Lactalis: A Global Dairy Powerhouse
Headquartered in Laval, Mayenne, France, Lactalis stands as the largest dairy company globally. With an extensive network of over 260 factories, the company distributes a wide array of dairy products across more than 90 countries. It boasts a workforce of 85,000 employees worldwide and generates an annual turnover exceeding €31 billion.
Financial Performance
In 2024, Lactalis achieved a significant revenue milestone of €30.3 billion, although it experienced a 19% decline in net profits due to a substantial tax settlement in France. The following year, the company's revenues rose to €31.2 billion, reflecting a 2.9% growth from the previous year. In 2025, Lactalis reported a turnover of €1.705 billion.
Important Company Events
Lactalis has actively expanded its global footprint through strategic acquisitions and investments. These include investments in Colombia to boost local employment, acquiring BMI dairy assets in Southern Germany, and purchasing the Cremora creamer business from Nestlé to increase market reach in Africa. Additionally, Lactalis acquired General Mills' U.S. yogurt business, invested €55.3 million in Brazil to improve facilities in Paraná and Minas Gerais, and on May 5, 2025, acquired Portugal's Queijos Tavares to strengthen its cheese manufacturing capabilities. It completed a $3.4 billion acquisition of Fonterra's Australian operations, marking a significant milestone in Oceania, and acquired ProViva, a Swedish probiotic brand, for strategic expansion.
Despite its growth, 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. Lactalis plans to finalize the sale of its global consumer businesses with Fonterra, marking a substantial investment in New Zealand's dairy market. In Paraguay, a subsidiary is driving double-digit growth by expanding industrial capacity and aiming to become a regional export hub. It also 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 the leadership of CEO Emmanuel Besnier, Lactalis continues to pursue growth and innovation, with José Sáez, General Manager of Purchases and Supplies in Spain and Portugal, playing a pivotal role in strategic decisions.
The company plans not to renew its milk collection agreement with Luxembourg's Prolek cooperative after April 2027, ending a 40-year partnership. The expansion of its German dairy plant aims to increase processing capacities significantly by 2030. Lactalis has committed €1 billion to modernize its domestic facilities in France and announced an investment strategy to invest €200 million from 2026 to 2030 to enhance operations.
Lastly, Lactalis, confirmed by the Spanish Supreme Court, was involved in a milk cartel, which could lead to significant compensations for affected producers. French dairy company Lactalis is investing in its Czechia plant, committing €9 million to improve its dessert production facility in Ostrava, Czechia. The company aims to enhance its environmental performance and service quality. Lactalis is a major dairy company with operations in several countries, including a recent investment in quark production in Germany. Lactalis acquired Fonterra's consumer business. Fonterra is focusing on business-to-business models after selling its consumer business to Lactalis.
Modified: 2026/07/12