German DMK Group can look back on a successful 2025business year. The average milk price, including surcharges, stood at 51.4c (2024: 47.31c). Both the equity ratio (37.9%; previous year 35.4%) and net profit (€24m; previous year €24.6m) exceeded budgeted figures in 2025. Turnover for Germany’s largest dairy cooperative rose to €5.3bn (previous year €5.1bn).

In addition to the construction of the new natural cheese warehouse in Hoogeveen, DMK has invested in expanding its capacity at the Edewecht and Altentreptow sites.

For the 2026 financial year, DMK initially expects the market environment to remain challenging. High milk volumes in the key producing regions are leading to high utilisation of processing capacity and are exerting sustained pressure on the raw material markets, particularly at the start of the year. At the same time, initial signs of stabilisation are emerging for key dairy products, driven by robust demand in the European internal market and strong international competitiveness. Against this backdrop, DMK anticipates that supply and demand will gradually balance out over the course of the year, even though geopolitical uncertainties and high production volumes may lead to continued volatility. Overall, however, the company considers itself well positioned and is optimistic about the current year.

The planned merger with Arla is currently undergoing regulatory review, which is expected to be completed in the first half of 2026.