Lactalis: A Global Dairy Powerhouse

Lactalis, with its headquarters in Laval, Mayenne, France, stands as the largest dairy company globally. The company operates an extensive network of over 266 factories, distributing a wide range of dairy products to more than 150 countries. It employs a robust workforce of 85,500 employees, establishing itself as a leader in the dairy industry.

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. By 2025, the company reported revenues of €31.2 billion, marking a 2.9% growth from the previous year. Notably, Lactalis was ranked as the largest dairy company with a turnover of €35.5 billion in 2025.

Important Company Events

Lactalis has been active in expanding its global footprint through strategic acquisitions and investments. Key expansions include enhancing local employment in Colombia, acquiring BMI dairy assets in Southern Germany, and purchasing the Cremora creamer business from Nestlé to strengthen its market presence in Africa. Additionally, Lactalis acquired General Mills' yogurt business in the United States and invested €55.3 million in Brazil to improve facilities in Paraná and Minas Gerais.

On May 5, 2025, the company bolstered its cheese manufacturing capabilities by acquiring Portugal's Queijos Tavares. Another major milestone was the $3.4 billion acquisition of Fonterra's Australian operations. Lactalis also acquired the Swedish probiotic brand ProViva to strategically expand its product portfolio. In Paraguay, a subsidiary is driving double-digit growth by expanding industrial capacity, aiming to become a regional export hub. The company launched the Siggi’s skyr range in the UK, targeting 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 CEO Emmanuel Besnier and General Manager of Purchases and Supplies in Spain and Portugal, José Sáez, Lactalis continues to pursue growth and innovation.

Future plans include not renewing its milk collection agreement with Luxembourg's Prolek cooperative after April 2027, ending a 40-year partnership. Lactalis also intends to expand its German dairy plant to significantly increase processing capacities by 2030. The company 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, an investment of €9 million is planned to improve its dessert production facility in Ostrava.

Leveraging its strong Australian presence, Lactalis aims to expand into Southeast Asian markets, focusing on high-value dairy exports, fresh milk, and specialized yogurt lines. The company maintains partnerships with local dairy farming families and invests in processing infrastructure. Lactalis aims to solidify its status as the world's largest dairy processor, focusing on high-margin consumer categories and integrating regional supply chains.

The company has signed an agreement to acquire Saputo’s UK business, marking its fourth dairy deal in two months, which is expected to strengthen its position in the UK. As a diamond sponsor of the Milk Summit Mercosul 2026, Lactalis is actively involved in supporting the event at a high level. Additionally, Lactalis is the buyer of Fonterra's Mainland consumer business, with commercial arrangements proceeding according to schedule, including a purchase of $4.220 billion from Fonterra.

Lactalis has won a significant Spanish court case over the use of 'fresh' for pasteurised horchata. The court case involved Lactalis Puleva, who was challenged over the use of the word 'fresh' on their pasteurised horchata product.