Bayerische Milchindustrie eG (BMI) is a leading German dairy cooperative headquartered in Landshut, Bavaria. Established as a cooperative enterprise, BMI unites milk producers and processors to deliver high-quality dairy products to both domestic and international markets. With a heritage rooted in traditional Bavarian dairy craftsmanship and a commitment to innovation, BMI is one of the most prominent players in the European dairy industry.
Organizational Structure and Cooperative Model
As a registered cooperative (eG), BMI is owned by its dairy farmer members, ensuring that value creation is returned to the producers. This structure fosters a close alignment between milk supply, processing, and customer needs. The cooperative model also strengthens sustainability and regional economic development across Bavaria.
Core Product Portfolio
BMI’s extensive product range spans both consumer and industrial dairy ingredients, including:
Dairy Products:
Hard and semi-hard cheeses
Butter and cream
Pasteurized milk
Yogurt and fermented dairy
Dairy Ingredients:
Whey Powder (Sweet Whey, Demineralized Whey)
Buttermilk Powder
Milk Powder (Skimmed and Whole)
These products are used in applications across the food and beverage industry, including bakery, confectionery, nutrition, and infant food.
Production Facilities and Capacities
BMI operates six production sites across Germany, strategically located in key dairy regions:
Jessen (milk and whey powders)
Zapfendorf (butter and cream)
Würzburg (yogurt)
Ebermannstadt (cheese)
Landshut (administration and logistics)
Schongau (cheese)
The combined capacity allows BMI to process over 1.7 billion kilograms of milk annually, making it one of Germany’s largest dairy cooperatives by volume.
Market Reach and Export Activity
BMI has a well-established export network and supplies dairy ingredients and products to over 70 countries worldwide. Key export regions include:
European Union
Middle East
North Africa
Asia-Pacific
North America
Its strong position in milk powders and whey derivatives makes BMI a major supplier to the infant formula, sports nutrition, and food manufacturing sectors globally.
Financial Performance
While BMI does not publicly list its financials as a cooperative, trade and cooperative data suggest the company generates annual revenues in excess of €500 million. This is supported by its large-scale processing infrastructure, international sales network, and diversified customer base.
Revenue composition by product category (approximate estimation based on industry sources):
Cheese: 35%
Milk powders & whey: 30%
Butter and cream: 20%
Fresh dairy: 15%
Certifications and Quality Standards
BMI meets the highest international food quality and safety standards. Its production sites are certified for:
IFS (International Featured Standards)
ISO 9001 / ISO 22000
GMP+ for feed-grade whey
Halal and Kosher certifications where applicable
EU Organic Certification for select products
Strict quality control procedures and full traceability from farm to product ensure compliance with global food safety regulations.
Sustainability and Environmental Responsibility
As a cooperative rooted in agricultural communities, sustainability is core to BMI’s mission. The company focuses on:
Energy-efficient processing
Wastewater treatment and recycling
Reduction of CO₂ emissions
Sustainable sourcing from local dairy farmers
BMI’s milk suppliers adhere to animal welfare and environmental standards promoted by German dairy associations.
Strategic Partnerships and Customers
BMI supplies both branded and private label products, as well as bulk dairy ingredients to:
Multinational food producers
Infant nutrition companies
Industrial bakeries and confectioners
Foodservice and retail chains
The company is also a key supplier to several contract manufacturers and co-packers within the EU.
R&D and Product Innovation
BMI invests in research and development to enhance product quality and functional performance. Areas of focus include:
Lactose-reduced and protein-enriched dairy
Natural cheese maturation and flavor development
Optimized drying processes for milk and whey powders
Clean-label and organic dairy innovation
Its innovation strategy supports customer-specific formulation needs and regulatory trends across global markets.
Strategic Outlook
Bayerische Milchindustrie eG continues to expand its international footprint, investing in product innovation, sustainable processing, and supply chain efficiency. Its cooperative foundation ensures a resilient supply chain, while its multi-site production model supports consistent, large-scale output.
With a blend of tradition and technology, BMI is well-positioned to meet the evolving demands of the global dairy sector, offering reliable ingredient solutions rooted in the excellence of Bavarian dairy farming.
