The Friesland, Campina merger

Having gained EU approval to merge, the Netherlands-based dairy groups Campina and Friesland will hope that their combined strength will better prepare the business to withstand the tough economic times facing the European dairy industry and the liberalisation of the sector. With the deal rubber stamped, FrieslandCampina is now likely to turn its attention to exploiting the opportunity presented by the emerging markets of eastern Europe and Asia. Dean Best reports.

FrieslandCampina ready to milk dairy market

18 December 2008

UPDATE 2: NETHERLANDS: Farmers vote yes to FrieslandCampina

17 December 2008

The merger of Dutch dairy firms Friesland Foods and Campina was sealed this afternoon (17 December) after the members of both co-operatives voted in favour of the deal.

EU: Sell-offs ahead as Campina, Friesland deal gets EU ok

17 December 2008

The EU today (17 December) cleared the merger between dairy companies Campina and Friesland Foods – provided the Dutch firms sell off a slew of businesses.

The just-food interview - Peder Tuborgh, Arla Foods

25 November 2008

Dairy has proved one of the food industry's more colourful sectors in recent years with volatile prices, rising production costs and the emergence of buoyant emerging markets keeping processors on their toes. Arla Foods, Europe's second-largest dairy group, has set out its stall for international growth in this ever-evolving landscape. In this month's just-food interview, Dean Best spoke with Arla CEO Peder Tuborgh to find out more about Arla's ambitions.