Branded products bolster European processors

EUROPE – Continuing concentration on key branded products helped Europe’s leading milk processors deliver good results for 2001.

Dutch processor Friesland Coberco saw a rise in net income for 2001 of just 2% over 2000 at 79 million euro. However, the company’s sales of key brands jumped 11% in 2001.

Friesland said that 35% of its sales came from its core brands. These include CoolBest, Taksi and international cheese brand Frico. They also include Chocomel, Fristi and Extran, which Friesland acquired in its recent takeover of the Nutritcia Dairy & Drinks group.

Friesland processed 5.2 million tonnes of milk for the domestic market alone in 2001. The 2% increase in net income was despite a bill of more than 8 million euro caused by the foot & mouth crisis in the first half of the year.

Friesland said that it would continue its policy of expanding exports worldwide. In 2002 it will concentrate on Eastern Europe, Africa and the Far East.

Swedish co-operative Sk