DECEMBER 2019 MILCHThe Official Magazine of the DMK Group WELT

Markus Reiß, 25 years old, trainee dairy technologist Strong in Erfurt

Julia Büchel, 25 years old, DMK dairy farmer in Odenthal Together. We are shaping nutrition. EDITORIAL

Together into the Future Oliver Bartelt Global Head of Corporate Communications

Dear Readers,

Thousands of farmers took to the streets and, just like climate and human rights activists Greta Thunberg or Carola Rackete, took a clear stance on the issues that matter to them, confidently sharing their views in public. Good for them! I think that people only stay dynamic when they are open for dialogue and debate. And we need that openness in a world that is spinning ever faster.

The main thing is that people talk together — and, even more importantly, listen to each other, especially when it comes to topics that cannot be solved by farmers or climate activists alone. That is key for reaching a broad social consensus.

When change processes drive the pace of our times, clear values can help, along with taking a clear stance — casting an anchor in an ocean of possibilities.

DMK is also in the process of developing a clear position and engaging with issues such as company culture, sustainability and added value. One of our company values is being entrepreneurial, which means calculation, taking risks and having a clear plan. This is only possible thanks to DMK’s many doers who are filling the Target Image 2030 with life and driving it forwards with their engagement, enthusiasm and ideas. We asked colleagues what topics matter most to them in their areas of work and what they are working on (pages 22–27).

What employees think about Vision 2030, what they find most interesting and where they have questions also became clear during our tour with the “Watch- box” when we visited 20 plants (pages 18–21). There was a chance for dialogue wherever the box traveled, and the many fruitful discussions we had brought everyone closer together.

What does the word Enjoy reading, and please keep up the debate. Talking together always helps! “nutrition” mean to you? For some, nutrition is a trend, a lifestyle and a passion. For others, it is a means to an end. For farmers, it is the skill that Best regards, they live by. One thing is true for everyone: it is a subject that people feel strongly about. Share your thoughts in our survey.

Oliver Bartelt

Take part in our survey www.dmk.de/survey December 2019 MILCHWELT 3 INSIDE INSIDE

COVER 44 STRONG TOGETHER 16– 31 Training 4.0. 22The milk professionals. DMK’s new approach Modern DMK that is every single one of us. Much Five DMK experts to the competition for milkmaster. is changing – in agriculture, production outline innovative professional talent What’s changing ideas and new goals 28 in 2020 and administration. Updates on team projects, trainee information, innovative strategies and Watchbox photos

NEWS

Report: Two DMK Dairy Farmers 32 Head to the ANUGA Building a New Dairy in Russia 36 About Our Brand 40 From the Regions 41 Sustainabilty 43

Full8 power COMPANY 16Strong ahead. together. The fold-out DMK consists graphic descri- of more than bes the changes DMK’s Change Process at a Glance 8 14,000 dairy far- underway at the Mr. Müller, what will be different 14 mers and employees. company in 2020? Old hands and newco- The New DMK Finance Boss 34 mers talk about the way 32 on the First 100 Days into the future, courage and DMK Baby’s New Shape 38 team spirit Tasting the future. DMK dairy farmer Julia Büchel and her father, Peter, FARMING AND visit the ANUGA AGRICULTURE trade fair

The New Milkmaster Program 44 News from the District Assemblies 48 The “myMilk“ Service Platform 51

38 IN EVERY ISSUE Baby food reloaded. Contacts in the Editorial Department 52 The new shape DMK in the Media 52 of DMK Baby Contacts to Regional Leaders 53 MILCHWELT Masthead 53 DMK Sweepstakes 54 Recipe 54

CEO Ingo Müller answers our questions. Dr. Frank Claassen. 14 What will be different in 2020? 34 The numbers man

4 MILCHWELT December 2019 December 2019 MILCHWELT 5 FACTS & FIGURES FACTS & FIGURES

70,000 visitors amble through Hamburg’s fish market at dawn every Sunday. On this particular day, a DMK truck showed up at the Elbe river side, parking alongside all the legendary market criers at five o’clock on the dot. Christian Paulsen, Marco Augustin (on the flatbed, on the left), Ulf Tabel (wearing a white cap in the background) and Heino Wülpern showed passers by why MILRAM is the home of freshness

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Full power ahead into the future

The milk market is changing. The milk quota is gone and now, talk is all about animal welfare, sustainability, trends and digitization. That has forced DMK to change its course too and break into new markets. The graphic overleaf maps out the areas we are working on, and the ship symbolizes the route the company is taking to reach the consumers of the future.

8 MILCHWELT December 2019 December 2019 MILCHWELT 9 COMPANY KEY TO OUR RESTRUCTURING

1 Our mother ship. DMK was a volume player on the milk market up until 2017. The com- pany’s success was based on quantity and standardized products.

2 The river and its streams. The milk market has grown ever more complex. DMK is now fo- cusing on the major trend markets, from health to lifestyle, sustainability and growth abroad, and providing good modern products to fit these. The graphic shows some examples.

3 The shipyard. Hundreds of farmers left the ship during the milk crisis and the company had to be completely restructured in order to be able to reach the consumer of the future.

4 The speedboats. DMK organized its opera- tions into six Business Units (BUs). They focus on domestic and international markets and products for specific target groups.

5 The compasses. Each Business Unit has ‚big bets‘ that set the strategy and help them to navigate difficult waters. They mark the exact route to follow, and clearly set the milestones along the way.

6 The lighthouse. Vision 2030 was presented in 2019 and, like a lighthouse, it shows the route we have to take into the future. Everyo- ne in the DMK Group is steering towards the same goal: Value added comes before growth, with the consumer constantly in the focus. DMK Group wants to be the first choice for modern food products.

7 The biggest cost drivers in 2019 were invest- ments in the Nordhackstedt and Georgsma- rienhütte facilities (mozzarella and the plant wage agreements), the new construction in Strückhausen, Beesten and Russia, and taking over Alete and DV Nutrition.

8 The waterwheels. DMK has set its course over the last few years, signed contracts and allocated employees into the right positions. The results of the restructuring will start becoming visible in 2020. DMK will be able to create value in the areas of business it is focusing on.

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or 2019, we can’t pretend Mr. Müller, pone, mozzarella and soft cheese there. otherwise: DMK faces That good business justified building a challenges that we have to second dairy. The primary production overcome and there is no of specialty cheeses expands DMK’s wayF around that. There is a gap in our what will be product portfolio and will also gene- performance and we have to close it. rate growth. We invested a sum in the But the signs are good that we will low double-digit millions in market finally manage that in 2020, after all, different in 2020? processing on site so we can syste- we have completed DMK’s fundamen- matically expand local business and tal restructuring. You can’t just turn a also this area’s contribution to our tanker like DMK in the blink of an eye international business. That is also the – such a transition takes time to steer, context for our 100 percent takeover and long levers, and we said that back DMK is in a transition and these are challenging times. in 2017 as we set out on this journey The current change process demands performance, to refocus DMK. When we have finally “DMK faces patience and courage. At the same time, people are turned our tanker around, then we can challenges that also use these long levers. We now face struggling amid the ongoing debates about climate we have to the consolidation phase without new protection, changing nutritional habits and greater investments. overcome and So what are the good reasons? We political uncertainties. We asked the DMK Group’s CEO there is no way know what caused the shortfall in how he sees 2019 and the direction he is planning for 2020 our performance. The 2019 gap around that” is obviously due to massive yet necessary investments we made in DMK. We are still mainly focused a cooperative — and partly are still on, we come to 4,800 employees who of DV Nutrition: The DMK Group has on standard products which are experiencing. We know that we were process milk. And then we have IT, bought a flourishing whey derivatives more exposed to price fluctuations under the Federal Office for Agricul- internal audit, data protection, ASI/ business with highly efficient pro- than brand products. We had ho- ture and Food average in 2019. Even if environment, agriculture and person- duction which means we can look to ped to see a price upturn after the we feel the shortfall more keenly than nel. We need these company structures rapidly growing international mar- drought, particularly for standard it actually is, either way you look at it, because we are so big. It is our respon- kets, particularly in Asia, and supply goods, but this didn’t happen, so we 2019 was not a good result and in no sibility to make the best out of these, them with high quality whey deriva- didn’t have special effects in 2019 as way reflects our ambitions. and we are working on that. Our new tives. For anyone who comments that we did in 2017, when our standard But as I described, the result is CFO Frank Claassen has a clear plan I said no more acquisitions, let me products benefited from market clearly affected by the investments for that in 2020 (editor’s note, see pages say that taking over the remainder of prices. we had to make and we have set a 34—35). That’s why we, as DMK, have DVN is not a merger and DVN is not Then there were the measures we took clear direction with Vision 2030, a vision, called Target Image 2030. All a dairy. This move secures valuable to boost our competitiveness in the which will protect us from making of the measures we take, whether they market cultivation that fits perfectly long term. These were not completed unwise investments or lacking are investments in the Strückhausen with our future vision. And we must so the construction of the Strück- focus. Another thing I want to say is plant or the Alete purchase, our plant do better with our own brands. The hausen plant, where we are in the that our team is really committed. wage models or the development of first indicators show that we are able start-up phase, is still generating high For many, DMK is not “only” an our business abroad, all of that is part to do that. Together with Baileys and costs. That applies to the plant wage employer – we want to prove that of our concept for the future. In June, Bahlsen, we have developed new ice agreements as well which also needed together, we can manage to drive we presented clear roles as part of our cream products. And with MILRAM, investments during 2019. However, DMK forward. I can’t tell you how Target Image 2030 in order to position we have brought “Kalder Kaffee” to we will finish these major yet neces- much I value that in these times our different business areas as best we stores, with lactose-free milk and sary investments in our restructuring when we see so many headwinds. can. Why was that necessary? Because without additional sugar or artificial at the end of 2019 and start of 2020. I’d also like to comment on a question nutritional trends are changing in a ingredients. That puts us right at the That means costs of more than € 200 that people keep asking me: We often way that is fast, surprising and extensi- heart of current trends and we can million from the last few years that tend to calculate how many emplo- ve. We have to be prepared and flexible profile ourselves as a brand producer. won’t apply as of 2020, for projects yees we should have theoretically. in order to react. Nonetheless, we also As Germany’s biggest dairy, we want such as Strückhausen, the plant wage But the thing is, given our extensive have to follow a clear route otherwise to move away from working as a vo- model, the DVN purchase, the takeo- product portfolio, the number of our we will fritter our efforts away. As one lume player in the dairy business and ver of the Alete brand, building a new locations and our many national and of the largest suppliers to Germany’s become a provider of select products plant in Russia, a new spray tower in international businesses, we can’t be food trading business, we are like a with natural origins that suit every- Beesten or the plant closures that also compared to smaller competitors. For tanker and at the same time, we have our actions. There are barely any well, we raised our stake in the Russian one. This is where our acquisition of cost us a one-time payment. We are example, we have DP Supply, Sanot- to show the agility and speed that the companies nowadays that can escape RichArt Group to 100 percent (editor’s the Alete brand fits into the overall all aware of the drastic situation on act, Ice Cream, Baby, F&S, Russia: that market demands of us. Issues such change. We are watching not only note, see pages 36—37). We are not picture (editor’s note, see page 38). You the farms. We know the struggles that alone means 2,900 of 7,700 employees as sustainability or animal welfare, the German market but also global focusing on standard products at the see the puzzle is slow but all these in- our farmers face as individual entre- and very few of them process even a new nutritional trends, regionalism developments. That includes Russia. plant in Russia, but producing Tilsiter, dividual pieces are gradually coming preneurs and that we experienced as liter of milk. By this model calculati- or convenience, all these must guide As the business in Russia developed so cooking cheese, blue cheese, Mascar- together to create a bigger picture.

