Mlekpol has maintained a strong position in the dairy market for years, and your products reach consumers in many countries. What are the biggest challenges facing the company today?
One of the key challenges that Mlekpol currently has to face is the need to quickly adapt to the dynamically changing economic reality and increasingly restrictive standards of sustainable development and ESG. The growing expectations of consumers, business partners, and legislative institutions regarding transparency, energy efficiency, and environmental responsibility necessitate the implementation of ambitious technological goals. Therefore, we are consistently investing in renewable energy sources, process automation, and new circular economy solutions. These measures not only reduce our carbon footprint, but also increase the company’s global competitiveness.
In addition, changes in strategic export markets, such as China, are driving us towards even greater flexibility and a new approach to building trade relations. In response to the current situation, we are focusing, among other things, on diversifying our exports, concentrating on regions characterized by dynamic demographic growth and an absorbent market, such as Southeast Asia and Latin America.
Overcoming challenges always requires a lot of work, but it also determines the development and strengthening of Mlekpol’s position as a modern, responsible company. Our advanced production facilities, broad portfolio, and flexible approach to the needs of individual markets enable us to successfully sell our products to over 100 countries. This confirms that we are able to effectively respond to the diverse expectations of today’s consumers.
Which products from Mlekpol’s portfolio are most popular on foreign markets?
SM Mlekpol’s export structure is dominated by products with high added value and a long shelf life, primarily: UHT milk and cream, butter, ripening cheeses, cream cheeses, and a full range of powdered products.
For years, we have been intensively developing our export brands: Happy Barn and Milcasa, valued for their quality in European, Asian, African, and Middle Eastern countries. Both brands are effectively building Mlekpol’s recognition outside Poland, which facilitates the establishment of trade relations in other countries as well.
It is worth noting that our significant technological advantage in terms of potential milk sales to the most distant global markets is our modern production line of UHT milk, which, when stored at ambient temperature, retains its freshness and nutritional properties for up to 12 months. This solution is ideal for countries with a tropical climate, where refrigeration infrastructure is often limited and the demand for safe food with a long shelf life remains very high.
What distinguishes Mlekpol products from international competitors?
The Mlekpol Dairy Cooperative has been successfully building its position on the global market for years, thanks to a combination of high-quality raw materials, operational flexibility, and the ability to respond quickly to changing consumer expectations.
Mlekpol’s distinguishing feature is, above all, its individual approach to each trading partner. Our customers appreciate this flexibility, which allows us to cooperate with both large retail chains and smaller, local distributors.
Another advantage of the Cooperative is its modern production facilities, consisting of 12 plants throughout Poland, which are characterized by a high degree of specialization. Thanks to this structure, we are able to provide our customers not only with a broad portfolio and continuity of supply, but also consistent quality standards and rapid adaptation of production to the needs of individual markets, also in situations such as seasonal increase in demand.
The company’s transparency and responsibility are also important, both in terms of the origin of raw materials (sourced from Polish farmers who are members of the Cooperative) and compliance with international standards, including those relating to food safety and sustainable development.
What sustainable development measures does Mlekpol take?
For Mlekpol, sustainable development is a conscious, long-term direction of action, embedded in the strategy of the entire organization.
One of the Cooperative’s most important achievements in this field is the complete elimination of hard coal from our production processes. We have replaced it with low-emission fuels such as natural gas and LNG. What is more, we already cover 20% of our electricity demand from our own sources, and our goal for 2030 is to reach 50% in this regard.
In terms of the circular economy, we can boast a unique investment – the launch of a modern biogas plant at the company’s wastewater treatment plant in Grajewo. It is the first facility of this type in our production structure. The plant uses all organic waste from the processing process and sludge from the treatment plant, converting it into green electricity and heat, as well as organic fertilizer used locally by farmers. For this investment, Mlekpol was awarded the title of “Eco-Investor in the Food Industry,” confirming that pro-environmental activities are an indispensable part of modern organizational management.
