an earlier action announced primarily in Europe in December 2025 and affects a wide range of infant nutrition products sold under multiple Nestlé brands in countries around the world, including China, the world’s leading infant formula market. Company officials say no confirmed illnesses have been linked to the recalled products so far, and that they are working closely with regulators and monitoring the situation. (BBC, 1/5/26; Bloomberg, 1/7/26)

The government of Sharjah, UAE, opened the Mleiha Dairy Farm and Factory, a large-scale, integrated dairy production facility aimed at strengthening the emirate’s food security and public health. The complex combines dairy farming and processing on a single site, with milking parlors capable of handling several hundred cows per hour and packaging lines for milk, yogurt and labneh. The site includes animal housing, silage preparation, centralized control rooms and automated milking systems, and is expected to produce approximately 100,000 liters of milk per day. (USDEC Middle East/North Africa office; Dairy Business Middle East & Africa, 1/5/26)

Dutch butter and dough producers Royal VIVBuisman and dough specialist Van der Pol merged to create Royal Van Ballegooijen Foods, or Royal VBF. The merger brings together the Van der Pol dough brand with the branded butters and ghee manufactured by Royal VIVBuisman, under names such as Wijsman, Royal Buisman Butter and Gold Medal Ghee. … Mexico-based baking company Grupo Bimbo expanded its presence in Morocco with the acquisition of Joy Food International, a maker of packaged goods including bread, buns, tortillas and pizza dough.(Milling Middle East & Africa, 1/13/26; Just Food, 1/13/26)

New Jersey-based Jersey Mike’s Subs announced it has signed a franchise agreement with JM Submarines UK Ltd., led by Jersey Mike’s founder and chairman, Peter Cancro, to open 400 stores in the UK and Ireland. The agreement marks the company’s first European expansion, with plans to open its first location in 2026. … Bel Egypt expanded its portfolio in the country with the announcement of the launch of La Vache qui Rit White Cheese. The move marks the brand’s entry into the highly competitive white cheese category, which is a staple in the Egyptian market. … New Jersey-based Schuman Cheese announced a new partnership with UK cheesemaker Wyke Farms. Schuman will act as the exclusive supplier for Wyke Farms and its sub-brands in the U.S. market. … India’s Aavin's Tiruchy District Milk Producers’ Cooperative Union said it is ready to begin production at its new ice cream and fermented dairy plant located in Kottapattu, Tamil Nadu. The plant, which required an investment of ₹21.57 crore (about US$2.4 million), was developed under India’s Dairy Processing and Infrastructure Development Fund. … Danone North America is planning a $4 million expansion of its yogurt plant in Fort Worth, Texas. The project, which is targeted for completion later this year, will add another 3,500 sq. ft. and boost yogurt production capacity to meet rising demand. … Thailand-based beverage manufacturer Lactasoy, developed a shelf-stable high-protein milk for the Thai market. Ready-to-drink Benefitt High Protein UHT Milk contains 31 grams of protein per 350ml carton, targeting on-the-go consumption. (USDEC Middle East/North Africa office; Company reports; Dairy News Today, 1/14/26; Food Dive, 1/13/26; Dairy Business Middle East and Africa, 1/9/26; Dairy Processing, 1/9/26; Food Engineering, 1/7/26)

Nestlé’s infant formula recall spilled over to additional suppliers this week, as French manufacturers Danone SA and Groupe Lactalis pulled products over concerns that they could contain the toxin cereulide. Reports point to contaminated arachidonic acid (ARA) oil as the source of the toxin. Lactalis recalled six batches of Picot brand infant formula from 18 countries. Danone confirmed it had removed from the market a batch of its Dumex Dulac product specifically manufactured for Singapore at the request of Singapore’s food safety regulator. But it said it had detected no issue with cereulide in any of its brands. Singapore’s food agency had already previously recalled five Nestlé products after the Swiss food group disclosed that several brands and multiple production sites had been affected by the discovery of cereulide in the ARA oil. Nestlé’s recall had expanded to 60 countries as of last week. Neither Nestlé nor Lactalis has identified the ingredient supplier in question. (Food Ingredients First, 1/21/26; Bloomberg, 1/21/26; Reuters, 1/21/26; Swissinfo, 1/21/26)

France-based Bel Group announced a €16.7 million (about US$20 million) investment to expand its cheese production facility in Vietnam. The move will double capacity at the site to 20,000 MT per year and position the country as the group’s key industrial and export hub in Asia. The company said the expansion is moving forward in response to accelerating demand for Bel’s core brands, including Kiri and The Laughing Cow, in Vietnam and across regional markets. Construction is scheduled to begin at the end of this month, with handover planned for March 2027. (Company reports)

Saputo Dairy UK unveiled proposals to significantly expand cheese production at its flagship Davidstow Creamery in Cornwall, home to both Davidstow Cheddar and Cathedral City brands. The dairy giant has applied to the UK’s Environment Agency for a new permit that would legally enable a production increase from 9.6 MT/hour to 11.4 MT/hour, along with changes to on-site processes. The plant currently makes about 57,000 MT of dairy products per year, including cheese, cream, and whey products. The plans include the removal of demineralized whey production, shifting focus toward core cheese output to align with evolving market demand and operational priorities. The proposed permit also includes new emissions limits and monitoring for wastewater discharge and formalizes noise and odor mitigation measures. A public consultation process is now underway that will allow local residents and interest groups to provide feedback before a final decision. (UK Environment Agency; eDairy News, 1/19/26; BBC, 1/16/26)

Müller UK & Ireland revealed the next phase of investment at its Skelmersdale site in West Lancashire, proposing a number of production changes. As part of its goal to create a flagship milk-drying and dairy ingredients facility, Müller confirmed plans to develop a new in-house logistics hub to support the daily collection of raw milk from supplying farms. Müller is also proposing to move fresh milk and cream production from Skelmersdale to alternative locations within its existing UK manufacturing network. As part of this plan, the company has entered into a collective consultation at the Skelmersdale site to assess future operational requirements, including potential job reductions. (FoodBev Media, 1/14/26)

New Jersey-based Hispanic dairy product producer Tropical Cheese announced the acquisition of local peer Cibao Meat Products, a leading manufacturer of premium Hispanic-style meat products. Cibao will be integrated into Tropical Cheese as its Cibao Meat Products Division, enabling Tropical Cheese to provide a more complete portfolio of branded Hispanic refrigerated food products. (Company reports)

Russian milk producer, EkoNiva Group, held talks with Algeria’s state-owned dairy company Giplait about potential investment in pilot dairy farms focused on raw milk production. The talks were reportedly exploratory, with no details yet on production capacity or investment size, but the companies aim to combine EkoNiva’s large-scale farm expertise with Giplait’s processing and distribution network. … French-owned Lactalis Australia confirmed it will close its South Brisbane milk processing factory. The factory, which has been in operation since the 1930s and is part of the Parmalat manufacturing network, will cease operations in July, and the site will be sold. . . . Two dairy-related Chinese companies are planning IPOs on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. Pizza buffet chain Big Pizza operates nearly 350 stores in more than 125 Chinese cities and posted sales of US$200 million in the first nine months of 2025. Infant formula and milk processor Junlebao owns nearly 200,000 dairy cows, operates 20 manufacturing plants in China and posted sales of $2.2 billion through the first three quarters of 2025. (USDEC Middle East/North Africa office; USDEC China office; Dairy News Today, 1/20/26; Ecofin Agency, 1/17/25)

After announcing the expansion of its Ovid campus last year, Michigan Milk Producers Association (MMPA) opened its new ultrafiltered milk processing facility at the site. The facility is expected to add 3 million pounds of daily processing capacity and build on existing ultrafiltered milk capacity at MMPA’s Constantine location. Full operations at the expanded site are scheduled to begin in February. (Company reports)

China’s Weichuan Group plans to build a major milk processing facility in the Wujiang District of Suzhou, Jiangsu Province. Construction is slated to begin this year. When complete, the plant will manufacture 80,000 MT of milk beverages and 70,000 MT of additional dairy products per year. Further details were not disclosed. … In just six years, Shanghai-based coffeshop Nowwa Coffee has grown to more than 10,000 stores in 300 cities across China and is expanding into overseas markets, including Australia and Southeast Asia.. Nowwa focuses on “low sugar, low fat and healthy” drinks such as lactose-free lattes using A2 milk. It recently received a sixth round of investment funding from several capital companies. … Oregon-based Alpenrose Dairy said it will cease production at its dairy manufacturing facility in Clackamas. The family-owned dairy manufacturer will continue making butter, sour cream and ice cream at the facility until March 31. After that, the site will be sold to a strategic operator, or its dairy processing equipment and other assets will be auctioned. (USDEC China office; Dairy Processing, 1/22/26)

After announcing an NZ$75 million (about US$45 million) expansion of butter production at its Clandeboye plant in south Canterbury last October, New Zealand dairy group Fonterra began construction on the project. The new butter line will increase capacity and expand the site’s ability to produce a wider range of butter formats, including halal and kosher options. The expansion is part of the co-op’s strategy to boost returns from high-value dairy through value-added milkfat products and improved product mix. Commissioning of the new line is planned for early 2027, with the first product expected off the line in April of that year. (Farmers Weekly, 1/29/26)

New Jersey-based Hain Celestial Group agreed to sell its North American Snacks business, including Garden Veggie Snacks, Terra chips and Garden of Eatin' snacks, to Canadian snacks manufacturer Snackruptors Inc. for$115 million. The transaction will allow Hain Celestial to move forward with a simplified portfolio focused on "core categories and markets with stronger margin and cash flow profiles,” including Greek Gods yogurt. … New Zealand dairy company Appleby Farm acquired the assets of plant-based dairy brand Little Island Creamery, which had collapsed into liquidation with creditors losing more than NZ$2 million (about US$1.2 million). The acquisition has kept the Little Island branded products available on the market, now under a renamed entity called LI Creamery. (Rural News Group, 2/3/26; Dairy Foods, 2/2/26)