14 MILCHWELT December 2019 December 2019 MILCHWELT 15 Vision

A Wooden Box Only With Us goes on Tour Vision 2030 comes to visit the locations pages 18 – 19 DMK’s massive change process would not have been possible without its employees. They are the company’s backbone and it is thanks to Meetings, Done them that the transformation is succeeding Differently

Employees describe their great deal has changed. A massive process of experiences with the transformation at DMK means that now, the “Watchbox” massive “dairy ship” is turning towards the future. pages 20 – 21 The changes were often radical: departments were merged,A production processes optimized, new products deve- loped and in the future, too, we won’t be able to sit back and take it easy as we drive Vision 2030 forwards. The DMK Group Teamwork is steering its focus away from volumes and onto margins, and putting customer wishes at the center of everything it does. Before Ego The changes involved all demand a lot of patience, engage- ment and trust on the part of employees. Some of the aspects European football of this extensive change process have been easy to implement champion Marco Bode quickly, while others will take longer. on soccer and business Some 1,5000 employees were transferred to different page 21 positions. Three plants had to be closed, although invest- ments were made in other locations. For example, DMK spent €145 million to transform the former factory at Strückhausen into a high-tech location for the production of baby food. Now, after three years of intense upheaval, we can say that it was Colleagues worth it! Thanks to all of these measures, the ship is on course Report for a new, changed world that is full of opportunities — and that secures the jobs of our employees. Because none of these changes would have been possible without the people who How they are work here: the people who succeed in helping DMK every day. changing DMK pages 22 – 27

Trainees for Tomorrow

DMK improves its training pages 28 – 31

16 MILCHWELT December 2019 December 2019 MILCHWELT 17 NORDHACKSTEDT

COMPANY COMPANY

HOHENWESTEDT

DARGUN ROUTE 1 STRÜCKHAUSEN ROUTE 2 ALTENTREPTOW HAMBURG ZEVEN BREMEN WAREN NEUBÖRGER EDEWECHT

HOOGEVEEN BEESTEN SECKENHAUSEN PRENZLAU KAATSHEUVEL HOLDORF

GEORGSMARIENHÜTTE A Wooden Box BERLIN EVERSWINKEL ERFURT goes on Tour WALDFEUCHT-HAAREN

BAD HOMBURG

DMK took the “Watchbox” to all of its plants to share the Target ROUTE Image 2030 and present a new kind of meeting culture 3

A box where a couple of All that generated a people can watch a film. A community feeling around group of colleagues encou- a question that is close to WAGHÄUSEL raging people to talk about everyone’s hearts. How will what they saw. That was the things develop at DMK? idea behind the “Watchbox” What does the future hold? which toured the company’s People had lots to say and different locations. The film they shared their thoughts on show was about the new openly. “We will only be able Target Image 2030. to fill the new DMK with life if everyone feels the change and understands the reasons for it,” said communications director Oliver Bartelt. The aim is to increase that sense of community feeling with the farmers and among colle- agues, independently of who works at what location. The Box encouraged most people to talk about the Vision. At the same time, they had a chance to experiment with a new kind of meeting culture where people spontaneously shared their ideas and sug- gestions but also talked about their fears and concerns. “Everyone is called upon to seek solutions,” Bartelt said. “We want employees to pursue this path together, side by side, with some who have the courage to be at the front.” Everyone, he said, can internalize the message: I am DMK, I am creating the future.

December 2019 MILCHWELT 19 COMPANY UNTERNEHMENCOLUMN

▶ Thomas Kämmer, Head of Production, The chef in the film did a The strategy Erfurt OUR good job of conveying the trend towards cool, customer-orien- TEAM 2030 ted, healthy food in the future.

It was really good to help people It would have been great to show The “Watchbox” visited The film was great, it experience Strategy 2030 this way! It helped more people from our facilities. our team on the very started mystically and us understand management decisions But people really appreciated first day. The film is -ex really drew people in. The much better. Too bad it didn’t show any the chance to taste our products. cellent! It’s cool that we Dutch people! (-; taste of “Kalder Kaffee” went down well as many Well done! can bring Vision 2030 ▶ Paulineke Lumer, Teamwork colleagues in Erfurt didn’t to all the locations this Supply & Inventory ▶ Martin Humfeldt, planner Ripening, know the product or hadn’t Director Operations Whey, way, so everyone can DOC Dairy Partners Business Unit Industry tasted it before. experience it. I might Before Ego have wished for a bit more background infor- mation for some of our he photography Marco Bode colleagues, for example really brought our colleagues and head of the SV Werder about mega trends and A Different T teams closer together! Bremen Supervisory what they mean for our Board and European company. Kind of ▶ Nadja Dambrowsky, football champion Sales Assistant, Office Management IT IS BU Industry ▶ Philipp Inderhees, A GOOD Global Head of Meeting Good trainers transform individual players Corporate Strategy IDEA AND MAKES SENSE LINK into team players. Good managers do too The “Watchbox” encouraged BECAUSE OTHERWISE You can watch the STRATEGIES CAN film again here: many colleagues to reflect and SEEM SO THEORETICAL www.dmk.de his column is all about The coach of today’s Werder team, creating analogies between - share their thoughts. Here are AND “FAR AWAY” Florian Kohfeldt, finds the right ba FOR PEOPLE: football and business, Here, lance between closeness and distance some of their responses. THE FILM WAS VERY like at companies, there to his players, he is a great communi- are Tleaders and people who lead are a cator internally as well as externally, MODERN AND VERY EMOTIONAL! major success factor. In football clubs, and despite his young age, he has the coach is the most important lea- managed to win over all the players ▶ Jennifer Czarnik, der, actually the title should be head thanks to his competence and creati- Super idea, super Quality Manager, DMK Ice Cream coach, because unlike in the times of vity in terms of tactics. film — very cool box! ▶ Jörg Ruge, Otto Rehhagel, there’s quite a large When Florian was voted trainer of Managing Director A cool new way of ArNoCo GmbH & Co. KG team of staff behind the team which is the year in the spring, the only thing led by chief trainer Florian Kohfeldt. I could say was, “Didi Hamann is communicating! It was important to bring It’s really interesting to look at these praising him, my wife likes him — he the route to 2030 to all the ▶ Valentina Slabakova, two times — Werder today compared must be pretty good!” As you can see, 3rd Party Purchasing, DMK Baby different locations so people to the Werder of yesterday, if you I’m a fan of the leadership qualities of could experience it. And it compare them in terms of leadership. both Otto Rehhagel as well as Florian was a great basis that led Otto Rehhagel was the “king of Bre- Kohfeldt. That’s because in my view to a lot of discussions — that men” and he only had one assistant although one held the job 40 years was a positive effect! at his side and his leadership motto after the other, they both have some was “everyone here can say whatever things in common. Both are interes- We used the box for team A cool I want!” In fact, Otto was actually a ted in the players as people. Both are discussions. The film shows new way to good king who was full of passion and unbelievably passionate and emotio- the pulse of the times but communicate! who valued his players and not only nal when it’s about the game and both sometimes that had to be It would have been nice because he used the formal word for have an amazing feeling for how to explained in connection to have heard more details you to us (editor’s note: there are two build a great team out of individual with the DMK Vision 2030. about the world that we forms of you in German, one more players. have to prepare for. formal and respectful, and the other Otto Rehhagel said, “the most ▶ Hans-Martin Lohmann, one informal). He was charismatic important thing about being a coach Works Director, Altentreptow and had a good sense of humor and is dealing with people!” I believe that ▶ Heike Fastenau-Gross, Director Corporate Procurement, that really won us over when he is a very modern summary of lea- Corporate Procurement talked to us and he regularly made us dership and a good basis for leading laugh. change processes in companies, too.

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An Arbiter of Taste Market expert Sven Kreitz Sven Kreitz is head of marketing at work just as well. It was difficult but now DMK Food Service. He and his team of we have a solution that can’t be copied experts track down the gastronomic very easily.” and food trends of the future. His cus- tomers are chefs and bakers in catering What will future products be like, establishments along with all external what do customers want? catering. “We see that lunch is losing its impor- tance in favor of breakfast but that first Do you yourself cook for DMK? meal of the day is changing and beco- “No, but I am a trained chef and I have ming more modern. Around the world, cooked in small restaurants, in star res- the takeaway market is growing as peo- Feeling Optimistic: We are in the middle taurants, in canteens and on ships. I’m ple want to grab something, and have familiar with all the kinds of kitchens a healthy snack while they are out and of a change process and employees that are out there. What’s important is to about. Pizza is still really important. We are really pushing ahead be able to speak the language of chefs if are the biggest suppliers of cheese for you’re going to work together with them.” pizza. But we’re changing that too, now we have white pizza with sour cream focus on the consumer and an eye on trends — How do you know what chefs want? instead of tomato sauce, and green pizza that pretty much sums up DMK’s new strategy “We work very closely together with our with pesto and cottage cheese. It’s good in brief. It sounds easy but it is actually a teams of chefs and we also have our own to keep creating new interpretations of complex and extensive task and will change national panel with about 100 chefs on it. familiar products.” Athe entire company. Vision 2030 is a mammoth project We give them products and recipes and that affects every part of the business. It might not be they provide feedback about what works How are you finding the change visible from the outside but many measures are already and whether the consistency is right or process? well on their way to being implemented. This would what we should change.” “DMK is on the right path and will manage be impossible without the employees and experts who the challenges, thanks to its employees. I are working on our vision for tomorrow with enor- Who develops the products? am absolutely sure of that. The key, busi- mous creative drive. “There’s a Research and Development ness-wise, is staying absolutely focused on The Vision for 2030 is to be “The first choice — for (R&D) team in Zeven and the real spe- the market and providing solutions for our always.” DMK wants to better understand consumers’ cialists are there, they have many years customers.” wishes and needs. The company’s product range of experience. R&D also regularly takes already includes something for almost every person part in our workshops with chefs and What is your favorite DMK product? at every stage of life. But the strategy includes much then they can exchange views directly.” “That just changed to our new porridge more: nutritional trends, sustainability, animal wel- that we are launching onto the market fare, environmental protection — a change process How quickly do new products next year. Porridge is extremely fashiona- within the company. come to market? ble right now, in line with the greater focus In the following pages you can meet some of the “Sometimes that takes a while, for on breakfast. Ours is made only of milk, people who are helping to give DMK a new face: example with our vegetarian sour oats and starch, it’s sugar-free and it tastes Experts such as Food Service boss Sven Kreitz, for cream. We spent a long time looking for really good! R&D and the plant in Erfurt example, who describes how new products take shape. an alternative to gelatine that would have done a really good job.” There’s fleet manager Thorsten Kühn, who wants to improve milk collecting technology. And then there are the experts who know just how much sensitivity it takes to capture tastes in different countries. INFO

Meet: Sven Kreitz (44) ist Head of Marketing Food-Service and a trained chef. He swapped the stove for the desk for DMK.

