Campina sees growth in 1997

Dutch dairy co-op Campina Melkunie has reported a 1997 turnover up 6.5% to $3.3 billion. The rise was said to be caused by higher dairy prices and the com-pany’s acquisition last year of a 50% stake in German joint venture Tuffi Campina.
The unlisted company, which did not disclose profit figures, said it had generated about 68% of last year’s sales in its Dutch, Belgium and German home markets. About 20% of group sales were generated outside the EU, with exports to Russia reported to be going particularly well. The group also increased its interests in Poland.
Campina said the gross price paid to its Dutch member dairy farmers had risen to $38.06 per 100kg of milk, up 4.2% on the 1996 price. The company said this implied an improvement of income after years of decreases.
Meanwhile, after making its name with its premium brand Landliebe full-cream pasteurised milk and similar quality yogurts