Lactalis Boosts Investment in Colombian Dairy Operations
Source: The DairyNews
Lactalis, a leading French dairy conglomerate, is set to significantly expand its operations in Colombia with a strategic investment aimed at modernizing its facilities and enhancing production capabilities.
The company has earmarked €3 million ($3.2 million) for upgrades at its Medellín facility, one of three manufacturing sites it operates in the country. This investment is part of a broader €4 million project planned for this year, with an ongoing commitment to invest an additional €5 million annually.
The Medellín plant, located in Antioquia, specializes in the production of UHT milk, cream, and various dairy desserts. The planned investments will focus on increasing UHT milk storage capacity and transitioning to automated machinery for pasteurized dairy products. Furthermore, Lactalis aims to upgrade disinfection and sterilization lines and shift heating systems from carbon-emitting boilers to more environmentally friendly gas options.
This initiative was detailed in an interview with Juan Velásquez, CEO of Lactalis' operations in Colombia, conducted by the local edition of Forbes and later confirmed by Lactalis with Just Food.
Besides the Medellín facility, Lactalis operates a powdered milk plant in Cerete, Córdoba, and another in Chia, Cundinamarca, that produces chilled dairy products, fresh and powdered milk, and cream. The company's brand portfolio in Colombia includes Parmalat, Proleche, and the lactose-free Zymil line, alongside private labels. It also imports the President and Kraft dairy brands into the country.
In the previous year, Lactalis generated a turnover of 600 billion pesos ($148.7 million) in Colombia and aims for an 8% increase this year. This growth is expected to be driven by new product introductions and increased sales of the President brand.
Velásquez emphasized the goal to align the Medellín plant with European standards in terms of machinery, quality, and employee training. This aligns with Lactalis' long-term strategic plan to continuously enhance its operational standards and sustainability practices in Colombia, reflecting a robust commitment to its growth and presence in the South American market.
The Medellín plant, located in Antioquia, specializes in the production of UHT milk, cream, and various dairy desserts. The planned investments will focus on increasing UHT milk storage capacity and transitioning to automated machinery for pasteurized dairy products. Furthermore, Lactalis aims to upgrade disinfection and sterilization lines and shift heating systems from carbon-emitting boilers to more environmentally friendly gas options.
This initiative was detailed in an interview with Juan Velásquez, CEO of Lactalis' operations in Colombia, conducted by the local edition of Forbes and later confirmed by Lactalis with Just Food.
Besides the Medellín facility, Lactalis operates a powdered milk plant in Cerete, Córdoba, and another in Chia, Cundinamarca, that produces chilled dairy products, fresh and powdered milk, and cream. The company's brand portfolio in Colombia includes Parmalat, Proleche, and the lactose-free Zymil line, alongside private labels. It also imports the President and Kraft dairy brands into the country.
In the previous year, Lactalis generated a turnover of 600 billion pesos ($148.7 million) in Colombia and aims for an 8% increase this year. This growth is expected to be driven by new product introductions and increased sales of the President brand.
Velásquez emphasized the goal to align the Medellín plant with European standards in terms of machinery, quality, and employee training. This aligns with Lactalis' long-term strategic plan to continuously enhance its operational standards and sustainability practices in Colombia, reflecting a robust commitment to its growth and presence in the South American market.
