Dear readers,

The year begins with important strategic decisions for DMK - and with many conversations. The possible merger with Arla is on everyone’s mind, from employees to farmers. At the same time, I experience every day how clearly focused the company remains. Or, as Ingo Müller puts it: “We are not waiting on the sidelines.” Day-to-day operations continue, DMK delivers. That is exactly what provides stability at a time when much is being discussed. For our farmers in particular, the current situation is challenging. Rising milk volumes are meeting demand that is not growing at the same pace, while falling prices are increasing pressure on farms. This makes reliability, operational strength and long-term perspectives all the more important. This is also why many see the merger as a strategic response to structural challenges. At the same time, one thing is clear: until any potential approval, everyday operations will remain unchanged. And even afterwards, integration will not be an abrupt event, but a structured process governed by clear rules and a defined timeframe.

This issue of MILCHWELT also shows that DMK is about more than markets and volumes – it is about values. The MILRAM design edition celebrating diversity triggered unexpectedly strong reactions last year. A small but vocal group used the packaging to spread discriminatory and in some cases racist messages. Such dynamics can arise quickly today, especially where identity is debated in the public sphere. We took a clear stand in favor of diversity externally, and internally we asked our employees - those who live diversity every day: What does integration at DMK feel like? What do they experience in their daily work? This revealed moving stories – from people with a migration background, with physical impairments, after gender transition, or as women working in male-dominated environments. These perspectives show how diversity is lived in practice at DMK – and the culture that defines our company, today and in the future. Closely linked to this is the topic of sustainability. It is not an add-on, but an integral part of our core business: from reducing emissions and developing packaging solutions to ensuring transparency along the value chain. Many of these approaches are already shared with a potential partner in Denmark – not as a prerequisite for a merger, but as a common mindset.

Whether and how the next step will be taken is being carefully prepared, reviewed and accompanied transparently. Until then - and beyond – one thing remains true: DMK stays capable of action, clear in its values, and confident in looking ahead.