Dutch dairy co-operative Campina Melkunie has begun dairy processing operations in Russia.
In partnership with its German-based daughter Campina, the company intends to focus on yogurt production at a new factory at Stupino near Moscow. Campina has invested $50 million (55m Euros) in the new plant, which is being supplied with milk from Russian farmers.
The Campina partnership is looking for an estimated 50 to 80 million kg of milk for the first year.
Yogurts, and some other fresh milk products being produced at Stupino, will remain under the German/Dutch Fruttis label. In the past eight years, Campina has shipped this brand into Russia and it is now market leader.
Other Campina products, such as cheese and desserts, will continue to be exported into Russia from Western European plants.