Lactalis’ decision was a cold shower for the French dairy sector. The world’s number one dairy product, known for its brands President, Lactel and Galbani, announced on Wednesday, September 25, its plan to reduce its collection in France by 450 million liters between now and 2030, that is, almost 9% of its total annual volume. It is estimated at 5.1 million liters.
The Mayenne industrial giant, led by Emmanuel Besnier, whose turnover will approach 30 billion euros in 2023, does not communicate the number of livestock farmers affected by this real social plan. However, assuming that a dairy farm produces an average of 500,000 liters per year, we can estimate the impact on about 900 producers.
The ax falls first on a collection cooperative called Unicoolait, whose headquarters are located in Sarrebourg, on the Moselle, and which brings together producers spread across the Moselle, Meurthe-et-Moselle and Alsace. In 2023 it delivered 157 million liters of milk to Lactalis. However, Jean-Luc Jacobi, president of Unicolait, declared in April 2024, during its General Assembly, according to comments cited by The Republican of Lorraine: “ Be associated with the number one in the world. [des produits laitiers] It is strength and security. It is a guarantee of stability.» Oh! The contract that linked the cooperative with its only client, Lactalis, until 2030, will not be renewed.
Another collection reduction is coming
The dairy giant mentions in its statement another equivalent reduction in revenue, that is, 160 million liters, among the “ Eastern and southern areas of Pays de la Loire » on a faster horizon, that is to say from 2026. Some wonder about the future of the Lactalis plant in Xertigny, in the Vosges, which stopped producing cheese during the restructuring and maintained a milk collection and storage activity .
Finally, the industrialist is considering another stage of reduction of 130 million liters without further details. “ The adaptation of our collection volumes will allow us to better value our producers’ milk in line with the recent evolution of our milk pricing formula. We will make sure to identify solutions for each producer. », declares Serge Moly, director of milk supply of the group, quoted in the press release. The Laval company says it wants “ Refocus on French consumer products that are better valued because they are less subject to the whims of global markets. “, which ” It involves reducing the proportion of milk that is collected to transform it into industrial ingredients destined for international markets. “.
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