More than 200 dairy representatives from around the world gathered in Bratislava for the 2026 Annual Convention of the European Dairy Association (EDA), «European Dairy: Local Roots and Global Competitiveness». A delegation from the Union of Dairy Enterprises of Ukraine (UDEU) represented Ukraine’s dairy sector, and Koert Verkerk was elected the new EDA President, EDA Dairy Flash #14/2026 reports.
EDA says yes to Ukraine
Andrii Tabalov, CEO of Voloshkove Pole Dairy Company and Member of the Board of Directors of the Union of Dairy Enterprises of Ukraine, presented the Ukrainian dairy sector — resilient today and European by nature.
«A sector that keeps investing, protects its people and strengthens Europe’s dairy future. Thank you for saying yes to Ukraine, to Ukrainian dairy and Ukrainian integration», Tabalov said.
The Ukrainian delegation also included Elisabeth Svyatkivska and Arsen Didur.
Koert Verkerk elected EDA President
On 16 October, at the EDA General Assembly in Bratislava, Koert Verkerk was elected the new EDA President, to lead the voice of the European milk and dairy processing industry. He succeeds Albert de Groot, whom he thanked for his leadership and dedication.
Verkerk is Corporate Director Public Affairs at Royal FrieslandCampina and sits on the boards of the Dutch Dairy Association (NZO) and the Global Dairy Platform (GDP).
«I am honoured to serve as President of EDA at a time of major economic, geopolitical and sustainability challenges. Food security is once again a strategic European issue, and a competitive dairy sector has an important role to play. However, Europe cannot strengthen its food security if it weakens the economic foundations of food production», Verkerk said.
He set out three priorities for his presidency: confidence to invest, innovation that creates value, and open and fair markets.
«Europe’s local dairy roots are the foundation of its global strength. Farmers and dairy companies thrive when they are able to invest, innovate, and compete», he said.
«Koert brings the strategic insight and international experience EDA needs. His leadership will strengthen our work to ensure that Europe’s ambitions are matched by a competitive dairy sector able to invest, innovate and succeed globally. I look forward to working with you», said EDA Secretary General Alexander Anton.
Slovakia hosts the European dairy community
This year’s convention was hosted by the Slovak Dairy Association (Slovenský mliekarenský zväz, SMZ).
«Although Slovakia represents a small share of EU milk production, dairy farming and processing are among the most important sectors of our agri-food industry. We are proud to be part of the European dairy family and delighted to welcome you to Bratislava!» said SMZ President Marián Šoltý.
The convention was held under the auspices of Richard Takáč, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development of the Slovak Republic, who stressed the importance of Slovakia’s dairy sector:
«Milk is an everyday part of our lives, yet behind every product lies a great deal of hard work — from the farm all the way to the dairy. Our task is to ensure that this effort is rewarding and that we are able to produce and process more of our own milk here in Slovakia. I believe that gatherings like this one help us find common solutions and drive the entire sector forward».
The overall theme was explored from several angles — trade, competitiveness, sustainability and nutrition — with one guiding question: how can European Union (EU) dairy strengthen its local roots to lead globally?
Session one: local roots and global competitiveness
How can the European dairy industry build on its rich regional heritage to strengthen its global competitiveness? In the first session, leading industry figures discussed how strong local roots, regional expertise and close ties to local communities can underpin success on the global stage.
Flavio Coturni, Head of Unit at the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Trade (DG TRADE), set out the Commission’s position:
«Dairy is strength for Europe, your industry is based on strength in trade, in quality, in innovation and in trust».
«It’s important for us to maintain our local character and work through our local network, so we can scale up to seize new opportunities, while continuing to improve our packaging and labelling», said Christoph Till, Managing Director (SK/CZ/HU) at MEGGLE.
«The industry must invest in greater transparency and sustainability. I also want to underline the importance of genetics», stressed Piercristiano Brazzale, CEO of Brazzale Spa.
«Food is never just another industry. It is strategic. It is economic. But it is also profoundly human. When a dairy succeeds, it does much more than produce cheese, butter or milk powder. It creates employment. It sustains local businesses. And it gives young people reasons to build their futures in rural Europe», said Oisin Morrin, CEO of Tippagral France.
The panel was moderated by Rose O’Donovan of AGRA FACTS.
The session also featured presentations by Alex Henriksen of Tetra Pak, one of the world’s leading packaging companies, on its nutrition and sustainability strategy, and by Karl Nilsson and Ludovic Meilhac of McKinsey & Company, who outlined prevailing sentiment among dairy CEOs.
Session two: dairy delivering nutrition excellence across the world
The second session, «Dairy Delivering Nutrition Excellence Across the World», explored dairy’s important role in global nutrition.
Pietro Paganini, President of Competere, highlighted the value of dairy data and the need to improve how it informs future decisions:
«Data tells us where it is, leadership defines where it goes».
Daniela Martini of the University of Milan discussed dairy’s nutritional and health contributions amid debates on ultra-processed foods, highlighting its consistent nutritional relevance worldwide.
Miquela Hanselman of the US National Milk Producers Federation outlined US nutrition policy priorities, including healthier school meals, defining ultra-processed foods and front-of-pack labelling.
Martin Polovka of Slovakia’s National Agricultural and Food Centre named nutritional adequacy and healthy ageing as key priorities, with dairy offering a unique combination of nutrients to support them.
The session opened with presentations by Isabelle Pitter of the Women in Dairy network on the importance of women in the industry, and Adela Putinelu of CRYOVAC® on how dairy packaging can deliver both protection and responsibility.
International Dairy Federation (IDF) President Gilles Froment, whose attendance underlined the convention’s international significance, spoke on EU dairy’s importance for global nutrition:
«Let us continue to be part of the international conversation. Let us bring Europe’s long-standing experience with confidence, listen with openness to others, and work together to support a more balanced, credible and constructive understanding of dairy’s contribution to healthy and sustainable diets».
Thanks to the organisers
At the gala dinner at Bratislava Castle, EDA President Koert Verkerk thanked Zuzana Nouzovská and her SMZ team, Jana Plankova and Gabriela Ruzsik, on behalf of the European dairy community for the flawless organisation of the conference.
Source: EDA Dairy Flash