22 MILCHWELT December 2019 December 2019 MILCHWELT 23 INFO INFO Milk collection. What’s new: The The Meet: Alexander Godow (53) has ▶ The fleet has 96 vehicles been COO of the Business and 30 MAN trucks have Puppet master Maverick Unit Industry since 2016 been replaced by DAF trucks. ▶ Current milk collection Thorsten Kühn, Fleet Director Plant Wage Expert Alexander Godow technology, including the vehicles and the equipment, e never thought that he He and his team specialists want to he idea was born in 2016 some areas of business although we for European cheese fans but the mar- will be exchanged starting would end up running a implement route optimization programs and was developed with are behind the targets we were set. In ket is changing fast.” The creativity of in 2022. fleet. A trained lawyer, into the fleet logistics. In his view, up- Arla inNordhackstedt,” says the last few months, we really focused an Asian company surprised even the ▶ Selection and introduction Thorsten Kühn worked in grades of the milk collection technology Alexander Godow. “It’s on aiming for a better milk price. product experts at DMK. “A Korean of a new route optimization theH past for international companies in are also urgently needed. The current a simpleT principle: Partners deliver It is a fast-paced business. In Nord- business has bought a curd cheese program and modern tele- the legal and compliance departments technology is the same standard as it milk to the plant and we produce the hackstedt, production has started at that we actually add to mozzarella,” matic services for the fleet. and in supply chain management. Most was 12 years ago. “In 2022, we will have products we have agreed on, then the new mozzarella cheese factory Godow said, and smiled. “After a ▶ The new vehicles will also recently, he worked in England, mana- developed an entirely new vehicle,” the partner picks them up again and and DMK took over DVN. Now, project while, this simple cheese came back be equipped with the very ging imports of NZ butter to the Euro- Kühn says. In the future, it could be markets them.” “Beatrix” is underway. Godow exp- to us in little packets — the Koreans latest security technology. pean Union. Then, in 2018, he stumbled possible to measure exactly how much The advantage for us: The plants lains, “That’s what we call integrating had used the extrusion process to ▶ Testing is underway of across a job offer at DMK. “The post was milk there is in a tank, to a very pre- work to full capacity, can produce DVN into Wheyco. That doubles our make paprika-flavor cheese chips … .” providers of trucks and milk really interesting,” he said. “It provided cise degree. A new, lighter technology more efficiently and that reduces whey business in only six months.” collection systems. a huge amount of space for creativity.” would still allow milk quantities to be the price of our own products. Now, DMK is focusing clearly on the Kühn is a bit like a puppet master, measured, calibrated to a high degree DMK even processes raw materials customer. There’s more demand for charged with transporting milk from of accuracy. “That would save a lot to produce vegan burger patties for high-protein products, for new kinds Meet: the cow to the plant. His team handles of weight in milk collection vehicles, MacDonald’s and Burger King using of cheese, for foods for markets in Thorsten Kühn (54), the deliveries, purchasing and sale of and that’s important when it comes to the wage procedure. The COO descri- Asia and sustainable packaging. BU Director Raw Material and milk. Kühn oversees more than 96 DMK collecting milk.” This new technology is bes how that came about. “There is a Industry will keep investing in the Milk Collection — or, more vehicles and 80 additional ones, and he a quantum leap when it comes to milk very large market for these patties and market for alternative milk pro- simply, fleet boss. The trained relies heavily on his experience in logis- collection, he explains, and it would put at the dairies, we have the necessary ducts and is developing a cheese lawyer drives milk collection tics as well as his legal knowledge when DMK ahead of the pack in Europe. drying facilities. We developed a spe- made of plant raw materials. with all his ideas and energy. he deals with business partners. Optimization is important but the cial process at DP Supply and that was New approaches like these Every day, he and his team work to main thing is always to be sure to keep transferred to Hohenwestedt in order are all part of Vision 2030. make sure that his department is fit the team of people working for DMK in to facilitate growth in this area. We DOC Kaas has just created a for the challenges that the future the picture by communicating decisions process masses of mung beans using cheese that tastes like liquori- holds. in a way that is clear and logical. That our powder platform and produce ce. Alexander Godow tried the can be a tough balancing act. Recently, thousands of tons of patties.” wasabi and pesto cheese made by most drivers signaled their approval Godow is open for new ideas and BU International in Russia of DMK’s decision to buy 30 new DAF has his eye on the future. He handles and says, “at first that trucks. They are two to three liters che- several processes at the same time, seems pretty aper than the previous vehicles per 100 as his business unit has 15 plants unusual kilometers, which, over the life of 30 ve- and 1,800 employees. He is enjoying hicles, saves around €1 million. Making the change process: “An enormous things work better than they did is amount has happened. Each day what makes Kühn’s job so much fun. we feel the energy and the desire to He loves the challenges involved: change things, even though times “There’s always room for have not gotten any easier. There are improvements.” already signs of lasting success in

24 MILCHWELT December 2019 December 2019 MILCHWELT 25 COMPANY COMPANY

e have to be far more customers? We already support many In this context, from professional decide if they want to have a product Shoppers want variety and that is what involved in marketing German discount retailers without our product categorization we have also that we already offer or how a new one we offer. For years we have been seeing and sales when it knowledge as they expand throughout developed the “Perfect Shelf” offer. should look. As Sales Director Brand double-digit growth in our self-service comes to products and Europe or plan their next steps. And The product, or product category “Private Label Retail, German Food Retailing, I am cheese product range. I am always re- ranges W in the private label business.” there are products that work well in of dairy products is perfectly inte- responsible for the sales and promotion ally glad when an idea is well received, The Private Label Business Unit was re- particular countries and others that do grated into the overall cooling area is essential for of the MILRAM and Osterland brands. especially if I had my doubts about it at sponsible for the German private label not really work. That means that some with other categories, such as the red Up until the present, my Business Unit first. It was like that with “Kalder Kaf- business and partly for the European products work across borders, though line (sausages etc) or the convenience successful retailers was only responsible for the German fee” for example. It tastes great but un- business of our German customers, it is also important to consider those area (tapas etc). That guarantees language region. In 2020, parts of the like its rivals, it is completely sugar free. but in the future, the unit will expand products that are specific to a particu- retailers can make an increase in and we at DMK are European business, which Business Nonetheless it is doing really well on the its focus to include all of Europe. The lar market. Among all these conside- sales in the very same area — for the Unit International currently manages, market, so well that we are considering transition phase is currently underway. rations, it is key to work together with whole positive temperature zone. For the experts.” will move into our unit. new flavors. The market is changing and That requires a sense of what custo- our customers. We integrate them into dairy products, the proportion is 70 That will create important synergies retailers have to react. mers in different countries want. What our management processes: First we percent in German food retailing. It for cross border business, because once They put their faith in DMK as a do consumers, shoppers and thus our look at the trends in the different coun- is important to understand all of the have been working for DMK for that is integrated, we will work more traditional brand. We work together customers want, in this country and tries and develop a product together impulses at play in the market and 20 years and have lived through closely with the Private Label Business with them to develop products and to abroad? Are synergies possible? How with the customer, or a whole product react to the right ones. Many people all the changes that have taken Unit. They cooperate with retail part- optimize them. In the past, that was can trends be spotted early and acted range. As a second step, we consider: opt for regional products and value place at the company. You really ners and offer a full service that runs something the boss decided but nowa- upon as quickly as possible? Are there Where should this sit on the shelf so sustainability and want non-GMO can’tI see anything of the dairies that from the product idea through to pa- days people organize workshops and any sensible opportunities to bundle that shoppers can find it as easily as food. DMK already offers a wide range preceded DMK anymore, Nordmilch ckaging. With that kind of expertise we discuss these things as a team. That is products in the range? With which possible? And finally, the product is of products that are GMO free and and Humana. The DMK Group is much will be able to target the needs of our not always easy but the results fulfill a customers could we work together to shared on social media or we run an that really underlines how much the more professional and is far more customers in a much more tailored way, purpose that has always been of central succeed in the different markets? What advertising campaign. That is how we company is acting in line with the focused on shoppers and consumer be- here and in other countries too. We are importance: that the product tastes can Category Management do for our bring shoppers to the product. times. havior. These days, we let the customer continuously developing our portfolio. good to the customer.

