August 8, 2011

Lactalis eyes Bulgarian dairy sector

Lactalis, France's dairy products maker is studying the likelihood of starting operations in Bulgaria, according to the country's Agriculture Ministry.

On August 4, Deputy Agriculture Minister Tsvetan Dimitrov held meetings with farmers in northern Bulgaria. Eric Boutroux, representative of Lactalis, visited the facilities of dairy producer LB Bulgaricum, saying the company was interested in collaborating with Bulgarian farms that want to develop their activities, as well as in the setting up of processing plants.

No further details were provided.

According to unofficial information, Lactalis' study is at a very early stage and concerns the establishment of a new factory or purchasing an existing dairy plant in the country. The company aims to start producing various goods to sell them in countries in the region.

Lactalis, which is the 15th biggest food company globally, operates in 56 countries and has more than 190 manufacturing facilities.

In early 2011, Lactalis bought 83.3% of Italy's largest dairy producer Parmalat.