News

DMK, Volac dissolve JV

9 Sep 2019

German dairy cooperative the DMK Group and the UK’s Volac have announced that they will bring their joint participation in DV Nutrition to an end, subject to receiving relevant approvals.

At that point, DV Nutrition’s assets will become wholly owned by the DMK Group and will continue to operate from the existing site at Hoogeveen (Netherlands).

DMK, Volac dissolve JV

DV Nutrition is a joint venture between DOC Kaas (part of DMK Group) and Volac and has been producing whey protein and lactose-based ingredients since 2004.

Volac and the DMK Group said they continue to enjoy an excellent working relationship. However, the decision reflects the fact that both partners wish to develop their businesses in different directions. Separation of activities will enable clear and focused strategies for the future to be implemented for both Volac and DMK Group, aimed at delivering the best interests of their respective businesses, stakeholders and shareholders.

DMK says it has defined clear roles for its business as defined in its “Vision 2030” which positions its business areas for the future. As part of the realignment, the DMK Group will focus on value creation and take a very market-oriented approach. DMK intends to invest in growth areas in the years to come including infrastructure, M&A activity, R&D partnerships, marketing, sales and distribution.

As of January 1st 2020, subject to prior competition clearance, the DMK Group is expected to acquire all of the shares in the joint venture which will then be located in the business unit ‘Industry’ within the DMK Group.

It has been agreed not to disclose any information with respect to the purchase price. No redundancies are expected as a result of the change in ownership.

As part of the joint venture, Volac has been responsible for the sales and marketing of all products manufactured by DV Nutrition. Volac will continue to supply protein products sourced from the DV Nutrition factory to its sport and active nutrition customers for the foreseeable future after which new customer supply arrangements will have been put in place by Volac. The intention is that products manufactured by DV Nutrition will be supplied directly to customers in the future by the DMK Group.

Related news

US alternative egg brand cracks European market

US alternative egg brand cracks European market

23 Jun 2025

Just Egg is set to be produced in Europe’s largest plant-based facility as plant-based egg brands look to take advantage of the supply chain crisis.

Read more 
World Food Safety Day shines a spotlight on science

World Food Safety Day shines a spotlight on science

19 Jun 2025

On 7 June, the World Health Organization (WHO) held its annual World Food Safety Day, highlighting the role scientific research and innovation play in supporting consumers’ health.

Read more 
Compostable packaging claims rubbished by regulator

Compostable packaging claims rubbished by regulator

9 Jun 2025

Compostable coffee capsule ads from brands including Dualit and Lavazza Coffee have been banned after the UK’s advertising watchdog deemed them to be "misleading".

Read more 
The winners of Vitafoods Europe Startup Challenge 2025 revealed

The winners of Vitafoods Europe Startup Challenge 2025 revealed

29 May 2025

Four startups – Yomio Drops, PFx Biotech, Revobiom, and Favamole – took top prizes at this year’s Vitafoods Europe Startup Challenge awards.

Read more 
Plant-based proteins ‘have higher levels of chemical contaminants’ due to processing

Plant-based proteins ‘have higher levels of chemical contaminants’ due to processing

21 May 2025

Plant-based proteins have higher levels of chemical contaminants than their animal-based counterparts, but there is no suggestion of “immediate risk” to consumers, say scientists.

Read more 
Nestlé improves nutrition reporting as pressure grows on other food and beverage companies

Nestlé improves nutrition reporting as pressure grows on other food and beverage companies

16 May 2025

Nestlé has urged other major food manufacturing businesses to improve their reporting on the nutritional value of their products.

Read more 
Grocery retail shows cautious optimism and stabilisation

Grocery retail shows cautious optimism and stabilisation

15 May 2025

Health and functionality, personalisation, convenience, advancing technologies, and sustainability dominate the grocery retail landscape and the shoppers of the future.

Read more 
East takes on West in the fight for future food flavours

East takes on West in the fight for future food flavours

30 Apr 2025

Asian and South American flavours are now key components on global menus, driven by a growing global appetite for culinary mashups.

Read more 
How biotechnology is developing novel ingredients of the future

How biotechnology is developing novel ingredients of the future

29 Apr 2025

Fermented ingredients have the potential to change the food sector at a more rapid pace than once thought, a report by global management consultancy McKinsey suggests.

Read more 
Chinese consumers show strong interest in new plant milk types

Chinese consumers show strong interest in new plant milk types

28 Apr 2025

Chinese consumers are prioritising taste and health benefits when purchasing plant milks, with growing interest in ingredients such as nuts, grains, and tubers.

Read more