Lactalis: A Global Dairy Powerhouse

Headquartered in Laval, Mayenne, France, Lactalis is renowned as the largest dairy company globally. The company operates an extensive network of over 260 factories, distributing a diverse range of dairy products to more than 90 countries. Lactalis employs a robust workforce of 85,000 employees worldwide.

Financial Performance

In 2024, Lactalis achieved a revenue milestone of €30.3 billion, despite a 19% decline in net profits due to a substantial tax settlement in France. The following year, in 2025, the company's revenues rose to €31.2 billion, reflecting a 2.9% growth from the previous year. Additionally, Lactalis reported a turnover of €1.705 billion in 2025.

Important Company Events

Lactalis has been actively expanding its global presence through strategic acquisitions and investments. Notable investments include enhancing local employment in Colombia, acquiring BMI dairy assets in Southern Germany, and purchasing the Cremora creamer business from Nestlé to extend its market reach in Africa. The company also acquired General Mills' U.S. yogurt business and invested €55.3 million in Brazil to improve facilities in Paraná and Minas Gerais. On May 5, 2025, Lactalis acquired Portugal's Queijos Tavares to strengthen its cheese manufacturing capabilities.

A significant milestone in Oceania was the $3.4 billion acquisition of Fonterra's Australian operations. Additionally, Lactalis acquired ProViva, a Swedish probiotic brand, for strategic expansion. However, the company faced challenges such as closing the South Brisbane factory following the Fonterra acquisition and initiating a recall of six batches of Picot infant formula due to cereulide toxin detection. In the New Zealand market, Lactalis plans to finalize the sale of its global consumer businesses with Fonterra.

In Paraguay, a subsidiary is driving double-digit growth by expanding industrial capacity, aiming to become a regional export hub. Lactalis also launched the Siggi’s skyr range in the UK, targeting the consumer demand for 'clean protein' products.

Company Plans

Lactalis is focused on global expansion, increased market penetration, and product diversification. The company emphasizes eco-friendly packaging innovations and integrating AI and Big Data to enhance operational efficiency, particularly in Spain and Australia. Under the leadership of CEO Emmanuel Besnier, with strategic insights from José Sáez, General Manager of Purchases and Supplies in Spain and Portugal, Lactalis continues to pursue growth and innovation.

The company plans not to renew its milk collection agreement with Luxembourg's Prolek cooperative after April 2027, ending a 40-year partnership. Noteworthy is the expansion of its German dairy plant to significantly increase processing capacities by 2030. Lactalis has committed €1 billion to modernize its domestic facilities in France and announced a €200 million investment strategy from 2026 to 2030 to enhance operations.

Lactalis was involved in a milk cartel confirmed by the Spanish Supreme Court, which might lead to significant compensations for affected producers. In Czechia, the company is investing €9 million to improve its dessert production facility in Ostrava. Lactalis is also acquiring the renowned Quebec cheese brand OKA, adding two production facilities and approximately 400 employees to its Canadian workforce.

Lactalis is experiencing signs of recovery in Colombia's dairy market, reporting improvements in economic stability and milk availability. The company plans to strengthen its presence in Colombia through investments in the Medellín, Cereté, and Chía plants to expand the production of value-added and functional nutritional foods.

Modified: 2026/08/02