In the long term, environmental transparency is also very important to us. That is why we are conducting advanced work on reducing our carbon footprint throughout the supply chain. We are therefore working with farmers – members of the Cooperative and contractors – to jointly reduce our impact on the climate, both through good agricultural practices and investments in innovation.
We carry out all these activities with the conviction that the future of the dairy sector depends on the ability to combine quality and scale of production with respect for the environment and corporate social responsibility.
Is the digitization of production processes and logistics the direction of Mlekpol’s development?
Due to data-driven decision-making, digitization has a very significant impact on changing the management style and organizational culture at Mlekpol. Working to provide reliable basic data, as well as determining its owners, is changing the way the company operates.
The digitization process has entered all areas of Mlekpol’s operations. In the areas of production and energy, for example, we are implementing advanced control systems based on digital data, continuously recorded thanks to precise measuring devices. This ensures a very high level of product standardization and the highest level of productivity in all processes.
The upgrade of the ERP system to version S4 is key for us. We have already successfully migrated the database to HANA. We have completed the implementation of a WMS-class management system in two distribution warehouses. Another major investment is the replacement of the currently used data warehouse with a new platform for managing data from various sources and a cloud-based solution for data reporting and analysis. And this is only part of the work in progress. What lies ahead of us, among other things, is a major upgrade of our transport management software and the adaptation of our current systems to the needs of KSEF, as well as the next stage of development of our raw material procurement support program.
The digital transformation also extends to our relationships with suppliers. We support farmers who are members of the Cooperative in developing smart farms that implement modern herd management, animal health monitoring, and sustainable feeding systems.
Thanks to these investments and initiatives, Mlekpol is consistently strengthening its position as a modern, responsible producer, well prepared for the challenges of the future.
Do you notice any differences between trends on the Polish and foreign markets?
On the Polish market, we are seeing a significant increase in the popularity of functional products, including high-protein products. Our Łaciate Protein+ line perfectly meets these expectations. Although high-protein products were initially associated mainly with athletes, they are now popular among a wider group of consumers: people who care about a balanced diet, seniors, and parents looking for nutritious snacks for their children. In the functional products category, we have also launched a new line of lactose-free Łaciate drinking yogurts enriched with magnesium and biotin – ingredients known for their positive effect on the nervous system and the condition of the skin and hair.
In distant foreign markets, we observe slightly different preferences. In countries with a tropical climate, the shelf life of products at ambient temperature is crucial, hence the great popularity of our UHT milk of various brands. In many countries in Africa, Asia, and the Americas, there is also a noticeable growing demand for products with a high fat content, such as butter and cream, but also cheeses, including mozzarella.
How important is it for Mlekpol to participate in international trade fairs such as ANUGA?
Trade fairs of this rank bring together food industry leaders from around the world, so attending them gives us access to key decision-makers – distributors, importers, retail chains, and media representatives. It is an excellent opportunity to showcase product innovations, obtain feedback from partners and consumers, and monitor trends that shape the future of the dairy sector.
For Mlekpol, participation in events such as ANUGA brings concrete business results: getting new contracts, strengthening relationships with current partners, and developing sales in new markets.
The image aspect is also important. Mlekpol’s presence among exhibitors at such major events confirms our position as one of the largest and most modern dairy producers in Central and Eastern Europe. Trade fairs such as ANUGA are also a space for promoting Polish agriculture and processing, and Mlekpol, as a cooperative based on the strength of local suppliers, represents them in the best possible way.
What are Mlekpol’s plans for the coming years?
In the coming years, Mlekpol will continue to develop consistently based on three main directions: modern technologies, environmental responsibility, and further strengthening its position on domestic and foreign markets. We want to combine tradition and experience with innovation, adapting to the changing needs of consumers and the challenges of the modern world.
An integral part of our strategy remains cooperation with farmers – members of the Cooperative, who are at the heart of our business. Thanks to them we can not only develop high-quality dairy production, but also work together to ensure the future of Polish agriculture.
Further development will be based on responsible investment decisions, product portfolio development, and openness to new markets and partnerships. Our goal is to build a strong, sustainable organization that is ready to meet the demands of tomorrow and future generations.
