Lactinov has been exporting its dairy products to 50 destinations for around ten years. Interview with Soriya Jamet, Group Export Sales and Marketing Manager at the Salon International de l’Alimentation (SIAL) organized in Paris from October 15 to 19.
Can you describe Lactinov for us?
“Lactinov is a member of the Lact’union dairy cooperative, that represents over 600 dairy producers in the Hauts-de-France region, and has a workforce of 450 employees. Our annual revenue is in the region of €250 million and each year we process more than 250 million liters of milk in our three factories, mainly UHT milk in bottles and cartons, and we also manufacture butter and cream for large dairy groups. We have, in addition, developed a specific export range with our Promess brand in particular, which is distributed internationally to over 40 destinations.”
How long have you been an exporter and what are your main markets?
“We expanded our business into exports about ten years ago and have operations in South-East Asia and Africa. We would like to develop even further to the Middle East, as the region is not self-sufficient and has genuine needs. We have created products that are more specific to certain markets, such as drinking yogurt, which is not very well-known in France, but is very popular in Asia. At the same time, we export under our customers’ brands in over 50 destinations.”
How did Business France support you with this international procedure?
“The Business France teams helped us better understand the markets in which we were keen to sell our products. During Covid we were able to continue to solicit customers abroad using the Business France offices located around the world. Moreover, we have continued to support the Pavillon France at the major shows, such as Gulfood in Dubai or Anuga in Germany.”
SIAL targets more sustainable food – what are your commitments in this area? “As a dairy cooperative, we are very engaged in everything relating to development and sustainable food. We work on a daily basis to reduce our carbon footprint and help our producers reduce their CO2 emissions.Our group was one of the first to initiate organic collection in France and this year we will be launching the organic Promess milk for the export market.”