Decisions by FrieslandCampina Members’ Council: strengthening governance and regulatory amendments
On 16 December 2025, the Members’ Council of Zuivelcoöperatie FrieslandCampina U.A. approved a number of decisions aimed at further strengthening the future viability of the Cooperative.
Composition of the Cooperative Board and Supervisory Board of the Company
As of 16 December 2025, the following current board members of Zuivelcoöperatie FrieslandCampina U.A. will also be appointed as members of the Supervisory Board of Royal FrieslandCampina N.V.: Herman Bakhuis, Trienke Elshof, Sandra Stuijk, and Cor Hoogeveen. This restores the personnel union between the Cooperative and the Company.
In view of the merger approved by the FrieslandCampina Members’ Council and the Extraordinary General Meeting of Milcobel, Betty Eeckhaut, who will serve as Chair of the Milcobel Board of Directors until 31 December 2025, will join the Board of Zuivelcoöperatie FrieslandCampina U.A. as of 1 January 2026 and will also become a member of the Supervisory Board of Royal FrieslandCampina N.V.
Effective 16 December 2025, Eugène Willemsen has been appointed by the Supervisory Board as the fourth external independent member of the Supervisory Board of Royal FrieslandCampina N.V. He possesses substantial international expertise in the food industry, having previously served as CEO of PepsiCo International Beverages and CEO of PepsiCo Africa, Middle East and South Asia. His expertise in strategy and international growth is a valuable addition to the Company’s oversight.
Sandra Berendsen will step down as a supervisory director as of 16 December 2025 due to the end of her term.
Sybren Attema, Chair of Zuivelcoöperatie FrieslandCampina U.A., welcomed the new colleagues and reflected on the departure of Sandra Berendsen: “New Directors and Supervisory Directors bring fresh perspectives and expertise, which helps FrieslandCampina respond to future opportunities and challenges. The integration of Milcobel’s members and the arrival of Betty Eeckhaut contribute to continuity, and together we continue to build a stable, future-proof cooperative in which the interests of all members are optimally represented. We are especially grateful to Sandra Berendsen for her dedication and commitment as a Supervisory Director and for her earlier contribution as a member of the Cooperative Board. Her independent position and dedication have meant a great deal to the Cooperative.”
Milk Payment Regulation established
FrieslandCampina has adjusted the ratio between protein and fat for milk payments from 6:4 to 5:4. This change better reflects the current market valuation of protein and fat, ensuring that milk payments are distributed fairly and in line with the market. The adjustment is the result of a triennial evaluation and contributes to a transparent and future-proof regulation for all members. In addition, it has been decided to set the interim payment of the pro forma cash supplement for member dairy farmers to zero. The principle is that the full cash supplement will henceforth be paid once a year.
Higher reward for biodiversity
FrieslandCampina has established the Foqus planet Sustainable Development table for the next three years, with increased focus on biodiversity. The maximum reward for biodiversity has been raised, making it more attractive for member dairy farmers to focus on this area. This aligns with the growing attention from the market and society and helps the company achieve its nature-related objectives. Additionally, through Foqus planet, FrieslandCampina encourages the use of more home-grown protein, a better nitrogen balance on farms, and extra efforts in nature and landscape management. The maximum Foqus planet bonus increases by 0.50 euros to 4.00 euros per 100 kilograms of milk.
Other decisions
Various simplifications and harmonisations have been implemented in the practical regulations, including for Belgium and Germany, to ensure the regulations remain aligned with market and societal developments and are future-proof.
Business update
During the business update, CEO Jan Derck van Karnebeek and CFO Hans Janssen indicated that the sharp decline in basic dairy prices will lead to a decrease in results in the second half of the year. However, due to the strong first half of this year, a cash supplementary payment for member dairy farmers is expected for 2025.