Illinois-based specialty cheese manufacturer Savencia Cheese USA, a subsidiary of France’s Savencia SA, announced plans to add a new production line to its facility in Lena, Ill. The U.S. company produces high-quality specialty cheeses including the brands Alouette, St. André, Dorothy’s, Ile de France, Supreme and Chavrie. … New Zealand-based Synlait Milk issued a profit warning, with the New Zealand dairy business cautioning investors it could report a first-half loss of as much as NZ$82 million (about US$49 million). The company cited weaker returns from its commodities portfolio and lingering operational and cost impacts from last year’s manufacturing disruption at its Dunsandel site. … Seattle-based Starbucks Coffee said it expects to open up to 650net new cafes this year, including 150 to 175 U.S. company-operated stores and450 to 500 international locations. China, Starbucks’ largest market outside of the U.S., comprises close to half of the international total. The company said it also expects to open more than 2,000 net new stores across its company-operated and licensed portfolio in 2028. … Canada-based Restaurant Brands International (RBI) completed a previously announced agreement with Asia-based asset manager CPE to expand Burger King in China. The joint venture includes a $350 million investment of primary capital from CPE to support the burger chain's growth, marketing, menu innovation and operations. Together, CPE and RBI aim to expand Burger King's restaurant network in China from approximately 1,250 restaurants today to more than 4,000 by 2035. (Just Food, 2/4/26; Dairy Processing, 2/3/26; Chain Store Age, 2/2/26, 1/30/26)

Baltic Dairy Board, a Latvian milk processing company owned by Lithuania’s Vilvi Group, has opened a new cheese production facility in Bauska, Latvia. The €60million (about US$71 million) factory is expected to produce 18,000 MT of cheese annually. The first batch of cheese made at the plant was shipped to customers in Italy in the second half of January. (Dairy Business Middle East & Africa, 2/11/26)

Italy-based cheese company DalterFood Group began production at its new hard cheese cut-and-wrap facility in Emilia-Romagna. The new plant underwent a €1 million (about US$1.2 million) modernization and investment program in 2025, which included the installation of new packaging lines and extensive refurbishment work. It aims to increase production capacity, improve manufacturing efficiency and improve service for customers across domestic and international markets. (Company reports)

In a move that reinforces its commitment to growing its presence in Southeast Asia's dairy market, Singapore-based beverage company Fraser and Neave (F&N) announced plans to acquire up to 4.6% more shares in Vietnam Dairy Products Joint Stock Co. (Vinamilk). (The Straits Times, 2/10/26)

Denmark-based Arla Foods broke ground on its plant expansion at Bahrain International Investment Park. The US$60 million project will add 26,000 sq. ft. to Arla’s largest production facility outside Europe and will increase its annual production volume by 30%, making the company one of the largest dairy makers in the region. … After announcing plans to split into two independent, publicly traded businesses last fall, the Kraft Heinz Co. put those plans on hold. CEO Steve Cahillane said during the release of the company’s annual financial results that the company would “pause” the plans and that “many of our challenges are fixable and within our control.” … One month after selling a majority stake in its business to private equity firm L Catterton, Texas-based Good Culture cottage cheese received a $55 million investment from Pennsylvania-based Semcap Food & Nutrition to further fund its growth ambitions. ... California dairy products manufacturer Crystal Creamery named Tom Hughes as its new chief executive officer and president. Hughes replaces the retiring Dennis Roberts. … China’s Yili Group appointed Alex Turnbull as chief executive officer to lead its five New Zealand companies: Westland Milk Products, Oceania Dairy, Canary,EasiYo and Pure Nutrition. Turnbull, who was previously CEO of Manuka Health, will assume the role next week. … Minnesota-based Associated Milk Producers Inc. (AMPI) announced it will transition production at its Blair, Wis., cheese plant from cheddar cheese to cottage cheese. The transition will include a period of production downtime, with completion expected in the fourth quarter of 2026. When operations resume, the plant is designed to be one of the largest cottage cheese operations in the U.S. …French dairy company Bel Group named former Impossible CEO Peter McGuinness as the next chief executive of Bel North America, which houses brands including the Laughing Cow, Go Go Squeez and Babybel cheese. The company said McGuinness will be tasked with accelerating growth, advancing innovation and strengthening the company’s North American footprint, which includes five manufacturing plants across the U.S. and Canada. (USDEC Middle East/North Africa office; Company reports; FoodBev Media, 2/10/26; Dairy Processing, 2/9/26; Food Dive, 2/5/26; EDB Bahrain, 2/4/26; American Ag Network, 2/1/26)

Canada-based dairy manufacturer Agropur said during its annual meeting that it is investing $130 million in U.S. dairy facility upgrades. In Wisconsin, Agropur said a $70 million investment will increase whey processing and valorization capacity at its plants in Weyauwega, Luxemburg and Little Chute. The company will also invest $60 million to modernize its Lake Norden, S.D., plant, which Agropur said will allow it to reposition its portfolio toward value-added dairy products, specifically whey proteins and milk concentrates. (Dairy Processing, 2/12/26)

Canada-based Saputo agreed to sell an 80% stake in its Argentina dairy division to Gloria Foods, the dairy and food holding company of Peru-based Grupo Gloria. The transaction includes two manufacturing facilities as well as local brands like La Paulina, Ricrem and Molfino. Gloria will also continue manufacturing select items for Saputo. The deal, which is valued at roughly US$630 million, will allow Gloria Foods to expand into a new market and is expected to be finalized in the first quarter of fiscal 2027. Carl Colizza, Saputo president and CEO, said the decision to sell “reflects our efforts to refine our global footprint for long-term growth.” Last week, Colizza indicated that he is open to M&A to advance the dairy giant’s growth agenda when he suggested to analysts that acquisitions are on the cards in North America, and possibly overseas. He said M&A will be one of the contributors to how Saputo will achieve incremental market penetration, and that the company “won’t shy away from looking at capital investments or looking at M&A that could help us get to market quicker.” (Company reports, Just Food, 2/9/26)

As the planned $4.2 billion sale of its Mainland consumer business to Lactalis nears completion, New Zealand-based Fonterra Co-operative Group is positioning itself around the surging global demand for protein. Company executives said dairy protein’s quality and versatility in products such as shakes, bars and fortified foods make it central to the co-operative’s long-term strategy, and that once the transaction is completed, Fonterra will concentrate on its ingredients and foodservice divisions, simplifying operations and reducing capital intensity. Following the acquisition, France-based Lactalis said it will invest $100 million in Mainland in an effort to strengthen its presence in the New Zealand dairy market. The funds are part of a broader commitment to integrate the newly acquired Mainland Group into Lactalis’s existing operations, with a focus on increasing efficiency and capacity to develop value-added products. (eDairy News, 2/8/26, 2/16/26; BusinessDesk, 2/16/26; New Zealand Herald, 2/6/26)

Nestlé SA is ramping up production of infant formula to avert a shortage, after a cereulide toxin contamination crisis led the Swiss foodmaker and rival producers Danone SA and Groupe Lactalis to recall hundreds of batches of product. Nestlé said five of its factories in France, Spain, Germany, Switzerland and the Netherlands are running 24 hours a day to boost supply, particularly products for babies under the age of one. German manufacturer HiPP and Swiss firm Holle—neither of which are affected by the recall issue—have also stepped up production to meet increased demand. Meanwhile, in response to the recalls, prosecutors in France have launched five separate investigations into the contamination of baby formula products by Nestlé, Lactalis and Danone. The investigations are reportedly focusing on the manufacturing processes and supply chains of the implicated companies, with a primary objective of ensuring consumer safety and preventing future occurrences of such contamination. Separately, Nestlé’s infant formula business took another hit when Brazil’s health regulator issued a recall of Nestle’s Alfamino formula over levels of iodine and selenium it said exceeded permitted limits. The authority ordered the recall of 10 batches of the milk powders, but Nestlé said in a statement that the situation in Brazil is “related to a conversion error in the unit of measurement” in a product evaluation report submitted to the authorities. (Bloomberg, 2/13/26; BBC, 2/13/26; Just Food, 2/13/26)

As part of a strategic push into the growing “healthy longevity” market, Nestlé launched Nestlé Vital, a new line of nutrient-rich shake powders that aim to support overall vitality. Designed for people who want to age well and maintain their health, the drinks include a combination of high-quality dairy and plant-based proteins, fibers, vitamins, minerals and patented bioactive blends. The product portfolio includes eight shake powders in four flavors tailored to two consumption occasions: Morning Routine for focus and energy, and Evening Routine to promote sleep quality and muscle recovery. (Company reports)

Dutch dairy manufacturer Royal A-ware acquired Spanish cheese distributor Global Dairy Ventures. … DSM-Firmenich is selling a majority stake in its animal nutrition business to private equity group CVC Capital Partners. The deal, which is expected to close at the end of 2026, is valued at €2.2 billion (about US$2.6 billion). (Wall Street Journal, 2/9/26; Just Food, 2/6/26)

Two years after a fire destroyed its Longridge office and packing site, Butlers Farmhouse Cheeses has officially opened a new, integrated cheese campus in Lancashire. The facility consolidates all stages of production into a single site, with a purpose-built maturation shed tailored to the requirements of the company’s hard, blue and soft cheeses, including Blacksticks Blue, Tunworth and Trotter Hill. … Spanish ice cream manufacturer La Menorquina announced an investment of more than €15 million (about US$18 million) in a new high-performance production line at its Palau-solità i Plegamans facility in Barcelona. The new line will be capable of producing 30,000 units per hour, equivalent to 10 million liters of ice cream annually, and is scheduled to be operational by the end of 2026. (Just Food, 2/17/26; FoodBev Media, 2/16/26)

Denmark-based Arla Foods posted record 2025 revenue of €15.1 billion (about US$17.8 billion) and a net profit of €415 million (about US$490 million). The dairy cooperative credited record milk intake of 143 million MT and a diversified mix across retail, foodservice and value-added proteins for helping it weather volatile markets. Arla sees the elevated milk supply continuing for the time being. “The pressure from high milk volumes will characterize the first part of the year, but we also see the opportunities this brings,” said CEO Peder Tuborgh. “As prices adjust, we expect consumers to return to the dairy aisle with renewed strength, driving growth for our strategic brands. We are ready to capture that demand while maintaining a strict focus on efficiency to ensure we deliver on our targets.”

