Target Information

Lactalis has appointed David Saliot as the new General Director for Spain and Portugal, assuming leadership of the 'One Iberia' initiative. With over 25 years at Lactalis, Saliot has significantly shaped the company’s operations, having held various roles including General Manager of Lactalis Nestlé in Portugal and overseeing Souther Europe. His extensive experience will guide the company as it seeks to enhance cooperation between its Spanish and Portuguese teams.

The 'One Iberia' project is aimed at deepening existing collaborations between the two countries, particularly in areas such as IT, production, procurement, and quality. It marks a significant evolution in Lactalis's organizational structure, establishing a joint corporate framework designed to identify synergies, boost management capabilities, and create new growth opportunities while respecting local identities and autonomy.

Industry Overview in Spain and Portugal

Lactalis stands as the leading dairy company in the Iberian Peninsula, driven by a solid presence in both Spain and Portugal. In Spain, the company operates eight production plants, employs over 2,500 staff members, and achieved a revenue of €1.688 billion in 2023. Their portfolio includes iconic brands such as Puleva, El Ventero, Gran Capitán, Flor de Esgueva, Président, and Galbani, reinforcing their strong market position.

Portugal has also seen sustained growth for Lactalis. The company initially entered the Portuguese market by importing international cheeses and expanding the Parmalat brand. The strategic acquisition of Sequeira & Sequeira in 2024, a company known for its Paiva brand and a production plant in Lamego, further solidified their foothold in the country, with commercial activities extending to Mozambique and Cape Verde.

In 2025, Lactalis announced its plans to acquire Queijos Tavares, a well-regarded producer of cow, sheep, and goat cheeses with facilities in Seia and Fundão. This acquisition, pending regulatory approval, will expand Lactalis's presence in Portugal to four production plants and adhere to the company’s commitment to local production quality and the rich tradition of Portuguese cheese-making.

Rationale Behind the Deal

The primary motivation for the 'One Iberia' project is to forge a more efficient, interconnected, and collaborative operational model within the Lactalis group. By integrating teams and harnessing synergies across Spain and Portugal, Lactalis aims to enhance its competitive positioning in the Iberian dairy market.

This initiative aligns with Lactalis's strategic growth objectives and its emphasis on creating a robust platform for sustainable expansion. With the consolidation of resources and expertise, the company will be better equipped to respond to market demands and foster innovation within its operations.

Investor Information

Lactalis is a global leader in the dairy industry, recognized for its commitment to quality and innovation. With a presence in numerous countries, the company boasts a diverse portfolio of well-known brands. Lactalis's ongoing investments in production capacity and local expertise underline its strategy of enhancing market share and consumer loyalty in its core markets.

Under the direction of David Saliot, who has played a pivotal role in various capacities throughout his career, Lactalis aims to further solidify its leadership position in the Iberian dairy sector, ensuring the sustainable growth of its operations through strategic acquisitions and enhanced collaboration.

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The 'One Iberia' project presents a promising opportunity for Lactalis, given the increasing demand for high-quality dairy products in the Iberian region. By merging operations in Spain and Portugal, Lactalis not only streamlines its processes but also maximizes the potential for operational excellence.

This integrated approach can lead to improved efficiencies and a stronger market presence, particularly as consumer preferences shift towards brands that emphasize quality and sustainability. The successful execution of this project depends on maintaining a keen focus on local market dynamics while fostering collaboration across borders.

Moreover, the planned acquisitions and growth initiatives reflect Lactalis's intent to capitalize on regional opportunities, further reinforcing its status in the fully developed dairy market. However, the success of these strategies will require careful navigation of regulatory landscapes and continuous investment in brand development.

In conclusion, the strategic initiatives outlined under the 'One Iberia' project, along with Lactalis's strong historical performance in the region, suggest that this could be a highly favorable investment, capable of driving significant growth and value creation in the long run.

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