Edeka Expands Dairy Portfolio with Uckermärker Milch Acquisition
According to Edeka, all 110 employees of Uckermärker Milch will retain their positions, ensuring continuity in operations. The retailer emphasized that this acquisition secures the future of one of the last independent dairy plants in northeastern Germany.
A Historic Dairy Business Under New Ownership
The Uckermärker Milch dairy plant has a history dating back to 1889, with its current structure established in 1992. Over the past decade, ownership of the company has changed hands multiple times:
- In 2014, Swiss infant formula producer Hochdorf acquired a 60% stake in the dairy, while the remaining 40%was held by Berlin-based Ostmilch Handels, a major dairy distributor.
- In 2020, Hochdorf sold its share to Ostmilch Handels, making it the sole owner of Uckermärker Milch.
As an existing supplier for Edeka, Uckermärker Milch produces quark, butter, and dry milk for the retailer. The acquisition strengthens Edeka’s vertical integration strategy, securing a steady supply of dairy products amid ongoing challenges in Germany’s food retail sector.
Edeka’s Growing Portfolio of In-House Production
This acquisition follows Edeka’s strategy of directly owning food production assets to reinforce supply chain resilience.
- In 2019, Edeka acquired a 45% stake in the family-run bakery Heinrich von Allwörden.
- In 2022, the retailer purchased the remaining 55%, gaining full control over the century-old bakery business.
At the time, Edeka highlighted the acquisition as a move that ensured long-term competitiveness in the baked goods segment. The Uckermärker Milch deal signals a similar approach, allowing Edeka to enhance its dairy supply chain stability while retaining a key supplier within its ecosystem.
With vertical integration becoming an increasingly important strategy in food retail, Edeka’s expansion into dairy production reflects a broader trend of retailers seeking greater control over supply security and pricing in an unpredictable market.