The border crossers INFO On the fast track to tomorrow: INFO DMK Private Label Europe is our home market, and business here will be DMK Brand Commercial Director Stefan Keller and better organized thanks to transfers between the Busi- This Business Unit refines Sales Director Carsten Habermann ness Units. These are new times for the specialists in the This Business Unit is res- the raw material, milk, ponsible for developing and into a high-quality product Private Label and Brand Business Units: In the future, implementing marketing according to the individual they will also open up European markets, a development strategies and activities, requirements of the retailer. focusing especially on the The service ranges from that is already underway in retail. That means MILRAM and Osterland product ideas right through brands. to packaging. DMK will be able to respond more effectively Meet: Meet: to customer needs in European countries Carsten Habermann (42), Stefan Keller (45) is Sales Director Brand Retail, Commercial Director, BU German Food Retail, working Private Label. As Commercial at DMK since 1998. Director he leads sales, mar- keting, sales management and application development, which is BU Private Label’s development department. “It is important to react to all of the impulses in the market.” -Expert

26 MILCHWELT December 2019 December 2019 MILCHWELT 27 COMPANIE YOU CAN LEARN Entrepreneurial, MK’s Human Resources department has also repo- ALL THIS at DMK In Conversation with fair and innovative D sitioned its personnel management in line with the Target Image 2030 and wants to be “the first choice” as Nutrition Sabina an employer and for trainees. The company’s 18 posts for including milk technologist* trainees range from milk technologist to mechatronics and dairy industry laboratory Wieczorek engineer to industry manager. To help trainees get to know All about assistant* one another before their training started, the company held a start-up event for all incoming trainees in August. Technology This year too, it was obvious how diverse we are, and not for example electrician* DMK’s project “GROW — Training * Training between Equals” only in terms of the jobs available to trainees. “We wanted and industry mechanic to hold this event to show our new colleagues, who are takes the company’s trai- aged between 16 and 45, that each person counts even in Industry ning in a new direction. a big company like the DMK Group,” said HR director Ines for example professional Why is that? “The First Choice – for Always:” our Krummacker (CHRO) of the DMK Group. “That is why right driver* Because we face major chal- for them to get to know the Target Image 2030 has successfully at the beginning of your professional life we want to show lenges. We see a shortage of company. We show them what you that we are purposefully promoting this commitment Business trained experts, there is a they can expect and what found its way into the competition for and want to encourage every single person.” The training including industry mana- trend towards people going to our principles are. It is also a * program will be reoriented with the project “GROW — ger , technical warehouse university and junior emplo- chance for the newcomers to good specialists * Training between Equals” and work is continuing in this specialist or specialist for yees are a lot more confident get to know each other and * area to ensure it continues to be of high quality. We asked warehouse logistics and and self possessed. A trainee create a network. trainees and trainers what they thought about this. They much more. post has to offer a lot more gave us a lot of positive feedback, and showed a high level You can apply here: than it did in the past. Young Why is that important? of engagement and a clear commitment to DMK. www.dmk.de/ people want to be able to iden- The great thing is that there milchbart tify with their job right from are hardly any borders in *(f/m/d) the beginning, to unleash our world anymore. But that their potential and work as makes things more compli- equals. Diversity has also cated too, and contradic- become a huge topic. For us, tory and faster. Networks it is really important to offer give young people a social many different areas of work, community that functions countries and a mix of diffe- like a home base, and they rent ages, because we do can draw on that if they have not only take on trainees questions or feel lonely. It also who come to us directly helps them to think of them- having finished school. selves as part of a team and to strengthen their identification How does DMK with the workplace. address all these hopes? We involve apprenti- INFO ces in shaping their Meet: training right from Sabina Wieczorek (32) was a the very start. We ask junior officer for personnel them in workshops, marketing at DMK until 2017. what do you imagine She was appointed HR Deve- when you think about lopment Manager in 2017. a good training pro- gram? And we put Background: that to the trainers. Every year, nearly 100 new We will offer a quali- trainees join the DMK Group fication program for at 15 different locations. trainers in the future Of the DMK Group’s Three people who understand one because leadership in 7,700 employees, 212 are another: Trainer Thomas Müller training is also very trainees at the moment. (center) with his trainees Jessica London important to us. (left) and Markus Reiß. All three The 18 trainee positions come from Erfurt and all have set offered by the company themselves the goal of becoming How important are range from milk technologist trainee and trainer of the year start-up events? through mechatronic They address all the trai- engineer to industry nees each year and are a way manager.

28 MILCHWELT December 2019 December 2019 MILCHWELT 29 COMPANIE

Markus Reiß, 25 years old, Jessica London, 28 years old, Hozan Haji, 35 years old, Philipp Schoon, 20 years old, trainee dairy technologist first year of training as a first year of training as a first year of training as a in Erfurt dairy technologist, Erfurt dairy technologist, Edewecht professional driver, Edewecht

moved from Dresden to Erfurt because of my or a long time, I worked in events, in gastrono- fled from Syria, my home country, in 2013. s a professional driver when I am out and I daughter and a year ago, I started working in F my. As a mother of two schoolchildren it was dif- I I initially went to Iraq where I met my wife, and A about, I am my own boss and I like that! UHT milk production through a personnel agency ficult to manage the job as well as my family. We live then, when she was expecting our first child, we As a trainee, I am currently accompanying the in Erfurt. Right from the very first day, I knew: near the DMK plant in Erfurt and the products that came to Germany. We were happy to be here but it drivers of the milk collection vehicles. They go This is it! I want to stay here! So I tried really hard are made there are a fixed part of our family’s daily took several years before I found my feet. My three through a checklist before they leave and that at work and then I applied to become a trainee diet. A friend recommended DMK as a good employ- children were born here. A few months ago, I came includes checking the lights. My job is also to dairy technologist. I succeeded! I have been er so I applied to become a trainee dairy technologist to DMK thanks to the refugee support organization collect the milk at the farms and unload the part of the DMK team in Erfurt since 1. 8. 2019 and was accepted. It’s really fun, I enjoy the subject, in Bockhorn and the job center. I have a Bachelor’s milk at the dairy. We work in shifts that can and I am really happy about that. I like the products and the atmosphere is good. I also degree in agriculture from Syria and I worked in a vary depending on the traffic and the weather. I have a lot of fun here thanks to the variety like the fact that my trainer Thomas Müller is three dairy in Iraq for two years. I am sure that helped me I will pass my driving license for the milk of tasks I do and the great range of products (my years younger than I am – that there isn’t a really big gain a training position as a dairy technologist. collection truck in November, so I should get favorite is zabaione curd) as well as the teamwork. age gap between us. We all get along really well with I am happy that I was able to start in Edewecht it three weeks later. I also really enjoy the part at vocational college each other and we are his first trainees. Thomas Mül- in August. The job is really fun! At the plant, I go After that I will be driving alone. I am excited even if daily teaching sessions took a bit of getting ler really knows a lot about the subject that he enjoys through several departments, from the collection about that! My great uncle told me that DMK was used to at first. teaching us about. He fulfills all my expectations of a of raw milk through to the final product: cheese looking for young people to train as professio- The subjects I’m doing include math, machine re- trainer: he treats us respectfully and he has given us factory, creamery, laboratory, packaging section and nal drivers, because he also works for the dairy search, microbiology, chemistry, English and sport. a really good introduction to science. The rest is up logistics. The technology in the machines fascinates cooperative. After leaving school I actually wanted I thought it was really great to learn about DMK’s to us. I am pretty ambitious and I think DMK offers me. Everything runs automatically and everyone to train as a computer specialist but then I realized background during the start-up festival for trainers good professional opportunities. I thought the work- in the organization knows exactly what they are I didn’t want to spend all day sitting at a desk. and trainees. I was particularly impressed at how shop for trainers and trainees back in August was supposed to do and when. I also like the diversity at That’s probably a family thing: my father was also our work does not only feed our own families but, great. We all exchanged our numbers and stayed in the Edewecht plant: there are people from Russia, a professional driver. When I was young I often indirectly, the families of the farmers, too. I totally touch through WhatsApp, we are still in contact now. Poland, Somalia, Eritrea and Kazakhstan working went with him on trips. If I could see into the support the cooperative principle, that motivates I am a bit nervous about vocational college but DMK there. It would be great to get a job at DMK after my future, I would hope to be still working here in ten me every day. is supporting us. My favorite product is the Osterland training and maybe later to become a trainer myself. years’ time. red fruit pudding.

love to repair things, and as a kid I often helped my production facilities. My trainer, Stefan Gerdes, I grandma when the coffee machine broke down or the is usually by my side. He is a trained industrial mecha- lamp didn’t work. I always wanted to work with my hands nic. He is amazingly motivated and always encourages later on. After I finished school, I was thinking about beco- me. He has an answer to every question and he is also ming a mechatronics engineer working on cars. But then very patient. He also praises my team spirit, my educa- I saw DMK’s job offer online and I had to look up where tion, my ability to grasp things quickly and my skilled Everswinkel is. I come from Hameln and that’s 150 kilome- craftsmanship. Right now I am learning the theory and ters away. My interview for the trainee position went really the practice: filing, milling, turning and drilling. I have well. It was also great that they promised to help me find a really clear goal: to do as well as I can in my training, somewhere to live and I was able to move in before the work for a few years as a journeywoman, and then get first day of my training. I have been training as an industri- my master’s certificate. I am in exactly the right place, al mechanic at DMK since August 1, at the plant in Evers- in this workshop, to pursue my goals. Not only that, winkel. I’m one of 100 trainees here at the DMK Group. I love ice cream, cocoa and fresh milk. Here in Sandy Gerberding, 17 years old, I’m most often to be found in my work overalls and- Everswinkel, I’m right at the source! -Trainee first year of training as an with my toolbox between the conveyer belts and the industrial mechanic, Everswinkel

30 MILCHWELT December 2019 December 2019 MILCHWELT 31 Five cents for healthy soil: Since the start of the year, for every box of frozen vegetables sold, followfood has been FOODTRENDS putting a small sum of money towards regenerative agri- culture. The money aims to support farmers who switch Creamy, tasty coconut milk their farms to organic. All followfish products come from from 100 percent coconut organic aquaculture or MSC-certified wild capture went down a treat with to protect fish stoc Peter Büchel and his daugh- ter Julia. Those alternatives sometimes taste pretty good, it seems

Plant-based alternatives to meat, milk, ice cream, butter and cheese: “For the Danish company Naturli, this is the FOODTRENDS future. And many of the products taste good too!” Protein ice cream that is low in sugar and fat will be the next big thing: Wholey of- fers a whole range of ready- 2019 to-mix organic smoothies

“Cream cheese” made out of cashews or almonds: We liked Anuga some of the varieties but others did not taste of very much. What does the Future taste like? Good with fresh herbs though

Food rich in protein: Roasted Every two years, visitors from all over the world flock to the world’s largest food trade and grilled crickets make fair. DMK farmers Peter and Julia Büchel went along too, to track down the latest trends for a tasty snack. Crackers, snack bars and burger here was one thing everyo- more often, vegans show up, wanting His daughter Julia agrees. “If we are patties made out of insect ne agreed on: things cannot to look at the farm. When they do, all a bit more aware of what we eat flour are also highly popular continue the way they are. they are pleasantly surprised at how and of our behavior as consumers, Exhausted soil, overfishing well the animals are treated. The far- there would be fewer scandals about FOODTRENDS in theT oceans, mountains of plastic, mer owns 60 cows, which is plenty, food and the environment. It would goods being shipped way too far and he doesn’t need more. He wants the also be better for the climate and the- More glass and plastics the surfeit of meat, fish and milk pro- animals to have happy lives and to re would be a fair milk price again.” that can be recycled: Many ducts is not exactly what the people spend a lot of time in the meadows. These are a few of the topics that Sustainable alternatives to companies are working hard supporting Fridays for Future dream Julia, his daughter, supports him as come up during the Saturday trip to meat: Prima Klima Foods and fast to change how they about. That is clear to Peter and Julia there is always plenty of work to do. the Anuga in Cologne. Between the from Detmold makes alter- package food Büchel too. They have a small farm in Both of them love the work. What will oat milk and the grasshoppers, the native meat products based Odenthal, not far away from Cologne. happen to their jobs if more and more promises of freshness and the meat on plant protein. Burgers The location means that the father vegan products hit the market? Is that substitutes, there is a great deal of and nuggets are made out of and daughter are always aware of really the future? Will milk and dairy debate, a lot of tasting and forecas- sprouted chickpeas, peas, soy how eating habits are changing in products one day be history? Peter ting, a look around at all the current beans and lentils, along with the city. Büchel doesn’t think so. “I think there trends and a realistic look ahead to millet, rice and buckwheat And they have changed enormous- will always be milk and it should be a the future. Ahead at an industry that ly over the last few years. More and high quality product.” faces far-reaching changes.

