Creating the future of dairy

Arla Foods and DMK Group are proud to announce our intention to merge, creating the strongest dairy cooperative in Europe.

Our merger brings together more than 12,000 farmer owners and we aim to become one joint cooperative that will achieve a combined pro forma revenue of EUR 19 billion. With this move we progress towards creating the future of dairy, enhancing nutritious, high-quality dairy production and innovation in Europe and globally, while securing a strong milk price for our farmer owners.

The merger of Arla Foods and DMK Group, marks a significant union of shared values and complementary strengths.

Our combined entity is poised to shape the future of dairy, continuing the legacy of uniting farmers for generations to come. Our joint cooperative is well-positioned to invest in the future of dairy and creating more value to the milk that our farmer owners deliver to our cooperative.

„The merger between us, ARLA Foods and DMK Group, marks a significant union of shared values and complementary strengths, establishing the strongest dairy cooperative in Europe.”

We have demonstrated successful collaboration for years through projects like the joint venture ArNoCo. This initiative processes whey from DMK’s cheese production into high-quality whey protein concentrateand lactose for Arla Foods’ global ingredients business, showcasing the innovative synergy between us.

The foundation of our partnership lies in shared values, and the merger represents a significant step forward for our cooperatives. The strength of Arla Foods and DMK Group is reflected in our shared commitment to quality and innovation, positioning us to create the future of dairy together. This merger strengthens the resilience of our cooperatives, ensuring robust support for farmers, and expands our reach and offerings, advancing dairy technology and innovation.

Joint figures: ARLA Foods and DMK Group

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EUR billion pro forma revenue

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farmer owners in 7 countries

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billion KG milk pool

DMK Group, the largest dairy cooperative in Germany and Arla Foods, a key player in the global dairy market, complement each other’s market positions and product portfolios, thus future proofing the production of healthy dairy products. The merger is a natural continuation of our strong collaboration, benefiting consumers, farmers, and ensuring a competitive milk price.

With increased resilience through diversified product portfolios and market positions, our combined entity aims to develop stronger partnerships with customers, adding value to their businesses. This environment is not only attractive for farmers but also for colleagues and other business partners, reinforcing our ambition to remain commercially strong despite anticipated challenges in the European milk pool.

Why join forces?

01

Unprecedented strength

With more than 12,000 farmer owners, our cooperative will have a broad and regionally widespread milk base, ensuring consistent supply and development of superior product offerings, while securing the highest possible milk price for our farmer owners.

02

Revenue Growth

The merger will generate a combined revenue of EUR 19 billion, solidifying our position as a force in the global dairy market and enabling investments in further growth opportunities creating the future of dairy.

03

Innovation and Sustainability

Both companies have a strategy to build brands through strong innovation and marketing efforts. As pioneers in sustainable dairy farming, both companies are committed to the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). Together, we aim to maintain our leading position in sustainable dairy.