Meanwhile, Arla Foods said it will invest around €300 million (about US$353 million) to expand cheese capacity at its production site in Götene, Sweden. The company said with the new cheese facility, Götene is expected to receive around 1 million MT of milk per year—roughly double today’s volume—and boost Sweden’s cheese self-sufficiency rate from roughly 37% to 47%. The new facility is expected to become operational in 2030. (Company reports; Agriland, 2/25/26)

In continuing efforts to streamline its businesses, Switzerland-based Nestlé said it is in talks to sell its remaining ice cream business to UK-based Froneri, the joint venture it established in 2016 that already holds Nestlé’s European and U.S. ice cream units. CEO Philipp Navratil said that the ice cream business is “strong, but small, and it's a distraction for us,” and that the company plans to focus on its coffee, pet care, nutrition and food and snacks units. (Reuters, 2/19/26)

Algeria’s state-owned dairy group Giplait inaugurated a new industrial dairy plant in Rouiba. The government described the operation as the largest in North Africa and a key pillar in Algeria’s food security strategy. The new facility extends over 10 acres to allow for future expansion, and its UHT line can process 15,000 liters per hour. In total, its capacity exceeds 1.2 million liters of finished products per day, including one million liters of pasteurized and packaged milk. There are reportedly also plans to export certain dairy products from the facility, such as cheese. (USDEC Middle East/North Africa office; Algeria Invest, 2/22/26)

German dairy giant Ehrmann Cornish Dairy began construction on a €23-million (about US$27 million) dessert production facility in Glynn Valley, Cornwall. The site, called Arcadia, will join the business’s existing Cornish production site, which is also home to Trewithen Dairy. Once operational, the site will enable Ehrmann to produce its dessert ranges in the UK for the first time, reducing reliance on imports. The company says the investment will also strengthen long-term partnerships with local farmers and drive increased demand for Cornish milk. Production is expected to begin in December 2026. (Cornish & Devon Post, 2/21/26)

New Zealand’s a2 Milk Co. is ramping up its infant nutrition business in China with the upcoming rollout of four pediatric supplements in Q3 of this year. The products, set for launch under the brand a2 Zhi Yi, will span immunity, anti-allergy, gut health, and brain and eye health functions. The products will be made in China using imported ingredients and will be distributed through mother-and-baby stores and domestic online channels. (NutraIngredients, 2/23/26)

Norway-based Orkla Food Ingredients, which supplies ingredients to a broad range of customers in the bakery, ice cream and plant-based markets, agreed to acquire Senna, a leading Austrian producer of margarine, specialty fats, oils, sauces and dressings. (Company reports)

Shanghai Milkground Food Tech signed a memorandum of understanding with Saudia Dairy & Foodstuff Company (SADAFCO) to explore the innovation and distribution of children’s cheese snacks in Saudi Arabia. The agreement establishes a six-month discussion period to determine specific cooperation models, which may include trade, brand licensing or the formation of a joint venture. … Bel Canada said it will invest C$3.7 million (about US$2.7 million) over five years to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from its Canadian milk supply, targeting a 30% cut linked to production of Mini Babybel at its Sorel-Tracy plant by 2031. … French food-tech start-up Verley raised $38 million in an oversubscribed Series A round to ramp sup production of its precision-fermented whey proteins and launch initial products with partners in the U.S. by the end of the year. (USDEC Middle East/North Africa office; Company reports; FoodBev Media, 2/24/26; Filing Reader, 2/11/26)

Spanish ice cream manufacturer Grupo Alacant agreed to acquire Ireland-based ice cream producer Silver Pail, which supplies retailers, brand partners and foodservice operators across Ireland and international markets. The Spanish group said it plans to invest in Silver Pail’s manufacturing facilities and workforce to support further development of the business in the Irish ice cream sector. (FoodBev Media, 3/4/26)

Schreiber Foods plans to invest $165 million to expand its Logan, Utah, manufacturing facility, a project that will create 145 new jobs over the next eight years. … Chinese dairy giant Yili Group to supply dairy ingredients to bakery company GuangLong, a leading manufacturer of freshly baked egg tarts. ... Netherlands-based FrieslandCampina commissioned a new ice-water installation at its production site in Lummen, investing €10 million (approximately US$11 million) to boost sustainability and efficiency at the cream and skimmed cream facility. The system uses up to 50% less electricity, cuts total energy costs by 12% and saves power equivalent to the annual consumption of about 600 households. … Nestlé Purina opened a new BRL R$2.5 billion (about US$478 million) wet pet food factory in Vargeão, Brazil. The plant will support growth in one of the world's largest pet food markets and serve export demand. … Dutch ingredients start-up Vivici launched a precision-fermented lactoferrin ingredient, Vivitein LF, in the U.S. market. The company said the launch aims to address longstanding supply and cost constraints around the functional protein. … India’s Purabi Dairy launched a new milk processing plant in Silchar, Assam. The new facility aims to serve the local population by reducing supply chain bottlenecks and ensuring fresher products reach consumers. (USDEC China office; Company reports; The Assam Tribune, 3/2/26; Area Development, 2/26/26)

Japanese confectionery manufacturer Morinaga & Co. (a separate entity from dairy processor Morinaga Milk Industry) agreed to acquire Los Angeles-based ice cream snack maker My/Mochi Ice Cream. A Morinaga statement said the U.S. is one of its priority global growth regions, and this acquisition enables the company to enter the U.S. frozen dessert market at full scale. Upon completion of the acquisition, My/Mochi will become part of Morinaga & Co. and will remain headquartered in Los Angeles under the continued leadership of President and CEO Craig Berger. (Company reports)

New Zealand’s Fonterra Co-operative Group finalized the sale of its Mainland Group to France-based Lactalis for NZ$4.22 billion. The deal has now become unconditional, indicating all necessary approvals have been obtained, including regulatory consent. A Fonterra statement said it expects the transaction wrap up by the end of this month. … Chinese beverage company Liziyuan is building a $29 million plant in Yinchaun, Ningxia Autonomous Region, to manufacture cheese and formula for middle-aged and older adults. … Brazilian dairy, meat and grain producer Castrolanda Cooperativa Agroindustrial is spending R$200 million (about US$39 million) on a new drying tower at its dairy manufacturing facility in Parana. The co-op expects to start production in 2028. … Brazil’s Sooro Renner Group expects to complete its R$800 million (about US$155 million) whey processing facility in Francisco Beltrão, Brazil, later this year. The facility, reportedly one of the largest whey plants in Brazil, will produce whey protein, lactose and ingredients for infant formula. … Schreiber Foods will invest US$132.9 million into its Shippensburg, Pa., plant. The new investment will expand yogurt production at the facility, increasing processing capacity by 109,000 lbs. of milk each day. … Ohio-based fast food restaurant chain Wendy’s is furthering its expansion efforts in Mexico, with plans for more than 60 new restaurants in the country through partnerships with Mexican franchise partners AJ Group and WS Pacific. Wendy’s currently operates 40 restaurants across Mexico, with a long-term goal of opening 400 restaurants across the country. (USDEC South America office; USDEC China office; Company reports; PennLive, 3/10/26; Seeking Alpha, 3/4/26)

France-based Bel Group broke ground on a $200 million expansion of its Babybel production facility in Brookings, S.D., that will double the plant’s annual production capacity to 20,000 MT. The project, which marks one of Bel’s largest manufacturing investments in the U.S., will also create around 150 new jobs and double milk sourcing from American dairy farms—primarily in South Dakota and neighboring states. The company said it expects the expansion to drive product innovation and support greater operational efficiency, noting that the U.S. is the company’s largest market and that it aims to double U.S. business again “in the years ahead.” (Company reports)

Fonterra Co-operative Group CEO Miles Hurrell has resigned after eight years in the role and a 25-year career with the New Zealand dairy company. Hurrell said the time for the move is right for both the co-op and himself, noting that Fonterra is “entering the next phase in its strategic implementation, which marks a natural turning point for a new leader to step in while I consider what’s next for me.” Hurrell has a six-month notice period to enable an organized leadership transition, and Chair Peter McBride said the company is “confident” it can appoint a new CEO in the coming months.” (Company reports; 1news, 3/15/26)

Amid ongoing infant formula recalls and contamination probes, the Singapore Food Agency (SFA) recalled two more formula milk products this week after they were found to contain cereulide. SFA, in a joint press statement with the Communicable Diseases Agency (CDA), said the toxin, which can cause nausea and vomiting, was found in a batch of Nestlé NAN HA2 infant formula and a batch of Nature One Dairy Premium Toddler Milk Formula. The groups said there had been no new cases of anyone developing symptoms likely associated with cereulide exposure since their last update on such cases on January 30. Meanwhile, Reuters reported that a judicial investigation in France found no evidence linking the death of an infant to a recalled batch of Nestlé Guigoz brand infant formula, according to the Bordeaux prosecutor’s office. Investigators said laboratory tests conducted on both powdered and reconstituted samples of the Guigoz formula consumed by the infant detected no traces of cereulide. (The Straits Times, 3/15/26; FoodBev Media, 3/13/26)

