Milcobel, a Belgium dairy cooperative, has appointed Peter Grugeon as its new CEO, following the departure of Nils van Dam in February due to a “difference of opinion” with the board of directors over the company’s vision. Grugeon, who will assume the position on June 1, brings a wealth of experience in the dairy sector, having previously served as CEO of the family company Inex. His background also includes management roles at prominent Belgian food companies such as Vandemoortele, Puratos, and Greenyard.
Milcobel president Betty Eeckhaut expressed confidence in Grugeon’s ability to lead the cooperative, citing his deep understanding of the challenges facing the dairy industry. She emphasized that his commercial and operational experience would be valuable in navigating the complexities of the dairy supply chain.
Grugeon shared his strategic priorities for Milcobel, emphasizing the importance of running the cooperative like a family business and maximizing profitability to provide added value to members. He highlighted the need to explore value-added product offerings and ensure long-term sustainability while maintaining operational efficiency.
Van Dam’s tenure as CEO saw the introduction of the Phoenix initiative, aimed at enhancing Milcobel’s value-added capabilities. Despite facing a challenging business environment marked by volatile markets and stricter sustainability requirements in Belgium, the cooperative reported a 19% increase in turnover to €1.36bn in 2022.
Looking ahead, Grugeon stressed the importance of a market-based milk price as the foundation for growth, emphasizing the need for a balanced approach that considers both short-term gains and long-term sustainability. His appointment signals a new chapter for Milcobel as it continues to navigate the evolving landscape of the food and beverage industry.
