From this autumn, Royal A-ware will also share knowledge with suppliers in Belgium via the Dairy Academy. The Dairy Academy is the knowledge platform of Royal A-ware and helps suppliers with expert knowledge partners in order to set up the dairy farm in a more future-proof and sustainable way. The first two knowledge partners to join in Belgium are ForFarmers - specialist in innovative feed solutions - and BOONE-Denkavit - specialist in young cattle rearing.
The Netherlands Authority for Consumers and Markets (ACM) has approved the proposed acquisition of Noordhoek by Royal A-ware. Noordhoek will thus become part of Royal A-ware. Noordhoek's range is complementary to that of Royal A-ware; Noordhoek is a specialist in the field of grated cheese and offers this in different forms than Royal A-ware currently does. In addition, both organisations are active in other markets.
Royal A-ware will take over the shares of the family business in dairy Olympia. Olympia will thus become part of the Royal A-ware group. The families behind the dairies have reached an agreement on this and their plan has been approved by the Belgian Competition Authority (BMA).
Representatives of Irish dairy cooperative Glanbia, the Irish government and Royal A-ware gave the go-ahead on June 22, 2022 for the construction of a state-of-the-art, sustainable cheese factory in Belview, Kilkenny, Ireland. The current Minister for Trade and Employment and as of October Prime Minister of Ireland, Leo Varadkar and Minister for Agriculture, Food and Fisheries Charlie McConalogue started the construction of the factory with a symbolic 'first spade'.
In 2021, Royal A-ware realised a turnover of EUR 2.2 billion, an increase by 20%. The net result rose to EUR 50.8 million, representing 2.3% of turnover. The company’s growth is the result of the consistent implementation of its long-term strategy and corresponding investment agenda. The number of permanent employees increased by 11% to 3,459 FTEs. Investments grew by 11% to EUR 65.5 billion in 2021.
Family businesses Royal A-ware and Noordhoek recently signed an agreement under which Noordhoek will be taken over by Royal A-ware. The proposed takeover has been submitted to the ACM for approval. Noordhoek's employees were informed about the proposed takeover on Monday 30 May. Upon the NMa’s approval, Noordhoek will become part of Royal A-ware and Noordhoek’s 58 employees will become Royal A-ware employees.
From June 1, 2022, Royal A-ware will start a second milk stream in Belgium. In addition to conventional milk, the dairy processor will also collect pasture milk. In the start-up phase, a limited number of dairy farmers will be able to supply pasture milk to A-ware.