New York-based children’s food business Little Spoon is entering the infant formula category with the launch of Organic Grass-Fed Whole Milk Infant Formula for babies aged up to a year. The company described the product as the “first American-made formula made with globally recognized grass-fed whole milk from New Zealand.” Little Spoon is working with a facility that it says “has manufactured infant formula for more than 25 years” for the processing/blending and packaging. (Company reports)

India-based PepsiCo bottler Varun Beverages will acquire South Africa’s Crickley Dairy from Clark Holdings for R238 million (about US$14 million). The deal, which was struck through Varun Beverage subsidiary The Beverage Company, is part of a plan to diversify the company’s product portfolio into new categories. (Just Food, 3/18/26)

China’s Yili Group opened a new mozzarella cheese production line at its Hohot, Inner Mongolia, facility. The line will reportedly produce 10,000 MT of individually quick frozen mozzarella annually. … New Jersey-based Schuman Cheese named Allison Schuman as its new CEO. She most recently held the role of chief revenue officer for the company and replaces longtime CEO Neal Schuman, who is stepping into the role of chairman. … Qatari-backed investment fund Irth Capital Management has reportedly submitted a bid to take Louisville, Ky. and Atlanta-based pizza chain Papa John’s International private. Papa John’s is said to be reviewing the bid from the global asset manager, which already owns a 10% stake in the company. (USDEC China office; Company reports; Wall Street Journal, 3/12/26)

Netherlands-based FrieslandCampina Ingredients completed a major investment at its Borculo facility in the Netherlands, doubling production capacity for both WPI and milk fat globule membrane (MFGM). The company said the expanded site, which aims to capitalize on global demand for high-protein ingredients, is now fully operational and will enable it to scale supply across key nutrition segments, including early life, performance and active nutrition, and medical nutrition. (Company reports)

Danone is strengthening its relationship with Argentinian dairy company Arcor in the form of a new joint venture focused on unlocking dairy opportunities in the local dairy market. The JV will combine Danone Argentina’s dairy business, Mastellone Hermanos’ dairy operations (including flagship brand La Serenísima), and logistics unit Logistica La Serenísima. Danone will hold equal control of the JV with Arcor, with the aim to accelerate innovation, expand commercial reach, bolster efficiencies and grow high-value dairy categories such as cheese, butter, cream, yogurt and desserts. The deal is subject to regulatory approval. (Company reports, Dairy Reporter, 3/24/26)

In a move to expand its presence in the meal-replacement sector, Danone agreed to acquire Huel, a UK-based maker of ready-to-drink meals and high-protein products. Insiders said the deal, which is reportedly valued at $1.2 billion, offers Danone an opportunity to scale up Huel’s reach and meet demand for protein-based products. A statement from Danone said the acquisition will bolster its presence in the so-called “complete nutrition” sector and help Huel expand internationally, and that Huel will operate independently. (Company reports, Wall Street Journal, 3/23/26)

Two of Ireland’s largest dairy co-operatives, Dale Farm and Aurivo, have decided not to proceed with their proposed merger plans. Instead of the merger, which would have resulted in a combined milk pool of 1.5 million MT, the companies said they will work together on some strategic projects, “including byproduct utilization and added value protein.” These projects will be led by a steering group with representatives from both co-operatives. (The Irish Times, 3/20/26)

Italy-based Ferrero Group, the parent company of Blue Bunny, Halo Top and other ice cream brands, agreed to acquire Bold Snacks, a Brazilian premium protein snack company. As part of the transaction, which is expected to close in the coming months, Ferrero will take over Bold Snacks' office and factory in Divinópolis, Minas Gerais, and its approximately 300 employees are expected to join Ferrero Brazil. (Company reports)

In 2023, Danone set a goal to cut methane emissions from its fresh milk supply chain by 30% by 2030. This week, the company said its methane reductions had already reached 29.8% at the end of 2025. The progress puts the company nearly five years ahead of schedule, although part of the progress was made by divesting its Horizon Organic dairy brand. Further reductions were achieved through procurement decisions and farm-level improvements including herd and manure-management upgrades. (Company reports; Dairy Reporter, 3/17/26)

New York-based Chobani said it will spend $567 million to expand its La Colombe coffee facility in Michigan amid a surge in demand for its ready-to-drink lattes. The multi-phase project will add 200,000 sq. ft. of production space and nearly 340 new jobs. … The Coca-Cola Co. is investing $650 million to increase capacity at its Fairlife processing facility in Coopersville, Michigan. The expansion will add approximately 245,000 sq. ft. and two new high-speed production lines to the existing facility, which produces Fairlife’s portfolio of milk and protein shakes. Construction is expected to begin later this year, with commercial production on the new lines targeted for 2028. … China’s Rice Land Dairy is spending $7 million on a new plant in Yangquan, Shanxi Province. The facility, expected to open this August, will manufacture pasteurized milk, modified milk, cheese, cream and liquid whey. … China’s Easy Joy Coffee doubled its number of outlets to 2,000 in less than a year. The coffee chain is owned by state-owned Sinopec Group, the country’s largest gas station operator, and has been able to expand so quickly because it bases its units at Sinopec locations. (USDEC China office; Company reports; FoodBev Media, 3/25/26)

As expected, New Zealand’s Fonterra Co-operative Group completed the sale of its global consumer and associated businesses, collectively known as Mainland Group, to French dairy company Lactalis for NZ$4.2 billion. A Fonterra spokesman said the company will now concentrate its capital and innovation efforts on its ingredients and foodservice businesses, which serve industrial and professional customers worldwide. (Company reports)

Kraft Heinz Canada will invest $250 million to upgrade and modernize its Mont Royal factory in Montreal. The funds will be directed toward enhancing efficiency, sustainability and innovation at the site, which employs over 1,000 people. … Switzerland-based Emmi Group announced it is launching a new brand identity that establishes “Emmi Desserts” as the unified name for its global dessert business and positions “better for you” desserts as its strategic core. The company said the new identity brings together all of its dessert businesses while reflecting their individual heritage and maintaining the authenticity of each dessert tradition. … Irish dairy cooperative Aurivo Co-operative Society announced a €12 million (about US$14 million) investment in a wood pellet burner and boiler system at its Dairy Ingredients facility in Ballaghaderreen. The project will replace a large proportion of the fossil fuel currently consumed at the site with renewable biomass energy, and is expected to reduce carbon emissions by approximately 7,500 tons of carbon dioxide annually. … Mexico-based baking company Grupo Bimbo opened a new baking plant in El Salvador that includes areas for production, raw material storage and logistics, an administrative building and a 43,000-square-foot distribution center. The company said the plant will initially manufacture pastries, pancakes and tortillas. (Company reports; Agriland, 3/31/26; Food Business News, 3/27/26)

Moroccan agricultural dairy cooperative EXTRALAIT launched a new $10.8 million milk production facility in Kenitra that government officials said strengthens national food sovereignty while supporting long-term industrial transformation. The plant, which is expected to create 139 jobs, aims to expand dairy production capacity and support thousands of local farmers through a more modernized supply chain. EXTRALAIT reportedly also plans to upgrade its yogurt and butter production lines across the country. (USDEC Middle East/North Africa office; TTYBrand Africa, 4/7/26)

New Zealand dairy group Synlait Milk Ltd. completed the NZ$307 million (about US$178 million) sale of its North Island assets to the local unit of U.S.-based global healthcare company Abbott Laboratories. The assets include the Pōkeno manufacturing facility, the associated inventory and the company’s leasehold Auckland sites. CEO Richard Wyeth said the divestment marks an important turning point for Synlait that will “strengthen and simplify our business while giving us the space to drive our recovery forward.” (Company reports)

Officials from Synlait and Swiss food giant Nestlé recently visited the farm of DairyNZ’s deputy chair to celebrate the companies’ partnership to reduce emissions and improve on-farm biodiversity. The program rewards farmers for their participation in one or more environmental initiatives, one of which is using the EcoPond methane mitigation system, which treats dairy shed effluent to suppress methane and E.coli. To learn more about the partnership and the how the EcoPond system is becoming more accessible to farmers, click here. (Rural News Group, 3/31/26)

Wisconsin-based Meister Cheese broke ground on a major new investment dubbed the “Next Gen” plant in Muscoda, Wisconsin. The project will expand Meister’s existing cheese plant and enhance whey processing operations to position the business for long-term growth across both retail and foodservice channels. Company officials said Meister first completed a modern six-bay intake facility and an addition to its cold storage building to lay the groundwork for the expansion, which is scheduled for completion in 2028. (Dairy Processing, 4/7/26)

China’s Junlebao is looking to cash in on rising domestic butter demand. The company rolled out a new 25kg boxed butter targeting bakery and dessert manufacturers and launched a new initiative aimed at working closer with bakery and catering companies on butter applications. Junlebao’s butter production capacity is around 20,000 MT annually. … Danone Ventures, the venture capital arm of France-based Danone, secured an investment in the Series B round of financing for French startup Standing Ovation to support the commercial rollout of its animal-free dairy proteins. Standing Ovation said it will use the funding to commercialize its proteins starting in the U.S., its primary market, followed by rollouts in Europe and Asia beginning at the end of 2027. (USDEC China office; Company reports; Just Food, 4/1/26)