32 MILCHWELT December 2019 COMPANY

Clear guidelines. Alongside the number of expensive appointments. stakeholders, providing more reliable effective cost cuts, the new CFO The third area where cuts are plan- data, in a way that is faster and more Dr. Frank Claassen has started ned is investment. While initial plan- transparent and straightforward than taking action in strategic areas. ning for the year 2019 saw spending of in the past. He doesn’t think the challenges he sees merit the word “crisis” € 130 million, this sum has now been At the same time, DMK needs to be capped at € 100 million. The budget for put on a solid foundation. An example 2020 is even lower. “We have set up of an area he is working on is steering an investments committee that only liquidity, one of the most important approves new spending if it is absolutely tasks for a company which is keeping a clear how and when the investment strict handle on costs. “We really need will pay off,” says Dr. Claassen. Further- to develop a new system here quite more, as the biggest projects have now quickly so we can improve in 2020. been completed, in the next few years, That will help us analyze how we can only replacement investments are likely. better structure our operating capital. In addition to these three larger In turn, that would have a positive areas, numerous smaller projects are effect on our debt.” And in this con- running at the same time. text, it is clear that without efficient IT, the finance department can’t work A Better Steer for the Business Units effectively either. To address this, two Alongside the cost cuts that will take new tasks await: the first is an extensi- effect immediately, the CFO has estab- ve assessment of IT systems across the lished key strategic areas and started group and the other assesses how safe work on these right away. As one of his DMK is from cyber attacks. most urgent tasks, he wants to draw the business units which work with “We will set a lot in motion” milk as a starting product together Dr. Claassen’s team has a busy year into a single overarching business ahead. “We will look closely at how the management. finance area can support Vision 2030,” Up until now, every area managed the new CFO said. That doesn’t only its own business but in the future, the apply to employees at DMK’s head- company management and represen- quarters, but also to the subsidiaries tatives from each business unit will set the agenda. Sa- les, Operations and Finance will also be involved in this only there to ensure that the numbers process. “Acting in- are right. It is even more important to dividually, you can More than just the Numbers Guy further develop systems and struc- fall into a Humana tures so the conditions are right for or Nordmilch way greater profitability. of thinking. We can address that with After his first 100 days, Dr. Frank Claassen, Chief Financial Officer, defined the most Starting out by cutting costs MOVE. My team just Despite the broader strategic vision, has to set up the important tasks he sees for DMK’s finance department. He wants to deliver concrete DMK must continue to cut costs in the right structures.” results by 2020 short term. Three areas in particular are affected: In procurement alone, a “One Finance” for sum in the double-digit millions can be better figures CFO Claassen proves himself at the Schlichtmann farm verything that we do has to he has gained of DMK is that of a “very Dr. Claassen describes the way he saved in 2020, thanks to the redesign of The finance depart- support DMK’s Vision 2030,” hard-working organization” that is sees his role in the company: “The numerous services and supply relation- ment itself has a long to-do list. Dr. which haven’t yet been involved, such says Dr. Frank Claassen. shaped by experts. That guarantees a finance department has to make sure ships. Central procurement will play a Claassen has set up many individual as in the Netherlands, for example. There is no doubt that he is high level of competence, although it that every part of the business has ex- key role in order to achieve lower prices projects and initiatives but most focus “People used the word “crisis” E100 percent behind DMK’s new route. also means there is a danger of losing actly the right means available that it for DMK in negotiations. on smaller areas and none addresses so often in the past that many DMK He joined the company in July 2019 sight of the bigger picture, he says. needs. And at the same time, we have Also, HR is affected: fewer hires will the bigger picture. “We are going to employees have gotten used to it,” and has taken the time to familiarize That makes it all the more important to ensure that every euro is used as be made; as before, no new appoint- put these individual pieces of the Dr. Claassen says. “But ultimately, our himself with the business, its strengths that Vision 2030 provides a clear economically as possible. Because we ments are planned. Instead, the com- puzzle together to gain a comprehen- challenges are no different to those and weaknesses and the company cul- guideline for how the company should cannot and don’t want to be satisfied pany will rely on natural turnover and sive overview,“ says Dr. Claassen. The that other companies have faced and ture. The finance expert used to work develop in the future, that can keep with our current payment perfor- 70 percent of open positions will either goal is clear: That finance must be a are still facing. We can and we will set for Beiersdorf and said the impression managers and employees on track. mance.” The finance department is not be filled internally or not at all, to reduce partner for the whole of DMK and its a lot in motion in 2020.”

34 MILCHWELT December 2019 December 2019 MILCHWELT 35 Russia Cheeses for connoisseurs

An important step for the future: In Bobrov, Russia, a new dairy is taking shape that will play a significant role in helping to expand the international markets. A new food service concept for Oldenburger Professional A steel structure is all that can be seen “We are focusing our work in core right now, but come back in a year and countries where we can achieve a All New at there will be a whole new industrial strong market position in particular the ANUGA cosmos in the town of Bobrov, 600 kilo- product ranges,” he said. “We are also meters south of Moscow, an area full of working in strategic third countries At the ANUGA trade fair, DMK lakes and rivers. where we use local resources such Group’s International Business as production and sales, and want to Unit presented a new brand Cheese expertise: strengthen our position and market strategy for Oldenburger Profes- Employees in Voronezh make an cultivation through a local presence.” sional. Our customers saw not assessment of the maturity ofthe That includes the Russian market. In only a new brand communica- cheeses. Only the best quality 2016, DMK took a majority stake in the tion for the international food products can go to the stores – that Russian RichArt Group, which has an service market, but they also is what DMK stands for. active presence in the Moscow and were able to explore the new Russia Voronezh region. website, oldenburgerprofessio- As business developed so well, DMK nal.com. Users can find materials The brand strategy took over the remaining 40 percent there that have been created by in the highly modern plant in in 2018 and raised its participation to chefs for chefs, with recipes and Voronezh centers around the 100 percent. “That corresponds with answers to questions about Ol- manufacture of specialty chee- our identity, by which we organize our denburger products and their use ses including a pesto cheese or international business according to in professional kitchens. It also an excellent blue DMK is creating a brand new dairy clear profitability — and that’s good in displays Oldenburger’s exten- here in order to make specialty cheeses. Russia!” There are 234 people wor- sive portfolio. “We want to add The plant will be focused on customer king in Voronezh, producing Tilsiter, value for chefs as they are our needs in international markets. “This Mascarpone, mozzarella, soft cheese target group,” explained Michael dairy will expand DMK’s product and a particular blue cheese. That is Feller, COO of the International portfolio and facilitate growth,” said a powerful contribution to the brand Business Unit. With star chef MOSCOW RUSSIA Michael Feller, COO Business Unit Inter- strategy for Russia. In Moscow, the- Heiko Antoniewicz, Oldenbur- VORONEZH national. He explained that the decision re are 200 employees who package ger has won one of the Ger- to invest a sum in the low double-digit products and a further 75 work in sales, BOBROV man gastronomy scene’s most millions was based on local conditions. accounts, quality control and adminis- dynamic figures to be its brand There’s a steady supply of raw milk and tration. ambassador. He presented his solid infrastructure, also synergies with For now, though, the excavators latest ideas in live cooking shows. another plant there, as well as a good and cranes are working around Right:: “In the future, people will want relationship with the local authorities. the clock in Bobrov. Feller is shopping and gastronomic expe- A view of the construction site By the end of the year 2020, Bobrov looking forward to opening riences that are tailored entirely where the new Bobrov dairy is being will be churning out Tilsiter, Gouda, the factory gates, although to their own needs,” Feller said. built — its size is already visible Goya and Maasdam in loaf, cylinder that is a year away. “This “That’s why it is so important for and later also spherical forms. Expan- highly modern dairy will us to recognize trends early and ding production in Russia is an impor- expand our portfolio to implement them with original Michael Feller, tant part of making progress towards and help us to signi- ideas.” In the German market, COO Business Unit the company’s target in 2030 as well as ficantly expand our working with MILRAM, the DMK International, a key element in the restructuring of results in the interna- Group has become market leader presents the DMK’s international business. tional business.” in the food service area. round cheese

36 MILCHWELT December 2019 December 2019 MILCHWELT 37 ABOUT OUR BRAND

Healthy eating is child’s play: Alete’s building-block approach accompanies youngsters up to preschool age

The new shape of DMK Baby

The Business Unit has revamped itself on the German market and is about to present the In order to strengthen the Baby business, the DMK highly modern brand Alete. Group took over the brand and sales of Alete and German Baby Food (Milasan) he Baby business received a on the market, just behind Hipp, the for families with babies and toddlers. and above.” Together with in spring 2019. The brand boost in February 2019 with market leader. “It’s a very promising A new design will enhance Alete’s ALETE HAS PLENTY OF POTENTIAL Humana, the baby milk brand, business will be expanded, the takeover of Alete and position for a relaunch: we will keep repositioning, and is expected to hit whose products are made at together with the traditi-

