
Lakeland Dairies is embarking on a quest for new acquisitions across the UK, Europe, and the United States, with a focus on bolstering value to support milk prices. Colin Kelly, the group’s CEO, emphasized that these acquisitions align closely with Lakeland Dairies’ core identity and mission.
The recent acquisition of De Brandt Dairy International NV, a butterfat business based in Belgium, exemplifies Lakeland Dairies’ strategic approach. This acquisition expands the company’s customer base and strengthens its presence in mainland Europe, further connecting Irish dairy products with consumers.
Looking ahead, Kelly outlined Lakeland Dairies’ objective of enhancing its future through strategic investments and innovation. With a dedicated €100 million acquisition fund approved by the board, the company is poised to drive sustainable prosperity for dairy farm families. Kelly emphasized a shift towards prioritizing value over volume and focusing on capabilities to facilitate growth.
In the coming years, Lakeland Dairies plans to concentrate on value-added capabilities and innovation to maximize the potential of its core business. Rather than solely increasing processing capacity, the company aims to ascend the value chain. Kelly expressed confidence in the continued demand for dairy products but noted the uncertainty surrounding supply, particularly at the farm level.
As Lakeland Dairies continues to evolve and expand its footprint, the company remains committed to driving innovation, adding value to its products, and securing a prosperous future for dairy farming communities.