Müller £100M investment to unlock £700M growth

It planned to install new filling lines and upgrade the production capacity of its existing factories at its Müller Yogurt & Desserts and Müller Milk & Ingredients businesses.

The investment would reinforce the firm’s capabilities as an industry leader in liquid milk, cream, butter, ingredients, yogurt and chilled desserts, claimed Müller.

Müller ceo Ronald Kers said the company would use its “leadership position” ​in the dairy sector to “rev up the engine” ​and “realise the untapped potential that exists to grow this amazing category”. ​

The dairy producer looked to introduce products – with a focus on healthy and luxury yogurts and desserts – to increase the number of shopping points in stores where consumers can buy its products.

‘Lead the category’​

Bill Mathieson, commercial director at Müller Yogurt & Desserts, said its branded products would lead the category with a 21% share of the £2.6bn market, with a retail value of £550M.

“This is despite not currently being available in some very significant segments of the markets in​ which we operate,” ​said Mathieson. ​

“We aim to rectify this, bringing ‘Müllerliciousness’ to the whole branded and ​[own-label] chilled yogurt and desserts category.”​

Investment in Müller’s fresh milk, cream and milk drinks business could also lead to category growth of £470M by 2020.

‘Increase the size of this category’​

Dan Howell, commercial director of Müller Milk & Ingredients, said: “By working closely with our customers to deliver products which tap into the aspirations of our consumers, we can increase the size of this category in 2020 by up to 14% compared to its current value.​

“We are very excited by the strategic customer partnerships we are developing, which will lead to long-term growth and value creation.”​​

Howell also said Müller would be revealing full category visions for each of the liquid dairy categories: fresh milk, cream, and milk drinks.