New Zealand dairy cooperative Fonterra announced Richard Allen as its next chief executive officer. He succeeds Miles Hurrell, who resigned last month. Allen joined Fonterra as a graduate in 2008 and has since held a range of roles across its global supply chain. Most recently, he served as president of global ingredients, overseeing ingredients sales, optimization, risk management, trading, and global manufacturing. He also led the farmer-facing business Farm Source for five years and has worked in China as vice president of the co-op’s foodservice business. He will step into the chief executive role on May 1. (Company reports)

Froneri and Grupo Herdez formed a strategic partnership to develop and expand the ice cream market in Mexico. As part of the deal, Grupo Herdez will fold its existing ice cream business, which has operated under an exclusive Nestlé license since 2015, into the new venture. This portfolio includes well-known brands like Helados Nestlé, Häagen-Dazs, Mega and Carlos V. Froneri will invest capital to help expand the business, while Grupo Herdez will hand over full operational control, allowing Froneri to run the business using its specialized ice cream operating model. (Company reports)

Two new projects highlight how Europe’s dairy sector is advancing a range of initiatives aimed at reducing emissions and improving sustainability across the value chain. In Ireland, Tirlán launched its new on‑site solar farm at its dairy processing facility in Ballyragget, County Kilkenny. The 16-acre, ground‑mounted solar farm is a self‑generation system that produces electricity for use entirely on site at the Ballyragget plant. It is expected to generate approximately 7.6 gigawatt-hours of clean, renewable electricity annually, meeting around 34% of the site’s electricity demand. Over its expected 25‑year lifespan, the solar installation will offset close to 50,000 MT of carbon emissions. Meanwhile, German supermarket cooperative Edeka Group and its subsidiary Netto Marken-Discount launched a new climate protection project targeting milk supply chains in Germany. Four dairies—EMP Milchhof Prenzlau, NordseeMilch, Royal A-ware and Gropper—are participating in the initiative, with the goal of developing a standardized approach for reducing agricultural emissions in conventional milk supply chains. The project focuses on developing practical and data-driven measures and provide a model that can be applied across the sector. (Company reports; European Supermarket Magazine, 4/14/26)

The Federal Government of Nigeria signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Nestlé Nigeria PLC to establish the Nestlé Dairy Technical Skills Development Centre to improve dairy production in the region. The center aims to be a practical knowledge hub that will help transition Nigeria’s dairy farming sector from using traditional to a modern, globally competitive husbandry. The curriculum will deliver 70% practical farm experience and 30% theoretical classroom teaching, with the goal of ensuring trainees get the hands-on experience they need to gain expertise in the operations of a modern dairy enterprise. (USDEC Middle East/North Africa office; Dairy Business Middle East & Africa, 4/9/26)

California dairy ingredient producer Valley Milk LLC announced the formation of Francisco Foods LLC, a new entity that has acquired substantially all assets of Rizo-Lopez Foods out of bankruptcy proceedings. Francisco Foods will operate as a joint venture majority-owned by Valley Milk, with the Rizo family maintaining a significant ownership stake through Rilosa LLC, an entity controlled by founders Edwin and Ivan Rizo. Rizo-Lopez Foods will cease operating as a corporate entity, but its workforce, customer relationships and Tío Francisco brand will continue under the new structure. (Company reports)

Mainland China’s New Hope Dairy signed a cooperation agreement with Hong Kong’s Trappist Dairy (also known as Cross Brand) to develop and launch co-branded products in Hong Kong and Macau. Functional yogurts and flavored milk drinks are reportedly the first on the list. … Yum China Group’s burger chain concept V Burger expanded into its ninth city in China with the opening of two locations in Guangzhou. The outlets, some of which are integrated into Pizza Hut while others are standalone, now number over 70. … Chicago-based Conagra Brands named John Brase president and CEO, effective June 1. He replaces Sean Connolly, who is leaving the company and its board of directors. Brase was most recently president and chief operating officer of Ohio’s J.M. Smucker Co., where he was responsible for Smucker’s U.S. retail, international, and away-from-home businesses as well as its sales, operations, and supply chain functions. … Lactalis Canada opened a new milk receiving bay at its Winchester, Ontario, cheese processing facility that will increase its receiving capacity by 25%. The C$11.9 million upgrade is designed to improve operational efficiency and strengthen the company’s ability to handle rising volumes of raw milk from local dairy farmers. (USDEC China office; Company reports)

Ireland’s Kerry Group announced the opening of its expanded biotechnology manufacturing facility in Carrigaline. A statement from the company said the expansion will significantly increase capacity to produce lactase enzymes at industrial scale, allowing the supplier to provide further support to dairy producers amid booming consumer demand for lactose-free and sugar-reduced dairy products. Prior to the expansion, lactase enzymes produced at the site have been used to process more than 2 million MT of milk annually. (Company reports)

Business Finland granted Finnish dairy company Valio €10 million (about US$12 million) to promote export growth in Finland’s food sector. Valio will use the funds to expand its Food 2.0 research program, which aims to build a food system in Finland where competitiveness is based on sustainable production and innovation. (Company reports)

Chinese dairy processor Junlebao started production at its new facility in Jiangmen City, Guangdong Province. The facility will reportedly produce 180,000 MT of pasteurized milk, student milk, and yogurt annually. In addition, Junlebao said it plans to enter the Southeast Asian market this June. … After announcing earlier this year that it would cease production at its dairy manufacturing facility in Clackamas (see Global Dairy eBrief, 1/30/26), Oregon-based Alpenrose Dairy was acquired by Massachusetts-based Plant Based Innovations, which plans to continue producing the brand’s dairy products at the plant. … As part of its global expansion efforts, UK-based dairy brand All Things raised £3.6 million (about US$5 million) in a funding round led by London’s The Equity Studio. The brand has successfully launched into the Middle East, and these funds will support expansion into the U.S. market with plans to launch in a national retailer in September. … French dairy giant Danone announced a €20 million (about $US23.5 million) investment to expand its Skyr yogurt production in France. The investment will be split between two of the company’s facilities in Normandy. It includes two new production lines at Danone’s Ferrières-en-Bray site and a project to produce Skyr for the first time at the Le Molay-Littry plant. (USDEC China office; Company reports; Just Food, 4/21/26; FoodBev Media, 4/16/26)

Qatar-based dairy producer Baladna Food Industries is working with the World Bank’s International Finance Corp. to support the revitalization of Syria's dairy industry. The initiative will evaluate milk production capacities, logistical challenges, and environmental standards compliance to assess the potential for rebuilding a sustainable and investment-ready dairy value chain in Syria focusing on food security, rural livelihoods, and job creation. It will adopt a phased approach, beginning with analytical and field-based studies. Last year, Baladna secured approval from its board of directors to proceed forward with an “integrated industrial project” in Syria worth about US$250 million. The plan is to establish an integrated industrial project that includes a dairy plant, a juice processing facility, a plastic packaging unit, and an advanced water treatment plant. (USDEC Middle East/North Africa office; Just Food, 4/27/26)

India’s Dakshina Kannada District Cooperative Milk Producers’ Societies’ Union Ltd. (DKMUL) announced plans to develop a dairy project in Mangaluru to meet the demand for Karnataka Milk Federation (KMF) products in the region. DKMUL president K. Raviraj Hegde said 73% of the milk and its products sold in Mangaluru and the surrounding areas are from KMF. The company plans to expand an existing 30-year-old dairy in Kulashekara and build a new ice cream plant, a paneer production facility, and a bottled water facility to meet the growing market demands. (Times of India, 4/27/26)

France’s Danone emerged as the leading bidder in the race to acquire Made Group, the Australian owner of premium brands Cocobella and Rokeby Farms. Competing offers, including a $1.1 billion bid from a Chinese-backed consortium led by New Hope Group, reportedly failed to advance, leaving Danone as the frontrunner. … UK-based dairy brand All Things completed an equity investment into its supply partner Yester Farm Dairies, aiming to support the growth of its cottage cheese range. The investment will fund upgrades in machinery and increase production capacity to create a stronger platform for innovation. (FoodBev Media, 4/28/26; Dairy Dimension, 4/28/26; eDairy News, 4/27/26)

Ahead of Richard Allen stepping into the CEO role on May 1, Fonterra Co-operative Group announced two additional interim leadership changes. Elisa Giusti, executive vice president of Global Ingredients Growth based in Chicago, will assume the role of president of Global Ingredients Growth, and Gaby Amade, president, Middle East, Africa, Europe & SEA for Global Ingredients based in Dubai, will assume the role of president of Global Ingredients Sales and Operations. These interim changes will remain in place until the permanent structure is confirmed. … Walmart opened its $350 million, 300,000-sq.ft. fluid milk processing plant in Robinson, Texas. The company’s third such facility, it will supply 650 stores across the South Central U.S. … Texas Chicken, the international arm of Church’s Texas Chicken, plans to open the first of 600 Chinese stores in Shanghai this summer. The company is working with local franchise operator Deke Shengtang Brand Management Co. (USDEC China office; Company reports; Food Dive, 4/13/26)

Netherlands-based FrieslandCampina Ingredients is investing more than €90 million (about US$105 million) into expanding its capacity to convert internally sourced whey into protein ingredients for performance and active nutrition, early life nutrition, and medical nutrition. The investments include technological upgrades at its production sites in Bedum, Veghel, and Workum to support the manufacturing of advanced proteins such as WPC80, instantized whey proteins, and the company’s Nutri Whey ProHeat microparticulated whey. FrieslandCampina Ingredients President Anne Peter Lindeboom said global demand for advanced protein solutions continues to accelerate, and that this program is “the next step in our broader investment strategy to lead in high-value proteins.” (Company reports)

