India, June 25 -- 1st June 2026 marks the official beginning of the joint future of the two farmer-owned dairy companies, Arla Foods and DMK Group. The companies unite under the Arla name to form Europes leading dairy cooperative with a shared responsibility to invest in resilient and trusted food production for the long term.
At a time when stable access to nutritious food can no longer be taken for granted across Europe, the merger between Arla Foods and DMK Group brings together two cooperatives with a shared responsibility to help strengthen resilient and trusted food production, ensuring operational stability and a strong economic foundation for our farmers for the long term.
The merger unites approximately 11,200 farmers and 28,800 colleagues, creating Europes leading dairy cooperative with local roots in seven countries, a global reach, a combined milk pool of 19.4billionkg annually, and a pro forma revenue of +20billioneuros annually.
The time is right to create the future of dairy together. Today is the result of a longstanding partnership and shared values between Arla and DMK. In a more uncertain world, Europe needs food companies that can invest at scale and take responsibility for longterm resilience. By uniting as one farmerowned cooperative, we are creating a European champion, strengthening our ability to do exactly that, says Peder Tuborgh, CEO of Arla Foods.
Today marks the beginning of a new chapter for our colleagues and farmer owners, one that brings together two frontrunners in our industry, each strong in its own right and united by shared values, complementary strengths and deep expertise, says Ingo Mller, Chief Integration Officer (CINTO) in Arla Foods.
A shared purpose and responsibility
Both leaders emphasize that the merger is about more than just scale; it is about driving change to reduce our impact on climate and nature and expanding our market presence.
Our union empowers us to invest boldly in high-quality dairy products, advanced whey ingredients and the iconic brands that people across the world know and love, including Europes number one dairy brand Arla. We will strengthen our partnerships with customers and other stakeholders to play an active, solutions driven role in tackling societys most urgent challenges in food security, health, climate and nature, offering great opportunities for colleagues to make real-life impact. This moment is filled with possibilities, says Peder Tuborgh.
The task ahead of us is significant. Together, we must secure a strong future for our farmer community and continue to be a reliable, trusted partner in society, safeguarding dairys role in a stable food supply during times of geopolitical and economic shifts. Over the coming weeks, Peder and I will travel to meet people across our company, because in the end, its our people, our courage, and our ideas that change the company, says Ingo Mller.
Celebrating day 1
To mark this memorable milestone, the newly combined dairy group is celebrating with colleagues worldwide.
From the headquarters in Viby J, Denmark, to Bremen, Dsseldorf, Utrecht, Hoogeveen, Leeds, Stockholm, Sipoo, Dubai, and many other locations, colleagues are taking part in Day One celebrations. Activities include live webcasts, team breakfasts, interactive events, and opportunities to step by step meet and connect over the coming weeks.
Next steps
The merged entity carries the Arla name, with headquarters in Viby J, Denmark. Jan Toft Nrgaard serves as Chair, Inger-Lise Sjstrm as vice-chair, Peder Tuborgh as CEO, Ingo Mller has joined Arlas executive management team as Executive Vice President (EVP) and will lead the integration of DMK as Chief Integration Officer (CINTO).
Over the coming months, the focus will shift from Day 1 milestones to disciplined integration work. This includes the merger of the farmer cooperatives behind DMK Group, DMK eG and DOC Kaas U.A into a European cooperative, which will merge with Arla Foods a.m.b.a. during a twoyear transition period. DMK GmbH and its subsidiaries will become a subsidiary of Arla Foods, thus retaining their legal status.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from FoodTechBiz.