Lactalis: A Dominant Force in the Global Dairy Industry

Location: Laval, Mayenne, France

Lactalis stands as the largest dairy company worldwide, with an extensive network of over 260 factories distributing a diverse range of dairy products to more than 90 countries.

Financial Performance

In 2024, Lactalis achieved a significant revenue milestone of €30.3 billion. Despite experiencing a 19% decline in net profits due to a major tax settlement in France, the company demonstrated financial resilience, maintaining its leadership position within the industry.

Important Company Events

Colombian Expansion: Strategic investments in Colombia have bolstered local employment and contributed to economic growth in the region.
Southern Germany Acquisition: The procurement of BMI dairy assets has strengthened Lactalis' position in Europe.
South African Ventures: The acquisition of the Cremora creamer business from Nestlé has extended its reach in the African market.
U.S. Market Expansion: Acquiring General Mills' U.S. yogurt business has reinforced operations in North America.
Investment in Brazil: €55.3 million was invested to upgrade facilities in Paraná and Minas Gerais.
Queijos Tavares Acquisition: On May 5, 2025, Lactalis enhanced its cheese manufacturing capacity by acquiring Portugal's Queijos Tavares.
Fonterra Acquisition: Progress in acquiring Fonterra's consumer brands, including Anchor and Mainland, has strengthened its presence in Oceania. The $3.4 billion acquisition of Fonterra's Australian operations was finalized, marking a significant milestone in the industry.
Strategic Expansions: The acquisition of ProViva, a Swedish probiotic brand, along with the Österlenmejeriet factory, signifies another strategic expansion.

Company Plans

Lactalis is dedicated to global expansion, increased market penetration, and product diversification. The company is focusing on eco-friendly packaging innovations and integrating AI and Big Data to enhance efficiency, particularly in Spain and Australia. The proposal to acquire Fonterra's assets underscores its commitment to strengthening its global footprint.

Leadership

Under the leadership of CEO Emmanuel Besnier, Lactalis aims for continuous growth. José Sáez, serving as General Manager of Purchases and Supplies in Spain and Portugal, plays a pivotal role in strategic decisions, such as reducing French milk processing by 450 million liters to focus on higher-margin products like cheese and yogurt.

Recent Developments

Lactalis is set to close its South Brisbane factory, a part of the Parmalat manufacturing network, in July following its acquisition of Fonterra, making it Australia's largest dairy company.
In collaboration with Bioiberica, Lactalis Spain launched Puleva Vita Calcio Colágeno, a new milk beverage enriched with native type II collagen, in the Spanish market.
Lactalis has initiated a recall of six batches of its Picot infant formula due to the detection of cereulide toxin. The company remains in close contact with relevant authorities to manage the situation.
Lactalis, along with Danone and Nestlé, is under immense pressure from regulators and consumer groups regarding the infant formula contamination scandal. Lactalis is cooperating with authorities to address contamination issues and comply with new EU regulations.
Lactalis is set to finalize the sale of its global consumer businesses with Fonterra within two months. Lactalis is set to acquire Fonterra's consumer arm, Mainland, in a deal expected to conclude in the first quarter of the year.
Lactalis has committed $100 million to Mainland in the wake of a deal with Fonterra, marking a significant investment in New Zealand's dairy market. The investment is intended to bolster Lactalis' presence in the New Zealand market by integrating Mainland into its operations, enhancing its product offerings, and leveraging New Zealand's dairy capabilities to meet growing global demand.

Modified: 2026/02/21