Agropur is spending C$1 billion (about US$734 million) at its Beauceville, Quebec, and Bedford, Nova Scotia, dairy operations to expand “value-added protein” production. The projects “are fully aligned with our global strategy to meet the growing demand for protein‑enriched products, mainly in domestic markets,” the company said. The projects remain subject to final approval, as Agropur completes detailed analyses and secures funding. The projects complement a recently announced US$130 million investment in Wisconsin and South Dakota facilities. (Company reports)

After acquiring São Paulo-based flavors and ingredients company Solutaste last year to expand its footprint in South America, Ireland-based ingredients and dairy company Carbery Group officially opened its new, expanded production facility in Brazil. The company said the opening was “an important step for Carbery as we continue to grow our presence in Brazil and strengthen how we support our customers.” (Agriland, 5/2/26)

Qatar-based dairy producer Baladna Food Industries advanced its $3.5 billion Algeria dairy project with over $635 million in new agreements and the launch of a major airlift operation to transport 30,000 high-yield Holstein dairy cows from the U.S. to Algeria. The effort will involve 109 cargo flights from nine states, and aims to build a herd of 270,000 dairy cows to strengthen the country’s food security and boost local agricultural output. The initiative also includes the construction of key infrastructure such as housing and service facilities, logistics networks, and a concrete production plant to support ongoing development. Once fully operational, the site is expected to produce approximately 1.8 million MT of milk annually. The initiative is expected to create more than 15,000 jobs in Algeria and about 1,200 in the U.S., while strengthening agricultural ties and supply chain resilience. (USDEC Middle East/North Africa office; Muslim Network TV, 5/2/26; Pulse of Africa, 4/26/26)

As part of a business restructuring announced earlier this year, Spanish food and drink maker Calidad Pascual is selling its Gurb milk processing facility in Barcelona to family-owned peer Casa Tarradellas, who plans to convert it to mozzarella production to support its own pizza manufacturing operations. Calidad Pascual plans to cease Gurb operations by July 31 (shifting UHT milk capacity to its Aranda de Duero plant). Casa Tarradellas will then start renovations, and the site will transition to mozzarella in phases, with no start date for production announced yet. (Just Food, 5/1/26)

New Zealand’s A2 Milk Co. became the latest company involved in the global infant-formula recall, after the presence of the cereulide toxin was detected in a formula that was sold in the U.S. The company said it is voluntarily retracting three batches (more than 63,000 containers) of its A2 Platinum formula but said the “product had been discontinued and removed from sale prior to the initiation of the recall” on May 1. The product was manufactured by the company’s partner Synlait Milk and marketed through A2 Milk’s website, as well as on Amazon and in Meijer stores. Chief executive David Bortolussi said the recall does not impact infant milk formula products sold in New Zealand, Australia, China, and other markets, and no confirmed incidents of infant illness or harm had been reported to the company. A2 shares plunged nearly 19% on the news. (Radio New Zealand, 5/4/26; Reuters, 5/3/26)

In a move to strengthen the local dairy industry, the Government of Malta allocated a plot of land in Ħal Farruġ for a new milk processing facility to be developed by Malta Dairy Products Ltd. The plant will process milk supplied by farmers in Malta and Gozo into a range of dairy products, with the investment intended to support the sector’s long-term sustainability and improve the value of local produce. … New York cottage cheese-based frozen dessert maker Smearcase received an investment from Chicago venture capital firm Listen Ventures to help Smearcase accelerate its expansion. With the investment, Smearcase said its FroCo brand dessert will be in over 1,000 retail doors by the second quarter of 2026. (Dairy Business Middle East & Africa, 5/6/26; Food Business News, 5/5/26)

In a move to strengthen a portfolio that already includes children’s-focused brand GoGo Squeez, Paris-based Bel Group acquired California-based Ingenuity Foods’ Brainiac and Little Brainiac brands, which make pureed smoothies, fruit and vegetable squeeze pouches, fruit and oat blend pouches, and fruit snacks formulated with omega-3 fatty acids. Following the acquisition, Ingenuity Foods will continue to operate under its current leadership. … Chinese regulators approved China Modern Dairy’s acquisition of Shengmu Organic Milk. The two companies together own about 600,000 dairy cows and produce around 4 million MT per year. … Saudi Arabia’s National Agricultural Development Co. (NADEC), a major dairy producer and processor in the region, is acquiring the remaining 49% stake in Al Raie National Livestock Co. from Anaam Saudi for Trading, a subsidiary of Al Muhaidib Group, in an SAR23.7 million (about US$6.3 million) transaction. The deal is pending regulatory approvals, including from the Saudi Agricultural Development Fund. Al Raie, which focuses on livestock farming and meat production in Hail, has yet to begin operations. (USDEC Middle East/North Africa office; USDEC China office; Company reports; EnterpriseAM, 5/4/26)

China’s Mengniu Dairy rolled out a new protein water drink made with WPI. The product contains 10g of protein per 250ml serving and also features branched-chain amino acids and collagen peptides. … France-based Danone said it will close its dairy-alternatives manufacturing facility in Bridgeton, New Jersey, on Aug. 4. The facility currently manufactures beverages sold under the Silk and So Delicious Dairy Free brands. According to the company, production from the Bridgeton plant will be redistributed to facilities in Mt. Crawford, Virginia; Dallas, Texas; and Jacksonville, Florida. … Weigang Dairy Co. is spending US$67 million on a new, integrated, 3,000-cow dairy farm and processing operation in China’s Shaanxi Province. The plant will produce fluid milk products, including aseptic milk. … Netherlands-based FrieslandCampina Ingredients expanded its North American innovation footprint with the opening of a new application center in New Jersey, designed to accelerate high-protein product development. The facility, which is part of the company’s broader strategy to strengthen its global application capabilities through a network of five new regional centers worldwide, is designed to help customers bring new products to market more quickly by offering localized technical support, formulation expertise, and real-time product testing. … Missouri-based Hiland Dairy officially started production at its expanded facility in Tyler, Texas. The expansion measures 96,000 sq. ft. and includes new filling lines, expanded milk storage, and automated packaging systems. (USDEC China office; Dairy Industries International, 5/12/26; Dairy Herd Management, 5/8/26; KETK.com, 5/5/26)

Kerry Dairy Ireland, the dairy business majority-owned by Kerry Co-operative Creameries, officially revealed its new corporate identity. The business is now known as Kinisla (pronounced kin-eye-la), a name the company said, “draws inspiration from both kinship and island identity.” The announcement of the new name came as the business published its preliminary business review for 2025, as well as plans to invest €300m (about US$350 million) in manufacturing, innovation, and sustainability efforts over the next five years. (Company reports)

After just one year in the role, Richard Wyeth resigned as chief executive officer of New Zealand dairy group Synlait Milk Ltd. He will remain with the company until June 30 to oversee an orderly transition. Leon Fung has been appointed acting CEO, effective May 14. Based in New Zealand, Fung has held senior management roles, including chief executive of New Zealand-based NIG Nutritionals and operations director for Danone Oceania. He joined Synlait as a director in June 2024 and serves as chair of the company’s People, Environment, and Governance Committee. (Company reports)

Forty of the world’s leading food companies, including Arla Foods, Mondelēz International, ADM, Unilever, and FrieslandCampina, signed a joint declaration pledging to boost regenerative methods in food production across their supply chains. The declaration is in support of the Regenerating Together Programme by the Sustainable Agriculture Initiative (SAI). Read more about what these food companies have pledged to do and who is participating here. (Food Navigator, 5/19/26)

As part of its strategy to expand its market presence and leverage growth opportunities in Australia's dairy sector, Denmark-based Arla Foods acquired Australian cottage cheese producer Brancourts. The acquisition will be carried out through Arla Foods Mayer Australia (AFMA), Arla’s joint venture with Australian specialty food distributor Mayers Fine Food. Read more about the acquisition here. (Company reports)

Brazil cheese processor Tirolez announced it submitted a proposal to purchase an Isolated Production Unit (UPI) from the Barbosa & Marques group, which has been under judicial reorganization since March 2023. The transaction involves both the Regina brand, which includes a portfolio of over 40 products, including cheeses, butter, creams, and cream cheese, and an industrial plant located in Minas Gerais. (USDEC South America Office; SuperVarejo, 4/22/26)

Reuters reported that Blackstone and CD&R are among private equity firms in the early stages of exploring ‌bids for Netherlands-based Magnum Ice Cream Co., whose shares have been sagging since its spinoff from British consumer goods giant Unilever in December. The firms are reportedly monitoring Magnum's share price before deciding whether to make a move. Unilever still retains a 19.9% stake in Magnum, with plans to exit within five years. … France-based Danone is selling its stake in Lifeway Foods months after confirming it would no longer pursue an acquisition of the Illinois-based kefir maker. The dairy giant, which holds 22.7% of Lifeway, said it entered an agreement to sell off its $67 million worth of shares after “having explored all options regarding our existing holding.” … German dairy giant Theo Müller Group announced plans to acquire Berief Food, a German manufacturer of organic, plant-based foods including tofu, plant milks, and dairy-free yogurts. In a statement, Müller said the deal is designed to expand its presence in the “dynamically growing market” for plant-based food and drinks. … In a move to strengthen its position in the premium butter segment, Dutch dairy cooperative Cono Kaasmakers is acquiring the Dutch premium butter company Van de Koe. The co-op will integrate Van de Koe’s commercial operations into its own organization in an effort to create opportunities for further growth, both in the Netherlands and internationally. … Brazil’s Ipanema Dairy Group completed the acquisition of Laticínio Na Morada, owner of the Serra das Antas and Chevre D'or brands. The move strengthens the company’s presence in higher-value dairy segments, particularly specialty and goat milk products, reinforcing its growth and diversification strategy in the Brazilian market. (USDEC South America Office; Company reports; Reuters, 5/15/26; Just Food, 5/18/26; MilkPoint, 4/7/26)

