Raisio Group and Danish DLA Group agree on cooperation in raw material procurement
Raisio plc Press Release 14 March 2011
RAISIO GROUP AND DANISH DLA GROUP AGREE ON COOPERATION IN RAW MATERIAL PROCUREMENT
Raisio and Danish DLA Group have signed a cooperation agreement that helps the companies coordinate their procurement activities in several product fields. In the beginning, the cooperation mainly concerns feed raw materials and production inputs. Raisio and DLA Group will also explore opportunities for cooperation in Eastern Europe.
“DLA already operates in Denmark, Norway, Sweden and the Baltic countries, and we are convinced that we are now getting a partner that shares our objectives and operates under the same high procurement principles as we do. With this procurement partnership, Raisio can significantly strengthen its competitiveness in the Finnish market”, says Pasi Lähdetie, Raisio’s Director of Grain Trade Operations.
DLA Group’s Managing Director Peter Iversen believes that the cooperation will bring new opportunities for the procurement activities of both parties: “Our objective is to make DLA Group a competitive player in the Northern European raw material market. Together with our international partners, we will be able to take advantage of sourcing larger volumes and to start new activities in new market areas.”
The partners are also examining opportunities to expand their operations in Eastern Europe, and will set up a working group to explore these possibilities.
Further information:
Director of Grain Trade Operations Pasi Lähdetie, tel. +358 50 3609 075
Vice President Business to Business Leif Liedes, tel. +358 50 608 26
CEO Peter Iversen, DLA Group, tel +45 2462 2613
DLA Group comprises the companies DLA Agro A.m.b.A / DLA Agro Group., Vilomix Holding A/S, Baltic Agro Holding A/S and Dan Agro Holding A/S (Hedegaard). DLA Group coordinates wholesale trading activities for 31 cooperative and privately owned raw materials companies in Denmark, Norway, Sweden and the Baltic States. A part of the group’s companies own a number of associated companies, divided between upstream and downstream companies. The upstream companies contribute to a strengthening of the group’s position to suppliers and with regard to pre-processing of certain raw materials. The downstream companies strengthen the group’s position on the individual product and market areas. DLA Group holds a significant position on the Scandinavian agro market and together with the member companies employs a total of 2,500 people. The total retail turnover comprises DKK 19 billion.
Raisio is a forerunner in the food and feed industries and a specialist in plant-based foods. Raisio’s main products are foods and functional food ingredients, as well as feeds and malts. Plant-based raw materials ensure good opportunities to develop as a company whose operations lie on an ecologically and ethically sustainable foundation. Raisio is Finland’s largest industrial grain processor and has an important role in ensuring and improving a safe and traceable food chain from field to fork. Some 95% of Raisio's grain raw material comes from Finland. Raisio’s approach emphasises tasty, ecological and healthy products that satisfy consumer and customer needs. Raisio plc is a Finnish company whose shares are listed on NASDAQ OMX Helsinki Ltd. The company employs some 1,500 people and operates in 12 countries. The Group’s main market areas are Finland, UK, Sweden, Poland, Russia, Ukraine and Baltic countries.