Lactalis

Lactalis is a French multinational dairy products corporation headquartered in Laval, France. Founded in 1933 by André Besnier, it has grown to become one of the largest dairy companies in the world. The company operates in over 50 countries and employs more than 130,000 people. Lactalis is privately held and remains a family-owned business.

The company's product portfolio is extensive, encompassing a wide range of dairy items. These include milk, cheese, yogurt, butter, and cream. Lactalis is particularly well-known for its cheese brands, such as Président, Galbani, and Société. They also produce infant formula and other specialized nutritional products. The company's brands are distributed globally through various retail channels.

Lactalis has grown significantly through a series of strategic acquisitions over the years. Notable acquisitions include Parmalat in 2011, which made Lactalis a global leader in milk and dairy products, and the acquisition of the U.S. dairy operations of Kraft Heinz in 2020. These acquisitions have expanded its market presence and product offerings.

While Lactalis is a major player in the global food industry, it has also faced scrutiny and public attention regarding various issues, including product recalls and concerns about labor practices in some of its subsidiaries. The company has stated its commitment to product quality and safety and has implemented various initiatives to address these concerns.