Lactalis Ukraine

Lactalis’s history in Ukraine began on February 15, 1996, with the establishment of a French-Ukrainian enterprise to produce edible casein and butter at the Mykolaiv City Dairy Plant. By July 1996, the first product under the international Président brand appeared in Ukraine: butter made using equipment imported from France and a technology unique to the country—produced from cream fermented with special starter cultures.

The signing of the joint venture agreement was preceded by several years of negotiations. These began in 1993, when the French company Besnier became interested in a project proposed by the Ukrainian side to produce edible casein in the Mykolaiv region. Despite the crisis in Ukraine in the 1990s, one of France's largest dairy producers believed in the country's potential and became the first foreign investor in the domestic dairy industry.

The next major stage in the company's development was the technical re-equipping of production facilities and the expansion of its product range, both of which began in 1998.

The company is rapidly expanding its product range. By 2000, the enterprise was already producing over 150 SKUs. In addition to milk, kefir, ryazhanka, sour cream, and butter, the lineup grew to include yogurt and curd-based desserts; a new, modern production facility was opened to manufacture these items.

The company’s brands began winning consumer loyalty across the country. In 2003, the Président brand introduced market-unique curd desserts with chocolate glaze and "Tvorozhna Tradytsiya" (Curd Tradition) cottage cheese.

In 2004, the Lactalis Group invested in the acquisition of the Food Master company, owner of the Laktonia and Bilosvit brands. Production began for "Laktonia Imun+" functional yogurts and the domestic market's first industrially produced *zapikanka* (baked curd cake) under the Dolce brand.

In 2006, Lactalis Ukraine marked its 10th anniversary as a leader in the sour cream, cottage cheese, and curd-based dessert categories. That same year, Président-branded sour cream and butter received their first "Choice of the Year" award.

In 2007, the Lactalis Group acquired the "Molochnyi Dim" plant in Pavlohrad and began re-equipping it to meet European quality standards.

A certified food quality and safety management system is being implemented in accordance with ISO and HACCP standards. ISO 9001 standards are being adopted at both plants. To counter unfair competition and market counterfeiting, Lactalis Ukraine is establishing partnerships with leading Ukrainian and international business associations.

In 2011, the company marked its 15th anniversary by launching a new product—milk under the international Lactel brand—and by strengthening its market leadership. In 2013, the company’s product portfolio expanded to include "Loko Moko," a new brand aimed at the youngest consumers of dairy products.

In 2016, Lactalis Ukraine’s facilities became among the first in the country to gain the right to export products to the European Union. The company’s products are already available in Moldova, Azerbaijan, Armenia, Georgia, the UAE, and other countries.

In 2017–2018, Lactalis Ukraine became the number one exporter of consumer dairy products in Ukraine. The company actively expanded its product range, introducing 11 new products to the market in 2018.

In October 2021, the Shostka plant and the "Shostka" brand—one of Ukraine's best-known cheese brands — were acquired.

Today, Lactalis Ukraine manufactures nearly 250 product varieties under brands such as Président, Dolce, Lactonia, Fanni, Loko Moko, and Shostka. The company employs approximately 850 people and boasts one of the most professional and capable teams in the industry.

Even amidst the war, Lactalis Ukraine remains profitable, successfully retaining its workforce, supplier network, and raw material base. To ensure employee safety and protection, modern mobile modular shelters were installed at all three of the company's plants in 2025.

The continuous development of leadership and management teams, transparent communication at all levels, the ongoing implementation of changes in line with Lactalis Group principles, and a combination of crisis and entrepreneurial mindsets ensure the company’s smooth operation even during the country’s most challenging periods.