FrieslandCampina: green light for merger and dividend

The members of the cooperatives FrieslandCampina and Milcobel have voted overwhelmingly in favor of the proposed merger. It is now a fact. The integration of the companies will take longer, but according to CEO Jan Derck van Karnebeek, it should largely be completed by the end of 2026. Good news for the old FrieslandCampina members is that they can still expect a retroactive payment for this year. At the same time as the merger, a new milk payment regulation was also voted on. In it, the fat-protein ratio is adjusted from 6:4 to 5:4. The valuation for milk fat is therefore slightly lowered. Additionally, the maximum Foqus-Planet bonus is increased by 50 cents to €4. More is rewarded for biodiversity. Another change is that the interim retroactive payment is eliminated. There will now only be a regular retroactive payment. Milcobel will be removed from the basket for the guarantee price, which is logical, but nothing will replace it. Still retroactive payment 2025 For the current year 2025, despite a difficult second half of the year, a cash retroactive payment will still be made. No announcements have yet been made about its amount. The former Milcobel members can choose how they want to integrate into the FrieslandCampina system: they can fully join directly, and can then also immediately receive Foqus-Planet compensation, or they can opt for a two-year transition period, but then without Foqus Planet compensation. Reorganization news will remain pending The merger will also bring about a reorganization, but Van Karnebeek did not want to say anything about that yet. To give employees a peaceful Christmas. However, more clarity will come before April 1, 2026. A detailed plan is already in place. According to the CEO, the merger will bring not only reorganization costs but also synergy effects, particularly in the area of pasture (although most pasture from Milcobel currently still goes to Arla and new agreements must be made), in the area of mozzarella and in milk powder. Place for Eeckhaut and Grugeon Chairwoman Betty Eeckhaut and CEO Peter Grugeon will be integrated into the board and management of FrieslandCampina. Eeckhaut will become cooperative director and commissioner at FrieslandCampina. Grugeon will become president of the Professional business group, which also includes the majority of Milcobel. Cooperative chairman Sybren Attema expects that many more members will join in Belgium and Northern France after the merger. According to him, an ongoing recruitment campaign has thus far been very successful.