German Baby Food (Milasan the well-known name and logo but supermarket shelves starting in the 100 % the new plant in Strückhausen onal Humana brand, for and Private Label). The move saw DMK the brand’s DNA and strategy will be middle of next year. For now, all the (photo on the left), DMK can T 89 % DMK Baby, at the Bremen underline its strategic choice to focus redefined to become more modern and Alete products are being optimized — 83 % strengthen its retail position site. In the future, the sales, on the market and consumers. DMK relevant,” says Martina Molner, who is and there are a good 70 of them — with with an increasing range of management and logistics Baby has also started to reposition responsible for the brand’s strategic re- a focus on organic quality and reduced products and both brands for DMK Baby’s own brand itself in the German market in order launch. In the future, Alete will stand sugar. “We will strategically expand 60 % will be sold by Humana sales, business will be handled by to grow profitably, one of the goals of for health-conscious child nutrition the product portfolio in 2020 in order in Bremen, starting on 50 % 49 % 47 % a new administration site Vision 2030. That process will be com- and thus tap into the trend for healthy to share in the growth of the infant 44 % January 1, 2020. in Mannheim, and the Bad pleted in mid 2020. “The focus is on eating, and that way gain relevance nutrition market, for one-year-olds Bundling brand power: Homberg site will be closed. strengthening our Private Label busi- The two traditional German ness and brands, on increasing our household names for baby food, efficiency in logistics, strategic part- with their decades of experi- means a move away from Alete’s nerships with third-party suppliers, ence, will now be managed previous home in Bad Homberg. bringing together our employees at 0 % together to help drive growth in “Sunval production will remain at our new site in Mannheim and repo- the German market. The Private the site in Waghäusel.” That means sitioning the Alete brand,” said Stefan Label business will also expand Sunval Baby Food can secure a Eckert, Chief Operating Office DMK significantly, in order to create strong position in the consolida- Source: Quantitative Marktforschung, 07/19, concept m Baby. The traditional brand lost some more value: German Baby Food ting German and European mar- market share before being taken over Brand recognition Brand relevance will be traded under the name ket for baby milk and supplemen- by DMK but it still enjoys a high level Sunval Baby Food, together tary food. There are also plans to In terms of brand recognition, Alete ranks in of trust among German consumers, with Sunval, DMK Baby’s own win better access to new discount second place. In the future, it will stand for particularly when it comes to supple- health-conscious child nutrition, thus tapping private label distribution unit, customers with growth potential mentary baby food, a highly attracti- into the healthier eating trend, in order for the as of January 2020. Sales, ma- in Europe, such as Aldi and Lidl. ve, dynamic product that continues to brand to gain relevance among families with nagement and logistic will all be That’s not to forget business with grow. In terms of brand perception, babies and toddlers. handled in Mannheim at a new current customers, which will also the brand is ranked in second place administration location. That be further developed.

38 MILCHWELT December 2019 December 2019 MILCHWELT 39 BRAND WORLD BRAND WORLD

MILRAM FOOD SERVICE Strategic partners Strückhausen Nordhackstedt Creativity Generates Success Bahlsen Humana is Coming to You! Bella Stronger position as market leader and DMK’s Success story via virtual reality Mozzarella Cinnamon Now, with a virtual reality It all started out with than the market. That is grated into the products. project called “From Families The new mozzarella plant three cooks and one idea. obvious if you compare the And at the same time, new cookie ice cream for Families,” the brand is in Nordhackstedt started Their task was to develop brands directly with those recipes are being developed is coming taking the lead when it co- operations in the summer. unmistakeable, innovative of competitors: MILRAM for different areas of com- mes to digital story-telling. The facility can churn out up MILRAM products of the Food Service has left its munity catering, for seniors, Back in spring, with Bahl- The project provides a peek to 35,000 tons of cheese per highest quality. That started rivals even further behind, hospitals, canteens, refecto- sen, DMK won over one behind the scenes at produc- year, at a rate of 100 tons in 2015 with the expansion strengthening its leading ries and catering. Alongside of Germany’s most popu- tion processes. Through per day. The highly efficient of the dessert range with position in the market. The industrial kitchens, the core lar brands for a strategic virtual reality glasses, users automated plant is equipped ten new products and it has secret of this success is a market, the business is also partnership. Together, that can follow the route milk with all the latest technolo- been a success story ever creative approach to mar- focussing on convenience brought Bahlsen classics takes from the dairy farm gy. The pizza industry takes since. From fruit curd to keting and sales for every food, at bakeries, gas sta- such as “Ohne Gleichen” through the plant right up to up to 80 percent of the custards and rice pudding, single project. Current taste tions and takeaway stores, and “Messino” to store free- the finished product through product and the remaining all MILRAM Food Service trends and the greater focus as well as teaming up to zers. Now, the two partners individual interactive clips 20 percent is grated, melted products are growing faster on healthy eating are inte- work with larger caterers. have come up with another that make the journey feel or whey. Globally, the mar- hit – a new interpretation real. Humana uses the most ket for mozzarella is growing of another Bahlsen classic: modern virtual reality at a rate of 3 percent per 98 % MILRAM Rival 1 Rival 2 MILRAM is the best known and most “Cinnamon cookies” as technology to provide an year, or 100,000 tons. DMK 84 % important dairy and an ice cream for the chilly exclusive look into how has improved its position 76 % 79 % 76 % cheese brand in the Food Service unit winter season. The new the valuable raw material in comparison to its rivals with a high level of 59 % 59 % creation consists of delicate is processed to become a thanks to its cooperation 58 % 57 % 57 % willingness to recom- 50 % mend the products bourbon vanilla ice cream premium milk nutrition with ARLA. The project 43 % with a touch of cinnamon, product, telling an authentic stayed within its time plan 30 % 35 % 34 % 30 % a swirl of hazelnut ice cream story that users can feel. and the € 18 million budget. 17 % and tiny cinnamon cookies. Humana products are sold in 8 % The ice cream is available in more than 50 countries. The 500ml tubs. “We’ve made Humana has the right pro- from Germany for more use of this highly modern Supported brand Familiarity Relevant set (would Current buyers Top 3 brands Willingness to Beesten awareness consider purchase) (last 12 months) recommend (promoters) a very promising start with duct for everyone, whether than 65 years. These days, technology brings the plant this new creation and indi- it’s to support mothers who mothers use media different- and its history to the wider Source: Independent market research institute, quantitative poll of 400 restaurateurs and vidual sales of the new pro- are breastfeeding, as a side ly, and it is all about digital, world. A further highlight Spray Tower bakers, brand and image tracking in 2019 duct have hit the six-digit or as a supplement. The so the company is turning to is that Humana shows the range in just three months,” brand has been providing social media such as YouTu- faces and thus the heart be- Opens said Marcus-Dominic Hauck, parents with high quality be, Instagram or Facebook to hind the brand: all the actors Strong TV Showing COO of DMK Ice Cream. “Our certified baby food products share the story of its success. are DMK Baby employees online campaign also shows and the milk is supplied by “Kalder that it’s really won the the dairy farm run by the hearts of consumers.” This Menke family in Sahlenburg demand underlines DMK’s near Cuxhaven (photo, left). Kaffee” strategic direction. Market Aside from VR, the story will MILRAM successfully analysis shows that the also be uploaded onto the launched an attention- demand for ice cream rises website and in all social grabbing TV adverti- significantly in the period media channels for everyo- sing campaign for its running up to Christmas. ne to enjoy. After only seven months of fashionable new drink Humana has always been construction, DP Supply’s new “Kalder Kaffee.” Three close to its customers and spray tower in Lower Saxony 15-second spots ran for now, that contact will be has started production. Along- three weeks on private even closer, thanks to the side its previous portfolio, DP TV channels all tailored Excerpt from one of three “Kalder Kaffee” TV ads VR set. That also applies Supply’s plant can now also to the modern product: to the renovated canteen produce infant nutrition pro- with a lifestyle look, and also reaching out to and invested in a strong in Strückhausen, which ducts. More than 300 people quick cuts and an ener- offer “Kalder Kaffee” to a marketing campaign that has become a multifunc- came to the opening on Sep- gizing effect. This bright younger target group of really excited our target tional interactive meeting tember 12, including the DMK new concept saw DMK’s 14 years old and up. “We group,” said Nina Rempe, room. Watch this space as Group CEO Ingo Müller, and main brand shaking up pulled out all the stops to Marketing Manager New the success story is just BU Industry Director Finance television advertising introduce our new drink Business at MILRAM. beginning. Carsten Reblin.

40 MILCHWELT December 2019 December 2019 MILCHWELT 41 NEWS FROM THE REGIONS SUSTAINABILITY

Erfurt Packaging Question Newly Introduced 50: Erfurt’s Glass or Plastic Pots? A New Milestone DMK’s sustainable packaging tool has the answer Code for Birthday People disagree about users to provide structu- ckaging. But the luxury Suppliers taste and art, that is a red answers during dis- of a top comes with a From dairy plant well-known fact. But cussions with packaging decisive disadvantage: As a cooperative dairy, the to technology they also disagree about suppliers, or if NGOs ask the material used means interests of our farmers packaging. Is it better to critical questions. The tool the product has a worse are enormously important. center buy yoghurt in a jar or enables a direct compari- ecological footprint. Ulti- Even if milk is our most People from politics, associ- a plastic pot? Milk in a son between packaging A mately, that is why NGOs important raw material, ations and business all flo- carton with a plastic top and packaging B. Using it favour packaging without we must not forget that cked to take part in the Erfurt or not? For art and taste, to compare the two most tops. In this assessment, our supply chains are net- plant’s 50th birthday celebra- it may be that the answer often used milk cartons this comparison led to a worked around the world. tions and learn more about the lies in the eye of the be- generated some interes- slight preference for car- More and more consumers facilities there. Jens Klausen, holder, but when it comes ting results. It came as no tons without plastic tops and customers are deman- director of the plant, summed to packaging, hard facts surprise that consumers as the ecological footprint ding that other raw materi- up the site’s success: “Erfurt make all the difference. prefer cartons with a made the difference. The als are sourced sustainably has specialized in producing How much material is plastic top, after all, that result does not, however, when they are used in the desserts and has become one needed? What do con- makes it easier to handle say which is better or making of our products, of the most important sup- sumers prefer? What do the milk and to store it. worse because the best such as cocoa or wood, for pliers to the German retail retailers want? How much Retailers also significantly packaging for everything example. In order to better business.” The facility also pro- of the material can be prefer this kind of pa- does not exist. respond to these demands duces its own brand goods for Cologne recycled? How about the in the future, the code of retail in Germany and abroad. price? DMK has developed COMPARISON WEIGHTED OVERALL VALUATION conduct will no longer ap- Every hour, the site can churn an instrument that can ply to suppliers and service Uniekaas, Unique Without a reclosure system A With ReCap B 500 out more than 54,000 pots of answer these questions, providers but only to DMK cream, 28,000 pots of Skyr or called “Sustainable Pa- employees. DMK suppliers 18,000 pots of Osterland fruit at the Anuga ckaging.” The tool enables will have a supplier code pudding. New look and new recipes a structured, objective instead. This way, DMK can discussion about the 250 clearly formulate social However far away from the Netherlands they milk and based on traditional Gouda re- right packaging choice. and ecological demands are, a Dutch person always feels that little cipes, Uniekaas’ Gouda has an authentic and It starts in the project for suppliers and develop a bit more at home as soon as they taste a bite unmistakeable taste. “With Unikaas we have development phase and clearer picture of how sup- of Uniekaas – that sums up a new TV ad for adjusted our portfolio so it is even closer to runs through the whole 0 ply chains should look. The the traditional brand that is currently being the needs of the market,” said Michael Feller, product lifetime. It helps Calculation Retailer Consumer Waste NGO code will still be contractu- shown on Dutch television. The advertise- COO BU International. “The cheese is made management ally binding, as is the code ment is part of a broader brand relaunch that using only meadow-grazed milk. Every cow of conduct. The code is Sweet success: DMK presented at the Anuga trade fair. The can graze on meadows for at least 6 hours followed by a management Every month, DMK’s plant in popular Gouda is now sold in a new, fresh a day for at least 120 days a year.” The brand approach. That means Erfurt produces 4 million design that is still also traditionally Dutch, and relaunch is not confined to the appearance Holdorf DMK can identify potential pots of the red fruit pudding shows off the high quality of the pro- of the cheese but also includes new recipes for optimization and imple- known as “Rote Grütze,” from duct portfolio. Uniekaas recipes that taste better. In order to increase ment suitable measures for Osterland (above). The visitors Quality Circle have been produced at DOC its presence in international sustainable procurement. enjoyed a tour of the facilities. Kaas in Hoogeveen since markets, the company has Sensitizing employees November 2017. “We made two Dutch classics want to refresh the into one product: the How can I improve quality? that affect quality, including brand and as part of “Uniekaas ’Stroopwafel’ Attendees addressed this organization, roles and wor- that, we have develo- Cheese.” The typical question at a summer work- king structures. The stations ped a new logo,” said Stroopwafel is made of shop at the Holdorf plant. were manned by employees Ron Krekels, Mana- two baked dough waffles The aim was to allocate themselves, rather than just ging Director of DOC stacked together and clear roles to employees in by managers. At the end, Dairy Partner/Uniekaas. joined by a caramel filling. order to show them what quality boards were set up to “It will be red, a color not Uniekaas combined this taste they could do to contribute inform people what could be often used in the cheese with Gouda. And “Uniekaas to the overarching aim of done differently or better in business, so it will attract ’Drop’ Cheese” is another brand high-quality products. Teams the future. A second quality people’s attention.” Made out The guests enjoyed the new taste: a variety that unites worked at different stations circle is planned for early of 100 percent Dutch cows’ new kinds of cheese liquorish with Gouda. and shared views on issues 2020.