China’s Yili Group began construction on two new manufacturing plants at its Health Valley Industrial Cluster in Hohhot, Inner Mongolia. One will focus on formula for special medical purposes (primarily for pregnant mothers and infants), while the other makes dairy ingredients (further information on the types of ingredients was not announced). The two plants combined carry a price tag of about US$368 million. … Joining Mengniu Dairy, Yili also launched a new protein water drink with 9g of protein (from WPI) in a 300ml serving. It is being marketed under the name Puritime. … Finland-based Valio said it will phase out operations at its Oulu site, which produces milk, fermented milk, ice cream, and plant-based semi-finished products, by the first half of 2028. Production will shift to other sites in Riihimäki, Jyväskylä, and Joensuu. (USDEDC China office; Company reports)

Germany-based DMK Group is investing around €55 million (about US$64 million) to “significantly” expand its dairy plant in Edewecht, Germany. The dairy cooperative said it will spend about €26 million (about US$30 million) on a new WPC80 facility at the site with a capacity of up to 7,000 MT per year. Investments will also be made to expand packaging and logistics operations at the site, refurbish an existing drying tower, and enhance energy and emissions-reduction measures. DMK CEO Ingo Müller linked the investments to the company’s long-term strategy and its planned merger with dairy peer Arla Foods, saying “these strategic steps demonstrate our capabilities and make us ideal partners.” (Just Food, 5/27/26)

Fonterra is tapping into China’s booming bakery market with a new certified grass-fed cream for professional bakers. The New Zealand dairy cooperative launched its first officially certified Fernmark “grass-fed” dairy product, Essence Whipping Cream (under the Anchor label), at the Bakery China expo in Shanghai this week. For more on the product and the growing demand for cream in China’s bakery sector here. (USDEC China office; Farmers Weekly, 5/26/26)

Nestlé and Danone faced renewed scrutiny this month after media reports questioned their handling of recent infant formula contamination recalls. An investigation by French, Belgian, and Swiss public outlets alleged the companies delayed notifying European authorities about the presence of the cereulide toxin in an ingredient used in their infant formula products. The reports claimed some Nestlé products remained in distribution channels without immediate recalls, while Danone products were withdrawn before public recall notices were issued. Both companies disputed the allegations. (Reuters, 5/19/26)

Chinese infant formula and dairy processor Feihe signed a cooperation agreement with sports nutrition brand CPT to develop dairy protein ingredients and sports nutrition products. … British dairy company Rodda’s is investing £6 million (about US$8 million) in a new cottage cheese production line at its Scorrier creamery in Cornwall. The new line, which is entering its final commissioning phase, is expected to produce up to 4,000 MT of cottage cheese annually once fully operational. … Wendy’s International signed a new franchise agreement with an unnamed “major restaurant operator” in China that calls for 1,000 new Wendy’s outlets in China over the next decade. (USDEC China office; FoodBev Media, 5/21/26)

Seattle-based Darigold, Inc. and Minnesota-based Actus Nutrition announced a strategic partnership to expand milk protein and specialty ingredient production. The partnership is built on two components involving Darigold’s facilities in Jerome, Idaho, and Sunnyside, Washington. In Jerome, Actus will acquire and assume operation of Darigold’s milk protein plant and continue to manufacture non-fat dry milk, with plans to expand the site’s manufacturing capabilities to produce high-value milk protein products. In Sunnyside, Darigold will supply whey powder and high-value whey products exclusively for Actus Nutrition under a long-term commercial agreement. The transition is expected to be completed by mid-June. (Company reports)

Idaho Milk Products opened a new $190 million ice cream and powder blending facility in Jerome, Idaho. The investment brings ice cream production and dry blending together in one site, in a move the company said is designed to boost capacity and make better use of milk components to help it move more volume into higher-value dairy products for foodservice and retail customers. The facility is designed to produce up to 300 million ice cream novelty items, 66 million pints of ice cream, and 120 million pounds of dry powder blending products annually. (Company reports)

Denmark-based Arla Foods and Germany’s DMK Group received all required regulatory approvals for their planned merger announced last year, and they completed the deal effective June 1. The combined company brings together around 11,200 farmer owners across seven countries under the Arla name. Headquartered in Viby J, Denmark, it will manage an annual milk pool of 19.4 billion kg. Prior to the deal’s completion, the DMK Group officially commissioned a new lactoferrin production facility at its Altentreptow site to expand its functional ingredients portfolio. The €25 million (about US$29 million) investment by the German dairy cooperative strengthens both the company’s innovation capabilities and the long-term industrial importance of the Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania location. The facility is expected to begin commercial market supply this fall. (Company reports; FoodBev Media, 5/28/26)

Switzerland-based Nestlé published its first Dairy Plan report, which outlines the company’s efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, advance regenerative agriculture, improve farmers' livelihoods and animal welfare, and boost dairy farm productivity across more than 40 countries. The company reported a 26% reduction in dairy value chain emissions in 2025 and said it is working with 130,000 dairy farmers, more than 200 suppliers, and other partners to support the transition to more sustainable dairy farming. Read more about the plan, including key farm-level actions, global partners, and case studies here. (Company reports)

In a move that marks the dairy cooperative’s largest-ever single capital project, Scotland-based First Milk is investing £16.8 million (about US$22.6 million) in its Lake District Creamery in Cumbria. The investment at the Aspatria site will see existing cheese vats replaced with larger new vats, increasing production capacity by 20%. First Milk said the project, which will be delivered over two financial years, would strengthen British cheese production, support its farmer members, and reinforce the creamery’s role in the wider Cumbrian economy. (FarmingUK, 6/1/26)

After announcing last year it would explore strategic options for its Pizza Hut brand, Kentucky-based global fast foods operator Yum Brands is reportedly in exclusive talks to sell the chain to Connecticut private-equity firm LongRange Capital. A deal between the two companies could potentially close within a matter of weeks. … French dairy company Lactalis acquired UK direct-to-consumer nutrition brand Protein Works in a move Lactalis said “strengthens our position in the fast-growing active nutrition market.” Protein Works sells protein shakes, meal replacements, supplements, and snacks. … General Mills is selling its Häagen-Dazs shop operations in mainland China to a buyer group that includes QSR chain operator Ningji. The Minnesota-based food giant said the consortium will be granted an exclusive license to use the Häagen-Dazs brand for ice-cream shops and a gifting business in the market. … After three years of collaboration, Nestlé will fully acquire German smart food brand Yfood Labs GmbH, which offers ready-to-drink meals across Germany and Europe. A Nestlé statement said Yfood is now preparing for its next phase of growth, “including the brand’s expansion into new markets beyond Europe.” (Company reports; Just Food, 6/2/26; Reuters, 6/1/26, 5/29/26)

As part of a restructuring strategy prioritizing production efficiency and manufacturing network optimization, Japanese dairy manufacturer Morinaga Milk announced plans to suspend production at its Hiroshima subsidiary in March 2027, with the company set to be formally dissolved six months later. Morinaga Milk has not yet disclosed how production will be redistributed across its network. … Miami-based gelato frozen novelty brand Gelatys opened a new $8 million, 30,000 square-foot facility in Fort Myers, Fla. The company said the site will scale production to support the national expansion of its current products and “the next generation of premium Italian-style frozen novelty innovation.” … Ireland’s Lakeland Dairies announced a £24.5 million (about US$33 million) investment in its Ballyrashane site in Northern Ireland that aims to strengthen its manufacturing base and support future growth in key export markets. The dairy co-op said it plans to expand production capacity at the site through “significant upgrades to liquid milk packing and butter production facilities.” (Company reports; Agriland, 6/3/26; FoodBev Media, 6/2/26)

New Zealand’s Synlait Milk said it is progressing with discussions with existing and new lenders about the refinancing of its senior syndicated bank facilities that mature on June 30. As part of those efforts, Synlait secured an extension of a crucial $130 million shareholder loan from its major stakeholder, Shanghai-based Bright Dairy. The loan, which is fixed for two years and will not be extended further, is effective from June 30, 2024. Synlait said it remains confident and on track to secure the required banking support and formal approvals ahead of the end-of-month deadline. (Company reports)

After years of performance issues, Nestlé is resetting its strategy with a shift away from price hikes and a sharpened focus on growth. At this week’s dbAccess Global Consumer Conference in Paris, CEO Phillipp Navratil outlined a new growth strategy for the Swiss food giant that prioritizes “RIG-led (Real Internal Growth) growth” focused on volumes. Read about the categories and markets that play a key role in Nestlé’s strategy and what’s next for the company here. (Food Navigator Europe, 6/3/26)

While releasing its year-end financial results, Canadian dairy processor Saputo provided insights about performance and strategy for the year ahead. President and CEO Carl Colizza said the company is exploring focused acquisitions and optimizing its ingredient streams to drive growth and strengthen the foundation of the business. Read about which segments the company is focusing on and how it is strategically reshaping its ingredients portfolio here. (Dairy Reporter, 6/7/26)

