Lactalis is a French multinational dairy corporation and the world's largest dairy group, producing cheese, butter, fluid milk, yogurt, cream, dairy ingredients and nutritional products. The company reported 2025 revenue of 31.2 billion euros and employs 85,500 people. It operates 266 production sites across 49 countries and sells to consumers in more than 100 countries, collecting some 23.1 billion litres of milk a year. It is also a leading player in the global cheese market.
Founded in 1933 by André Besnier as a single cheese-making plant in Laval, Mayenne, the group remains under family control. It is led by CEO Emmanuel Besnier, the founder's grandson, and managed through the Besnier family's Belgian holding company, BSA International SA. The headquarters remain in Laval.
The portfolio includes the brands Président, Galbani, Parmalat and Kraft Natural Cheese. Lactalis holds 38 Protected Designation of Origin appellations worldwide, making it the leading producer of PDO products. Technical work spans dairy processing, cheese manufacturing, production of dairy ingredients and nutritional products, and milk collection and processing.
