KUALA LUMPUR – Dutch Lady Milk Industries Berhad (Dutch Lady Malaysia) has agreed to acquire a 35% equity interest in Jemaluang Dairy Valley Sdn Bhd (JDV), a Johor-based integrated dairy business, as it seeks to strengthen its participation in Malaysia’s fresh milk segment.
Upon completion, Dutch Lady Malaysia will join Kulim (Malaysia) Bhd, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Johor Corporation (JCorp) and A2 Fresh Holdings Sdn Bhd (A2F), a subsidiary of Rhone Ma Holdings Berhad, as a shareholder of JDV, establishing a strategic partnership among the three shareholders to support JDV’s continued development.
Dutch Lady Malaysia said the proposed investment marks an important step in its company’s long-term growth strategy, strengthening its participation in Malaysia’s growing fresh milk segment while reinforcing its long-standing commitment to Malaysia’s dairy industry.
The partnership will combine JDV’s established dairy farming and fresh milk production with Dutch Lady’s consumers insight, established brands and commercial strengths, alongside the global dairy expertise of its parent company, FrieslandCampina.
Dutch Lady Malaysia Managing Director, Veronika Utami said the company sees opportunities to build on its more than 60 years presence in Malaysia as consumer preferences continue to evolve.
“We look forward to working with Kulim and A2F to support JDV’s continued development, while exploring how our market knowledge and consumer insights can help us respond to changing needs and bring more choices to Malaysian consumers,” she said in a statement.
JCorp president and CEO Datuk Syed Mohamed Syed Ibrahim said the investment reflects the group’s commitment to building commercially sustainable businesses in sectors that matter to Johor and Malaysia.
He said a competitive dairy industry requires strong local production, industry expertise, reliable operations and market access across its value chain.
“Through Kulim, we have helped lay the foundation at JDV. This partnership with Dutch Lady Malaysia brings complementary capabilities to unlock its long-term commercial potential.
“For JCorp, the purpose is clear: to bring together capital, expertise and strategic partners to build businesses that create lasting economic value. This partnership advances that purpose while supporting Johor’s development priorities,” he said.
FrieslandCampina president for Asia Corine Tap said the proposed investment reflects the group’s commitment to creating sustainable value through strong, locally relevant partnerships, with Asia remaining an important growth region.
“At the heart of our approach is our ambition to provide more people with access to quality nutrition and
to continue developing innovative dairy products that meet local consumer needs.” she said.
JDV will continue to operate under its existing management, with Dutch Lady Malaysia working alongside Kulim and A2F as shareholders under the agreed governance arrangements.
The share holders will explore opportunities to enhance JDV’s capabilities and pursue consumer-relevant innovation, while supporting the continued development of Malaysia’s dairy value chain.-MalayaDailyToday