Finnish dairy and food company Valio said CEO Annikka Hurme will retire at the end of 2026 after more than three decades with the company. Matti Lehmus was named the company’s new CEO effective Jan. 1, 2027. He joins Valio following a long career at Finnish oil refining firm Neste. … Perrigo president and CEO Patrick Lockwood-Taylor resigned from the Ireland-based infant formula group, effective immediately, due to “personal misconduct.” Perrigo board member Albert Manzone will assume the president and CEO roles on an interim basis while the company searches for a permanent replacement. … U.K.-based Somerdale International plans to use a recently completed logistics investment to increase its cheese export capacity and capabilities. The company expanded its cold store warehousing and distribution hub and installed a fully integrated supply chain management system. The project increased the overall cold storage capacity of the facility by around 30%, with racking for 250 pallets of cheese now in place. … Starbucks CEO Brian Niccol said he saw “no reason” why the company couldn’t double its current store count outside the United States from 22,000 to 44,000. … Quebec-based Agropur is investing more than C$20 million (about US$14 million) to expand its Miramichi facility, increasing processing capacity by 50% and making it the region’s primary fluid milk processing hub. The project is part of a broader restructuring that includes the closure of the cooperative's plants in Sussex, New Brunswick, and Truro, Nova Scotia. … India-based Hangyo Ice Creams inaugurated a new state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Tirupati. The new plant has a production capacity of 100,000 liters per day and is expected to enhance Hangyo’s ability to meet rising consumer demand across existing and emerging markets while supporting the company’s long-term growth ambitions. (Company reports; Just Food, 6/9/26; FoodBev Media, 6/9/26; Bloomberg, 6/9/26; eDairy News, 6/8/26)

New Zealand-based Fonterra Co-operative Group announced permanent changes to its leadership structure, as CEO Richard Allen said the co-op is evolving from a channel-led to a market-led organization. Teh-han Chow was appointed CEO of Greater China to lead its Ingredients and Foodservice businesses across the region. Gaby Amade was named president of Global Markets to lead the co-op’s Ingredients and Foodservice businesses in Oceania, the Americas, Southeast Asia, Japan, the Middle East, and Europe. Elisa Giusti was named chief growth and strategy officer, responsible for strategy, portfolio optimization, innovation, and global new business development. Giusti’s appointment is effective from June 15; the remainder of the structure will take effect Aug. 3. Meanwhile, Irish dairy cooperative Ornua announced two senior appointments tied to its new global operating model. Shane Henry was named managing director of Ornua Dairy Ingredients, overseeing the new business unit combining Ornua’s member relations and services, dairy procurement, dairy trading, and route-to-market activities. And Seán McHugh was appointed head of global manufacturing and operational excellence, where he will be responsible for improving performance across the company’s manufacturing network. (Company reports)

Following reports that a sale was imminent, Kentucky-based quick-service restaurant group Yum Brands agreed to sell its Pizza Hut brand through two transactions for a combined $2.7 billion. LongRange Capital will purchase Pizza Hut, minus mainland China, for $1.5 billion, while Yum China Holdings is purchasing the China business for $1.2 billion. Pizza Hut operates 19,974 units, with 13,582 located outside the U.S. It is the largest casual dining restaurant brand in China, with 4,375 restaurants across more than 1,100 cities. Yum China is targeting the expansion of Pizza Hut's footprint to over 6,000 stores by 2028. Yum and Yum China said they will stay partners after the split, with the two companies agreeing to financial incentives if system sales growth at KFC China accelerates. They also agreed to work together on Taco Bell’s expansion in mainland China. Both deals are expected to close during the third quarter of 2026. (Company reports)

In the face of cooling prices and growing margin pressures, Irish dairy processors are focusing on higher-value opportunities including premium products and protein ingredients to help drive growth. The shift highlights growing demand for specialized nutrition and premium offerings in the region. Insiders say that while opportunities await across formats and distribution channels, innovation is the key to success. Read where suppliers are looking to add value here. (Dairy Reporter, 6/15/26)

Texas-based dairy brand Good Culture announced a partnership with Michigan Milk Producers Association (MMPA) to invest in a dedicated production facility that will expand Good Culture’s cottage cheese capacity amid growing demand. The facility is the Remys, Mich., plant MMPA acquired in 2025. The companies said the operation brings together the expertise of MMPA with the “assets and capabilities needed to produce Good Culture’s full portfolio.” (Company reports; Dairy Processing, 6/16/26)

Ireland-based Tirlán Co-Operative Society Ltd. confirmed it sold 12 million shares in Irish nutrition and wellness company Glanbia plc for €257.6 million (about US$299 million). Tirlán chairperson Ger O'Brien said the transaction represents a step in the co-op’s long-term investment portfolio diversification strategy. … Illinois-based Hoffmann Family of Companies, parent of Oberweis Dairy, acquired Wisconsin-based Cedar Crest Ice Cream, as longtime owners the Kohlwey brothers are retiring after more than 50 years. Both brands will continue to operate independently, with Oberweis Dairy CEO Renato DePaolis taking on leadership of Cedar Crest. (Company reports)

Netherlands-based FrieslandCampina officially commissioned new butter capacity at its Lochem facility. The expansion supports growing demand for butter products across consumer and foodservice channels, including Debic products supplied in boxes for professional customers and consumer brands such as Campina Botergoud, Frico, and Frau Antje. The company did not report volume or the addition. Meanwhile, New Zealand-based Open Country Dairy (OCD) is building a new butter plant at its Awarua site in Invercargill, South Island. The company expects to commission the facility, which will produce 30,000 MT annually, at the end of 2027. OCD is also boosting production at its butter plant in Waharoa, North Island, by 5,000 MT. The plant, which opened last November, can currently process 20,000 MT of butter. The new capacity will mainly be small packs for retail. (Company reports; Rural News Group, 6/23/26)

In a move to strengthen its high-protein portfolio and expand its Asian footprint, French dairy giant Danone is acquiring Australian drinks and dairy producer Made Group from private equity firm TPG Capital. The company is reportedly purchasing Made, which sells popular health products including Cocobella coconut water and Rokeby protein shakes, for about US$1.4 billion. Danone also announced it was buying the remaining 49% stake in its joint venture with Saputo Dairy Australia, which has a strong position in Australia’s functional yogurt segment through brands such as YoPRO, Activia, and Ultimate. Both transactions are subject to regulatory approvals and are expected to close during the second half of 2026. (Company reports; Bloomberg, 6/21/26)

Applied Nutrition, a UK-based sports nutrition and wellness brand, acquired the majority of the assets of New York sports nutrition manufacturer Nutrablend Group for $16 million. The deal includes a 107,000-square-foot manufacturing and warehousing facility in Buffalo with five powder filling lines and three stick-pack filling machines, and Nutrablend’s two in-house supplement brands, Basic Supplements and GR8 Lifestyle. Applied Nutrition said the acquisition “significantly enhances” the group’s footprint in North America, and that it plans to move powder manufacturing from its UK base and U.S. co-manufacturers to the Buffalo site. (Company reports)

Ignatius Szeto, vice president of China’s Yili Group, recently sat down with FoodBev Media for an exclusive look at how the company is exploring high-value functional product opportunities. He said, “As a health-oriented industry, dairy must remain genuinely consumer-centric, moving away from a one-size-fits-all approach toward personalized products that address the specific health needs of different population groups.” Read about the key trends Szeto is observing in functional dairy, how the company is accelerating product development, and what’s next in R&D and innovation for Yili here. (FoodBev Media, 6/18/26)

Wisconsin-based Dairy State Cheese Co. completed a three-year, $150 million renovation project that the company said strengthens its ability to serve customers and support dairy farms in Wisconsin. The upgrades include eight 55,000-pound cheese vats, six high-capacity 40-pound cheese block formers, two new whey separators and clarifiers, and a UV water purification system. (Dairy Processing, 6/22/26)

Illinois-based HighGround Insurance Group LLC agreed to acquire the dairy insurance portfolio of Iowa’s Dairy Gross Margin LLC. The portfolio includes Dairy Revenue Protection (DRP) and Livestock Risk Protection (LRP) policies, with the transfer effective June 30. … Canada-based Saputo Inc. completed the sale of an 80% interest in its Dairy Division (Argentina) to Gloria Foods, the dairy and food holding company of Grupo Gloria for approximately C$543 million (about US$400 million). The Argentina platform will continue to manufacture select products for Saputo. (Company reports)

Chinese dairy processor Feihe’s new $148 million manufacturing plant in Alukerqin Banner, Inner Mongolia, completed its testing phase and is now producing commercially. The facility has the capacity to make 40,000 MT of formula, 9,000 MT of D90 demineralized whey, 5,600 MT of casein, 3,000 MT of AMF, and 17 MT of lactoferrin per year. Feihe estimates the value of total production at $1 billion per year. … To meet growing demand, Singapore-based Olam Food Ingredients is expanding its processing factory in Tokoroa, New Zealand, with a new spray dryer set to come online in August. The new dryer will produce MPCs used in sports nutrition, beverages, and medicine. The company also installed a new cream separator and biomass boiler that will supply over 90% of the steam needed for current operations. … ZhenLaoFang (Tianjin) Food Co. opened its new $18 million cheese manufacturing plant in Langao City, Gansu Province. The company expects the plant to reach full capacity—20,000 MT of cheese per year, plus cream and whey powder—in 2027. … Kansas-based Dairy Farmers of America halted production at its St. Albans facility in Vermont and said it will close the adjacent St. Albans Creamery & Supply effective Aug. 17. … DPC Dash Ltd., the Domino’s Pizza master franchisee in China, signed a deal with Chinese dairy processor Yili Group to carry Yili’s high-end ice cream brand Gemice at all 1,500 Domino’s outlets in China. … In support of the UAE’s long-term food security goals, Abu Dhabi-based agribusiness firm Al Dahra signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Al Rawabi Dairy Co. Under the agreement, Al Dahra will work to strengthen animal feed supply capabilities by enhancing supply security while exploring strategic collaboration opportunities. The partnership will focus on delivering tailored solutions across forage, feed commodities, and grains to support Al Rawabi’s production needs. (USDEC China office, USDEC Middle East/North Africa office; Dairy Business Middle East & Africa, 6/10/26; Just Food, 6/24/26; Farmers Weekly, 6/14/26)

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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.