One of the key challenges that Mlekpol currently has to face is the need to quickly adapt to the dynamically changing economic reality and increasingly restrictive standards of sustainable development and ESG. The growing expectations of consumers, business partners, and legislative institutions regarding transparency, energy efficiency, and environmental responsibility necessitate the implementation of ambitious technological goals. Therefore, we are consistently investing in renewable energy sources, process automation, and new circular economy solutions. These measures not only reduce our carbon footprint, but also increase the company’s global competitiveness.
In addition, changes in strategic export markets, such as China, are driving us towards even greater flexibility and a new approach to building trade relations. In response to the current situation, we are focusing, among other things, on diversifying our exports, concentrating on regions characterized by dynamic demographic growth and an absorbent market, such as Southeast Asia and Latin America.
Overcoming challenges always requires a lot of work, but it also determines the development and strengthening of Mlekpol’s position as a modern, responsible company. Our advanced production facilities, broad portfolio, and flexible approach to the needs of individual markets enable us to successfully sell our products to over 100 countries. This confirms that we are able to effectively respond to the diverse expectations of today’s consumers.
Which products from Mlekpol’s portfolio are most popular on foreign markets?
SM Mlekpol’s export structure is dominated by products with high added value and a long shelf life, primarily: UHT milk and cream, butter, ripening cheeses, cream cheeses, and a full range of powdered products.
For years, we have been intensively developing our export brands: Happy Barn and Milcasa, valued for their quality in European, Asian, African, and Middle Eastern countries. Both brands are effectively building Mlekpol’s recognition outside Poland, which facilitates the establishment of trade relations in other countries as well.
It is worth noting that our significant technological advantage in terms of potential milk sales to the most distant global markets is our modern production line of UHT milk, which, when stored at ambient temperature, retains its freshness and nutritional properties for up to 12 months. This solution is ideal for countries with a tropical climate, where refrigeration infrastructure is often limited and the demand for safe food with a long shelf life remains very high.
What distinguishes Mlekpol products from international competitors?
The Mlekpol Dairy Cooperative has been successfully building its position on the global market for years, thanks to a combination of high-quality raw materials, operational flexibility, and the ability to respond quickly to changing consumer expectations.
Mlekpol’s distinguishing feature is, above all, its individual approach to each trading partner. Our customers appreciate this flexibility, which allows us to cooperate with both large retail chains and smaller, local distributors.
Another advantage of the Cooperative is its modern production facilities, consisting of 12 plants throughout Poland, which are characterized by a high degree of specialization. Thanks to this structure, we are able to provide our customers not only with a broad portfolio and continuity of supply, but also consistent quality standards and rapid adaptation of production to the needs of individual markets, also in situations such as seasonal increase in demand.
The company’s transparency and responsibility are also important, both in terms of the origin of raw materials (sourced from Polish farmers who are members of the Cooperative) and compliance with international standards, including those relating to food safety and sustainable development.
What sustainable development measures does Mlekpol take?
For Mlekpol, sustainable development is a conscious, long-term direction of action, embedded in the strategy of the entire organization.
One of the Cooperative’s most important achievements in this field is the complete elimination of hard coal from our production processes. We have replaced it with low-emission fuels such as natural gas and LNG. What is more, we already cover 20% of our electricity demand from our own sources, and our goal for 2030 is to reach 50% in this regard.
In terms of the circular economy, we can boast a unique investment – the launch of a modern biogas plant at the company’s wastewater treatment plant in Grajewo. It is the first facility of this type in our production structure. The plant uses all organic waste from the processing process and sludge from the treatment plant, converting it into green electricity and heat, as well as organic fertilizer used locally by farmers. For this investment, Mlekpol was awarded the title of “Eco-Investor in the Food Industry,” confirming that pro-environmental activities are an indispensable part of modern organizational management.
In the long term, environmental transparency is also very important to us. That is why we are conducting advanced work on reducing our carbon footprint throughout the supply chain. We are therefore working with farmers – members of the Cooperative and contractors – to jointly reduce our impact on the climate, both through good agricultural practices and investments in innovation.
