"The world around us is in a state of flux. Climate change, biodiversity issues, pressure on the labour market, high production costs and changing geopolitical conditions demand both resilience and responsibility. At the same time, these dynamics also offer opportunities to innovate, collaborate and continue to create value. Dairy remains a vital source of essential nutrients worldwide. Particularly in North-West Europe, and certainly in the Netherlands, we have strong natural conditions, craftsmanship and high-quality infrastructure to produce this food in a responsible manner. Even in economically challenging times, we continue to invest for the long term.
European Dairy Association
Over the past year, in addition to my role at Vreugdenhil, I have taken on the responsibility of serving as President of the European Dairy Association (EDA). The EDA represents the European milk processing industry and brings together dairy and agricultural organisations to discuss current issues within the milk and dairy chain and to work together towards a future-proof dairy sector in Europe. This role underlines the importance of cooperation and dialogue within the sector and strengthens our commitment to the collective transition facing the dairy industry. It is an honour for me to be able to fulfil this role."
“We are working towards a dairy chain that creates value for all our stakeholders, both now and in the future.”
Albert de Groot, CEO
Collaboration in the chain
"Through programmes such as Tomorrow’s Dairy, in collaboration with our client Nestlé, we are working specifically towards a future proof dairy farming sector. In doing so, we focus on reducing our climate impact, enhancing biodiversity, improving animal welfare and supporting a healthy and sustainable income model for our dairy farmers. In 2025, we have once again achieved tangible results: from a further reduction in our CO₂ emissions to intensified collaboration with partners in the supply chain. For instance, last year we signed a partnership with Rabobank aimed at strengthening a sustainable business model and attractive financing terms for our dairy farmers. In addition, we have launched the Next Generation Dairy programme: an entrepreneurship programme that supports young dairy farmers in their development, with a focus on people, business and the supply chain.
Electrification
At our modern production sites, we continued to invest in energy efficiency and expanded the use of sustainable technologies. Last year, network operator Liander began expanding the electricity connection at our production site in Scharsterbrug. This will enable further electrification, including the installation of a 10 MW e-boiler. This e-boiler, scheduled to become operational in 2027, will shift a large proportion of our steam production from gas to electricity. This will reduce our CO₂ emissions, increase our operational flexibility and help alleviate grid congestion by utilising electricity at times when supply is high. With these and other initiatives, we are taking significant steps towards our sustainability goals: a 40% reduction in CO₂ emissions at our factories by 2030 compared to 2015, and climate neutral from grass to glass by 2050."
About Vreugdenhil Dairy Foods
Since 1954, we have operated as a Dutch family business in the dairy sector. Every day, we work hard to make all the goodness of milk available to people around the world. We specialize in milk powder, with four production sites in Gorinchem, Scharsterbrug, Barneveld, and Putten, a head office in Nijkerk, and a commercial office in Madrid (Spain). Vreugdenhil Dairy Foods processes 1.5 billion kilograms of milk equivalents into high-quality nutritional products and ingredients, which we export to more than 130 countries. Our ingredients for the food industry are mainly sold in Europe. Consumer milk powder is primarily exported to Africa and the Middle East. Our more specific applications make their way to the Asian market. Vreugdenhil Dairy Foods employs over 500 people and has an annual turnover of approximately €1.1 billion.