42 MILCHWELT December 2019 December 2019 MILCHWELT 43 AGRICULTURE AGRICULTURE The new Milkmaster Program Shorter, simpler, more focused

The upgraded Milkmaster program will be much less complicated and far easier to use, and is available from January 2020

MK’s Milkmaster, the bo- and the market. But the sector and the without losing any of the initial idea. nus program that rewards market have continued to develop since In particular, a new platform plays an responsible and sustai- then, so Milkmaster, as a dynamic pro- important role in this more modern nable dairy farmers, was gram, has also been optimized, based version; DMK’s online “myMilk,” which Dfirst launched in January 2016. It raises on the experiences of the last few years. creates a digital interface between the awareness amongst farmers for such From 2020, there will be a further company and its farmers, and provides topics as safety, quality, animal welfare program upgrade to meet pragma- a new home to the revamped Milkmas- and the environment, and to reward tically the changed requirements ter program. As of 2020, participation commitment in these areas. from agricultural practice as well as in the Milkmaster bonus system will At the time, the Milkmaster program customers and society. The optimized be possible exclusively online and can was comprehensive and future-orien- Milkmaster application is much more therefore be carried out much more tated, distinguishing it in the industry straightforward and transparent, quickly.

44 MILCHWELT December 2019 December 2019 MILCHWELT 45 AGRICULTURE

The contents of the Milkmaster program have been updated and it has a fresher look with a brighter logo.

SUSTAINABILITY & TRANSPARENCY

report and key figures

codex bonus review consultation

VISION 2030

Why a new version? The main goal of the revamp was to simplify the handling of the program BONUS CRITERIA and significantly reduce complexity for farmers, and to focus on the aspects which are most relevant to society. In ANIMAL WELFARE ANIMAL HEALTH RESPONSES TO THE particular, the bonus system, which had NEW MILKMASTER “The DMK Group and its farmers are wor- already been revised in 2017 and 2018, • Lifespan • Udder health king together to make milk production more was again scrutinized. • Grazing • Documented sustainable. Based on that, the Milkmaster Veterinary stock program was focused as far as possible in line Will the bonus system change? supervision with our sustainability strategy. The aim was As of 2020, milk volume planning will also to empower farmers as entrepreneurs be the only prerequisite for a bonus. in the area of more sustainable agriculture. A self-assessment is no longer necessary. Another important aspect was to consider changing social needs and The bonus will be adjusted to a maxi- market developments. I think the new structure for the Milkmaster mum of 0.5 cents per kilogram of milk, “Our goal was program has worked out really well.” which also means an increase in the ba- to integrate the ▶ Dr. Philipp Inderhees, Global Head of Corporate Strategy sic price paid by DMK at the same time. What is new about the audit? and made more compact so that the Milkmaster pro- Due to the focus on content, only four Starting in 2020, all farmers will face scope could be significantly reduced gram more easily criteria from the original 13 bonus crite- a new audit timetable for the quality ma- without losing any of its significance. into farmers’ ria remain from the areas of animal wel- nagement standard that applies across From 2020, it will be available digitally daily lives. We fare and animal health: Life expectancy, the industry. In general, announced QM on "myMilk" and will be made available overhauled it on grazing (full grazing and, new, partial audits will be held every three years (re- in printed form to all farmers newly the one hand to focus the program, and grazing), udder health and herd manage- gular) or every year and a half (if there admitted to the cooperative on the other hand, to make it less compli- “I was skeptical after the first presented ideas ment. There will no longer be an audit is a score shortfall), rather than every cated. For us, it’s very important to make to the new Milkmaster in the advisory board as an additional assessment for a bonus two years as previously. The bonus Advice for farmers it more attractive and appealing to milk meeting. I had some difficulties with the — instead this will be assessed online via assessment will no longer take place via It is important for DMK to provide producers. By embedding it within the reduction of the maximum bonus payment. “myMilk.” The bonus payment and sett- self-audits but will be carried out online intensive support for its farmers on their ’myMilk’ platform, farmers can use Milk- But I had to agree that after four years, some lement takes place with the December via “myMilk.” way to more sustainable agriculture and master more easily and access important changes were necessary and that the concept milk bill of the respective bonus year. consultancy is therefore available for information faster.” had become too complex. In principle, the There will therefore no longer be an ad- A focused code comprehensive advice. In this context, ▶ Wilfried Nunnenkamp, Team Leader revamped Milkmaster program is much clearer and less time-con- vance payment on the bonus during the The mission statement of the Milk- innovative test projects from the “Milk Agri Business, Data Analytics & Member suming to use. I can easily integrate it into my working day by using year, nor will there be any repayments master programme, the Code, is now Sustainability Module” with be laun- Communication ’myMilk.’ And I welcome the fact that grazing is still included in the or reclaims in subsequent years. The being revised to focus on the most ched in the course of the coming year, bonus - I’m glad about that.” bonus criteria are valid for one year and relevant sustainability issues. It was focusing on environmental aspects in ▶ Willem Berlin, from a farmer’s point of view will be assessed again in 2020. sharpened, focused on essential content agriculture.

46 MILCHWELT December 2019 December 2019 MILCHWELT 47 AGRICULTURE AGRICULTURE

District Assemblies All About the Milk Price

District Assemblies gathered throughout November with 52 meetings in all. The dairy’s performance, the nominations for honorary posts, DMK’s future topics and changes to the Milk Delivery Regulations within the Milkmaster program were all subjects of intense discussion

herever they took frustration was clear concerning the −−The construction of a drying tower place, the district current situation and the below average for special products in Beesten; assemblies all were milk price. DMK’s management and −−The takeover of the Alete brand shaped by the current elected officers take these concerns −−Taking over parts of DVN in the W dissatisfactory milk price and the DMK very seriously. Netherlands; Group’s performance. Regional leaders The voluntary elected officers openly −−Necessary organizational adjustments shared overviews of the current dairy addressed the payout different of -0,89 due to the loss of milk volumes. market and forecast stable, positive ct/kg accrued up to and including Sep- developments in the coming months. tember 2019 and compared this with On this subject, Thomas Stürtz, That trend will have a positive effect on eleven rival dairies, underlining the Chairman of the DMK cooperative the milk price if market developments unhappy situation. management board, told the assem- continue and consolidate. The regio- However, it was also clear that the bly in Lintig, “The extraordinary nal board or supervisory board then lower price was affected by extraordi- costs we saw in 2019 will not affect presented the DMK Group’s current nary costs which occurred in 2019 but 2020. In the year ahead we are loo- DMK’s current situation is situation. In all assemblies, this point which will not apply in 2020. These king at an entirely different situation at the heart of discussions at was the subject of intense and occa- included: in terms of costs. For 2020, the only this year’s district assemblies, sionally heated discussion. It became larger planned investments are the with much debate about per- formance and the milk price clear that the length of the processes −−Completion and start-up costs at the completion of our second plant in which are starting to deliver have tried Strückhausen plant; Russia. This is profitable, thanks the patience of farmers, and in some −−Necessary investments to build up to the positive development of the cases continue to do so. Although the wage models in Georgsmarien- Russian market and of our business much of the criticism in the discussion huette and Nordhackstedt; there. All that means that paying was rebutted and many open questions −−The closure of the Bergen plant on a competitive milk price is a very answered, nonetheless, the members’ Rügen; realistic goal.”

