Today, Arla Foods and DMK Group have confirmed that the merger between their cooperatives has received approvals from all required regulatory authorities, creating Europe’s leading farmer-owned dairy cooperative and a European champion to drive forward dairy farming and food production.  

The merger builds on years of proven partnership, shared values and complementary strengths. It’s a union of 11,200 dairy farmers across seven European countries and 28,800 colleagues globally, who will collaborate to contribute to good food choices and vital European food security at a time of geopolitical and economic shifts. Together, they share a commitment to help co-create and scale solutions that support more resilient food systems, built on operational stability and a robust cooperative economy that ensures a reliable food supply and a stable foundation for the cooperatives farmers.  

With this final milestone achieved, the companies will bring together a combined milk pool of 19,4 billion kg annually and a pro forma revenue of +20 billion euros, all under the Arla name.

Jan Toft Nørgaard, Chair of Arla Foods, says:  
“This is a landmark day for our cooperatives, for the next generation of dairy farmers and for European food production. We can move forward together to secure the necessary scale, long-term economic resilience and investment capability required to contribute to shaping a food sector with a reduced impact on climate and nature. Our cooperatives have united farmers for generations and collaboration across borders has never been more important to help feed life across the planet.”

Heinz Korte, Chair of DMK Group, says:  
“We, the farmers, are looking forward to joining forces. The strong farmer support shown in the June 2025 votes reflects our commitment to stand together across borders, driven by our shared values and a clear vision for the future of dairy. We are building one of the largest communities of farmers in Europe, and from our local roots we can strengthen our global reach and further grow the value of our milk.”

Combined strengths will secure stable dairy production in Europe 
The two companies are long term partners and a natural strategic fit. By joining forces, they can secure stable dairy farming and production in Europe and strengthen their ability to deliver value to people worldwide through iconic global dairy brands, including Europe’s #1 dairy brand, Arla®.  
The combined company will be an even stronger partner for customers across retail, foodservice, and ingredients, offering a broader range of high-quality products, enhanced innovation, and expanded collaboration on both industry and private label solutions.  

Peder Tuborgh, CEO of Arla Foods, says:  
“Together, we will become one of the continent’s best dairy producers for the future. We aim to be among the most trusted partners in safeguarding European food production and in supporting farming practices that reduce our impact on climate and nature. With a growing global population, dairy nutrition has much to offer, and by bringing together our milk, brands, production network and strengths, we reinforce our promise to Feed Life™.”  

Ingo Müller, CEO of DMK Group, says:  
“The merger will sharpen our technological edge, accelerate innovation, and open new opportunities for growth and collaboration, powered by our shared brands, deep category expertise, and the complementary strengths of DMK and Arla. With a collaborative culture and a strengthened position in our markets, we will be even more a pillar of strength in ensuring the secure supply of food for people in Europe and globally.“  

The integration process between the two dairy companies is expected to begin on 1st June 2026. Until then, the companies will continue to operate as two independent entities.  

The merged entity will carry the Arla name, with headquarters in Viby J, Denmark. Jan Toft Nørgaard will serve as Chair, Inger-Lise Sjöström as Vice Chair and Peder Tuborgh as CEO. DMK Group`s CEO Ingo Müller will join Arla’s executive management team as Executive Vice President (EVP) of post‑merger integration.

Facts:  

Arla Foods:  
Revenue: 15.1 EUR Billion  
Owners: 7,300  
Colleagues: 22,000
Milk volume: 14.3 billion kg.    

DMK Group:  
Revenue: 5.3 EUR Billion  
Owners: 3.900
Colleagues: 6.800  
Milk volume: 5.1 billion kg