De Nieuwe Melkboer (The New Milkman) and FrieslandCampina are joining forces to develop a local chain for plant-based dairy alternatives with a good earnings model for the farmer. De Nieuwe Melkboer, an initiative of a FrieslandCampina member, supplies the first soy-based alternatives for milk and yoghurt from Dutch soil. The partnership enables De Nieuwe Melkboer to make use of FrieslandCampina’s knowledge and expertise and by doing that to continue to grow and develop.
De Nieuwe Melkboer originated from the family dairy farm of the Grobben family in Enschede, the Netherlands. For generations already they supply milk to the FrieslandCampina cooperative, and as the youngest generation Bart and Tom Grobben want to transform their dairy farm into a plant-based dairy farm. They produce plant-based alternatives for dairy products from locally grown protein crops with special attention to people, animals, the environment, and climate.
Said Bart and Tom Grobben: “Oddly, there were no local dairy alternatives available yet. And we thought that should change.”
De Nieuwe Melkboer has been on the market for a year and a half with a soy drink and plant-based alternative to yogurt and has the ambition to further expand its range and the availability of the products. “The Netherlands has a progressive agricultural sector, and this should also include a local chain for plant-based dairy alternatives. We believe that FrieslandCampina can support us like no other with all its knowledge and expertise,” concluded Bart and Tom Grobben.
Said Dustin Woodward, Managing Director FrieslandCampina Netherlands: “As a leading food company with a strong core in dairy, FrieslandCampina always looks at how it can support its members’ initiatives, especially if these can create value for its members. The market always comes first: what is the consumer need? De Nieuwe Melkboer responds creatively to two important trends: local and plant-based. We are delighted that De Nieuwe Melkboer has its origins at the dairy farm of one of our members and we are happy to support Bart and Tom in realising their dream. We look forward to working with De Nieuwe Melkboer and learning from each other.” For more visit frieslandcampina.com