48 MILCHWELT December 2019 December 2019 MILCHWELT 49 AGRICULTRE LANDWIRTSCHAFT

The company is focusing on impro- milk producers to use. We will be ving DMK’s performance and so rai- able to hedge market prices offered sing the price it pays for milk. At the for part of our milk volumes for the same time, DMK needs to ensure its current year. That will really help us foundations remain financially solid. plan business at our operations - it’s In this context, the voluntary officers a real innovation by DMK.” Alongside presented the measures pursued at the fixed price model, milk producers each of DMK’s business units. These were presented with Milkmaster 3.0 are all wholly aimed at improving and “myMilk,” the new service plat- performance. One important point form, two further areas where DMK is continually reducing costs, and is focusing on the future. Milkmaster the new head of finance, CFO Dr. 3.0 further develops the current pro- Frank Claassen, is chiefly pursuing gram which dates back to 2016, in the these efforts. The main points on his interests of farmers. And “myMilk” agenda were presented at the district lays the foundations for digital servi- assemblies: ces, which will significantly expand Moving with the Times beyond the milk producers’ website −− Significant savings in purchasing Webmelker. Articles in this issue pro- volumes; vide more information about both of −−Keeping expenditure structures these areas, on pages 48-51 and 55. stable for overhead costs; “myMilk” Goes Online −−Continue to reduce investments Farm-gate price: modified presentation compared to 2019; With the milk price in September −−Keep new hires in administration this year, the individual prices paid reduced to a minimum. to farms was visible at a glance, The new digital platform replaces Webmelker and provides farmers with a better improving transparency in the In the second part of the assem- Election of the farm-gate price. The surcharges are service starting at the end of January blies, regional managers and volun- nominees combined in the milk price calculati- tary officers presented the planned on and shown as a total. Milk produ- ecoming more digital was In addition, “myMilk” is intuitive quickly access the applications and changes in how members and the Voluntary engagement by cers can see the individual amounts one of DMK’s 2019 resolu- to navigate so users can easily find areas that are most important to them. dairy work together. These were also members of the coope- which are listed below. tions. One part of that is a their way around. The service can be Furthermore, “myMilk” is responsive, the subject of thorough and critical rative forms an essential modern online platform configured to each user’s individu- meaning it can be used on PCs, mobile discussion. connection between the Adjustments to the Milk Delivery B for our farmers. This new service was al needs, meaning each farmer can phones and tablets. That is ideal for milk producers and the Regulations developed by a team of colleagues farmers who can integrate it into their DMK future topics: fixed price mode, company. For that reason, Alongside editorial revisions, from the agricultural department in a everyday lives, using “myMilk” in Milkmaster 3.0 and “myMilk” the regular election of the changes to quality assurance, product project led by corporate strategy and stalls, the office or even out in the field The active test phase with pilot nominees for representa- quality, and analysis of the milk supported by DMK IT experts during if they have internet access. farms to secure milk prices for the tive, substitute represen- delivered were in focus in the refor- the past few months. And “myMilk” will also enable far- tative or council member coming months started in early Octo- mulation of the Milksmaster Program It will replace the previous site, mers to access further services in the played an important role ber - and enjoyed much demand. The (annex 4) and the implementation Webmelker. Called “myMilk,” the new future, such as Deutsche Milchkontor’s at the district assemblies. pilot phase is planned for four to five of the QM milk standard 2020. Also, service will be available online as of committee section and an online shop Guided by regional leaders months. The core idea is to gather current legal requirements covering the end of January 2020 and will make where farmers can order materials for and regional voluntary input about securing fixed prices and members, lists of nominees animal welfare and other adjustments the day-to-day lives of farmers easier. events or groups of visitors to farms. to make improvements. If the pilot were made and later voted are included. The new Milk Delivery The platform offers the same In the future, users will also be able phase is completed successfully, the upon. A full list of all nomi- Regulations will be sent to all milk services as Webmelker but in a far to find the offer for the fixed price for roll out will follow for all of the milk nees for representatives or producers at the beginning of Decem- simpler form that is easier to work milk producers there. providers at DMK. Dirk Schröder, a substitute representatives ber, together with explanatory notes with. Farmers only need a few clicks, board member, told the assembly in will be available next spring that go into the details of the changes. for example, to find forms, informa- “myMilk”. These images of the plat- You can find a detailed report Waren an der Müritz: “The present The new version of the Milk Delivery tion about their milk payments and for election at the regional form show its current working status. about the launch of “myMilk” and users’ model to secure prices will be very assemblies. Regulations takes force on January 1, billing and all the latest news about the The final version of “myMilk“ may initial experiences in the next issue easy and straightforward for we as 2020. company. look slightly different of MILCHWELT.

50 MILCHWELT December 2019 December 2019 MILCHWELT 51 SERVICE SERVICE

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Deutschlandfunk, Facebook-Post 11 October 2019 vom 22 October twitter mit Traktordemo A consumer protection #milch, 11. Oktober expert praised the transparency of DMK’s recall KATRIN POPPE Facebook-Post Join the vom 26. September Internal Communications Manager conversation! mit Käse-Segelschiffen + 49 421 243 – 2143 Nordwest-Zeitung, [email protected] 17 October 2019 Thüringer Allgemeine, A reporter visited 3 October 2019 Alfred Frericks, who The Thüringer Allgemeine DMK DEUTSCHES has been working as a reported on the history of Regional managers of the Cooperative Save the Date MILCHKONTOR GMBH professional driver for Erfurt’s dairy as it celebra- 17 DMK since May – with ted its 50th anniversary Flughafenallee , 2019-12-03 – 05 2020-02-15 – 19 28199 a prosthetic leg The regional managers are the contact persons for the concerns of the Bremen, Germany FIE, Paris Gulfood, Dubai milk suppliers and shareholders of our company 2020-01-17 ­– 26 2020-03-13 – 17 Services for Employees HELMUT ENEWALDSEN JENS RUGE Grüne Woche, Internorga, Hotline for employee issues, Schleswig-Holstein Mecklenburg-Vorpommern / Berlin Hamburg such as pension scheme, Brandenburg +49 4639 / 9506-52320 parental leave, labor contracts 2020-02-15­­­ – 19 2020-03-17 ­­­– 19 helmut.enewaldsen +49 3991 / 154-41211 @dmk.de [email protected] Intergastra, FIC, Schanghai FIRST LEVEL SUPPORT Stuttgart Monday to Thursday, 8 am– 4 pm Friday, 8 am to 2 pm DETLEV BOSSE KERSTIN GRABASE Masthead Publisher: DMK Deutsches Milchkontor 49 428172 – 57100 + Elbe-Weser Thüringen / GmbH, Industriestraße 27, 27404 Zeven [email protected] Sachsen-Anhalt / Responsible for this magazine: Oliver Bartelt +49 4480 / 81-64160 Hessen Editorial: Katrin Poppe; Birgit Lüdemann (DMK [email protected] +49 361 / 5977-16285 Group); Carola Schüren (WMP Eurocom); Ulrike Seidel, Andin Tegen, Anne Huning Texts: Dietrich [email protected] MILCHWELT Alexander, Volker Siegert (WMP Eurocom); Sophia in German Hannoversche Allgemeine stern, Lebensmittelzeitung, Schillik Assistant: Anika Gaudian Editor: Ulrike Mattern Art Direction: Regina Bense Graphics: Zeitung, 28 August 2019 30 October 2019 23 August 2019 CLEMENS NIEDERWESTBERG ULF STROTHENKE MILCHWELT Magazine is of course Nordrhein-Westfalen / Süd- Anita Ackermann, Annette Kociemski, Doris In discussion with the HAZ, The weekly magazine An interview with Weser-Ems available in the original German Niedersachsen Wildt, Irene Wilhelm Illustration: Rafal Pierkarski, DMK CEO Ingo Müller explai- featured a cover story communications director +49 5401 / 854-59132 Dusan Tomic Photos: Matthias Hornung, Carolin language too. You can find both +49 5401 / 854-59180 ned how the company can about milk with a Oliver Bartelt about the clemens.niederwestberg Koschitzki, Ralf Maier, Christian Mathiesen, Dominik the English and German editions as [email protected] be “Milramized“ 10-page focus on its new Target Image and the @dmk.de Sommerfeldt, Sebastian Vollmert; DMK, Facebook, PDFs at www.milchwelt.de health aspects roadshow that toured more Instagram, Linkedin, Twitter, unsplash.com than 20 DMK locations 52 MILCHWELT December 2019 December 2019 MILCHWELT 53 PUZZLE RECIPE Congratulations to the ❅

The Winners Seek and you will native of our last contest Ingredients for four pans

4 large slices of smoked salmon 1 x gas barbecue ❅ 200 g waxy potatoes Stefan Granz Brobergen find Count the number of trees you can find printed 2 spring onions 10 x MILRAM-breakfast boards 4 slices of MILRAM Sylter

Sabine Wesolek Bad Homburg throughout the magazine! ½ tsp fennel seeds Anne von Lehmden Holdorf 8–10 black peppercorns ❅ This time, you can win Johann Wrede Beverstedt Half a bunch of dill

Nadine Wessels Weyhe The zest of half a lemon

Josef Schulte-Südhoff Handrup Vegetable oil Robert Holm Malsch Martin Kastenbein Edewecht Familie Sticht Hemmoor/Heeßel Marie-Luise Poppe Zeven ❅ Bettina Harms Ovelgönne 10 x stunt kites Dirk-Sönke Bornholt Hanerau-Hademarschen X HANDCART Bernhard Böcker Ennigerloh 1 Johngeer Chaudhary Gangelt Classically good: Sebastian Balzer Heeslingen SLEDGES 5 X A solid treat Thomas Wendelken Schwanewede ❅ Matthias Brüntjen Edewecht Bob Laabs Altentreptow Friedrich Höcker Lengerich Hinrich Lindwehr Bramsche-Balkum Nadine Ramke Stadland 10 x Humana lambs 10 X Kim Jennifer Wilkens Bremen Silvana Schierenberg Holdorf UMBRELLAS MILRAM Oliver Brinkmann Kutenholz Christa Jungvogel Marienhafe Nikolai Poddubny Georgsmarienhütte SHOPPING BAGS 10 X Thorsten Kühn Bremen ❅ pans Carola Messing Rosenow Josef Westermann Rhauderfehn-Klostermoor Just count up all the [email protected] Deadline for entries Marieke Klindworth Hamburg fir trees you can find is January 10, 2020 or by mail to: are a tasty treat for friends throughout the Katrin Poppe magazine up to DMK Deutsches Only employees and cooperative members Is it raclette season already? There’s a fitting recipe for everyone, a shopping list and page 53 and send us Milchkontor GmbH Flughafenallee 17 of the DMK Group are the number by 28199 Bremen eligible to participate. other services: use the MILRAM website to become the ideal host post or email by January 10, 2020 Raclette only at Christmas combination of delicate peppercorns, fennel seeds pans. Season it with the or for New Year’s? No way! smoked salmon and pota- and lemon rind, and pound lemon-fennel mix. You can gather your friends toes with dill. it with a pestle and mortar. around the table and fill Set out small bowls on the STEP 3: the pans any time you feel Here’s the recipe: table. Add a slice of Sylter cheese like it. Whether you’re the onto the pans and let it ❅ adventurous type, more STEP 1: STEP 2: bake. detail-oriented or sponta- Cook the potatoes, then In the heated raclette pans, neous – MILRAM’s website peel and slice them. Wash fry the potato slices in offers the right recipe for the spring onions and slice vegetable oil until they are you: www.milram.de them into rings. Wash the golden brown, then add For those who love classic dill and let it dry, then chop the smoked salmon and the Tuck in to your tasty recipes, try this delicious it coarsely. Then add the spring onions into the little meal and enjoy! It’s the season to get cozy and take some time out

Superior quality vanilla ice cream combined with cinnamon, delicious hazelnut butter and original Bahlsen cookies

Available until March 2020.