We carry out all these activities with the conviction that the future of the dairy sector depends on the ability to combine quality and scale of production with respect for the environment and corporate social responsibility.
Is the digitization of production processes and logistics the direction of Mlekpol’s development?
Due to data-driven decision-making, digitization has a very significant impact on changing the management style and organizational culture at Mlekpol. Working to provide reliable basic data, as well as determining its owners, is changing the way the company operates.
The digitization process has entered all areas of Mlekpol’s operations. In the areas of production and energy, for example, we are implementing advanced control systems based on digital data, continuously recorded thanks to precise measuring devices. This ensures a very high level of product standardization and the highest level of productivity in all processes.
The upgrade of the ERP system to version S4 is key for us. We have already successfully migrated the database to HANA. We have completed the implementation of a WMS-class management system in two distribution warehouses. Another major investment is the replacement of the currently used data warehouse with a new platform for managing data from various sources and a cloud-based solution for data reporting and analysis. And this is only part of the work in progress. What lies ahead of us, among other things, is a major upgrade of our transport management software and the adaptation of our current systems to the needs of KSEF, as well as the next stage of development of our raw material procurement support program.
The digital transformation also extends to our relationships with suppliers. We support farmers who are members of the Cooperative in developing smart farms that implement modern herd management, animal health monitoring, and sustainable feeding systems.
Thanks to these investments and initiatives, Mlekpol is consistently strengthening its position as a modern, responsible producer, well prepared for the challenges of the future.
Do you notice any differences between trends on the Polish and foreign markets?
On the Polish market, we are seeing a significant increase in the popularity of functional products, including high-protein products. Our Łaciate Protein+ line perfectly meets these expectations. Although high-protein products were initially associated mainly with athletes, they are now popular among a wider group of consumers: people who care about a balanced diet, seniors, and parents looking for nutritious snacks for their children. In the functional products category, we have also launched a new line of lactose-free Łaciate drinking yogurts enriched with magnesium and biotin – ingredients known for their positive effect on the nervous system and the condition of the skin and hair.
In distant foreign markets, we observe slightly different preferences. In countries with a tropical climate, the shelf life of products at ambient temperature is crucial, hence the great popularity of our UHT milk of various brands. In many countries in Africa, Asia, and the Americas, there is also a noticeable growing demand for products with a high fat content, such as butter and cream, but also cheeses, including mozzarella.
How important is it for Mlekpol to participate in international trade fairs such as ANUGA?
Trade fairs of this rank bring together food industry leaders from around the world, so attending them gives us access to key decision-makers – distributors, importers, retail chains, and media representatives. It is an excellent opportunity to showcase product innovations, obtain feedback from partners and consumers, and monitor trends that shape the future of the dairy sector.
For Mlekpol, participation in events such as ANUGA brings concrete business results: getting new contracts, strengthening relationships with current partners, and developing sales in new markets.
The image aspect is also important. Mlekpol’s presence among exhibitors at such major events confirms our position as one of the largest and most modern dairy producers in Central and Eastern Europe. Trade fairs such as ANUGA are also a space for promoting Polish agriculture and processing, and Mlekpol, as a cooperative based on the strength of local suppliers, represents them in the best possible way.
What are Mlekpol’s plans for the coming years?
In the coming years, Mlekpol will continue to develop consistently based on three main directions: modern technologies, environmental responsibility, and further strengthening its position on domestic and foreign markets. We want to combine tradition and experience with innovation, adapting to the changing needs of consumers and the challenges of the modern world.
An integral part of our strategy remains cooperation with farmers – members of the Cooperative, who are at the heart of our business. Thanks to them we can not only develop high-quality dairy production, but also work together to ensure the future of Polish agriculture.
Further development will be based on responsible investment decisions, product portfolio development, and openness to new markets and partnerships. Our goal is to build a strong, sustainable organization that is ready to meet the demands of tomorrow and future generations.
