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FY2013 Annual Report · Arafura Resources
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20
13

Consolidated 
Annual Report

Delivering  
good growth

We bring the benefit  
of our milk to more 
consumers.   

COntent

Financial highlights 

ManageMent review 
Business review  
2013 in short  
A solid platform inviting growth 
Åke Hantoft: Raising the bar together  
Peder Tuborgh: On track for sustainable growth  
Seven essential goals for 2013  

Strategy

Dedicated to long-term targets  
Develop the core  
Consumer UK  
Consumer Sweden & Finland 
Consumer Denmark   
Consumer Germany & The Netherlands   

Deliver the growth   

Consumer International  
Arla Foods Ingredients   
Innovation creates value  

Faster, simpler and leaner   
Arlagården® secures the quality of my milk 

Governance

Corporate Responsibility: Being responsible is key  
Corporate Responsibility (CSR) – How we meet our responsibilities 
Diversity is an asset in Arla 
Tax governance  
Corporate governance  
Compliance is in our DNA  
Strategic risk management  

Financial review

Frederik Lotz: Healthy financial base  
Investing in development together  

COnSOLiD ateD FinanCiaL StateMentS

Primary financial statements 
Notes 

enDOrSeMentS

Independent auditor’s report 
Statement by the Board of Directors and the Executive Board 

exeCutive ManageMent gr Oup 

Front flap of the cover inside

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6
9

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14
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34

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38
40
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48

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52

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62

107
108

110

In order to make this report more manageable and user-friendly, the Arla Foods Group has decided to publish a consolidated 
annual report that does not include the financial statements of the parent company, Arla Foods amba. In accordance with 
section 149 of the Danish Financial Statements Act, this consolidated annual report is an extract of the company’s complete 
annual report. The full report, including the annual report for the parent company, is available at www.arlafoods.com. Profit 
appropriation and supplementary payment of the parent company are shown under equity in the consolidated financial 
statements. The Consolidated Annual Report is published in Danish, Swedish, German and English. Only the original Danish 
text is legally binding. The translation has been prepared solely for practical reasons. 

Financial Highlights

(mDKK)
performance price 
DKK per kg cooperative owner milk
SEK per kg cooperative owner milk
EUR-cent per kg cooperative owner milk
GBP-pence per kg cooperative owner milk

Not adjusted for 
IFRS

2013

2012

2011

2010

2009

3.05
3.63
40.33
33.91

2.71
3.37
35.80
30.21

2.81
3.75
37.40

2.52
3.49
 - 

2.14
2.91
 - 

total million kg milk weighed in by the group
total number of owners

12,676
12,629

10,410
12,256

9,241
8,024

8,713
7,178

8,660
7,625

income statement
Revenue
EBIT (Earnings before interest and tax)
EBITDA (Earnings before interest, tax, depreciations and 
amortisations)
Net financials
Net profit for the year

73,600
3,170

63,114
2,502

54,893
1,755

49,030
1,684

46,230
1,412

5,496
-660
2,236

4,445
-518
1,895

3,541
-305
1,399

3,743
-294
1,268

3,223
-232
971

Balance sheet
Total assets
Non-current assets
Investments in property, plant and equipment
Current assets

Equity

Consolidation for the year:
Individual capital
Common capital
Supplementary payment

Total non-current liabilities
Total current liabilities

46,165
25,574
-3,767
20,591

43,478
24,415
-3,303
19,063

35,146
18,741
-2,165
16,405

30,097
17,004
-1,508
13,093

30,094
16,782
-1,618
13,312

12,736

10,918

9,526

8,580

8,281

323
978
900

283
469
1,112

273
606
491

233
4
1,031

311
0
660

16,324
17,105

15,285
17,275

11,464
14,156

7,359
12,060

7,816
11,768

Net interest bearing debt incl. pensions
Net working capital

17,859
6,760

17,145
5,891

12,243
6,147

10,041
4,691

10,257
4,546

Cash flows  
Cash flow from operating activities
Cash flow from investing activities
Purchase of enterprises
Cash flows from financing activities

Financials ratios
Leverage
Interest cover
Equity ratio

2,542
-3,502
0
820

3,799
-5,320
-289
1,748

2,301
-2,482
-149
245

2,552
-1,626
0
-2,392

3,402
-2,392
-729
-526

 3.2 
 11.1 
28%

 3.9 
 11.5 
25%

 3.5 
 9.7 
27%

 2.7 
 10.0 
29%

 3.2 
 9.0 
28%

* The figures stated for 2009 and 2010 except for the balance sheet items for 2010 have been prepared in 
accordance with the Danish Financial Statements Act. All other figures have been prepared in accordance with 
IFRS.

Definitions

Net interest-bearing debt
Current interest-bearing liabilities 
– Securities, cash and cash 
equivalents and other inter-
est-bearing assets  
+ Non-current liabilities.

Net interest-bearing liabilities 
cannot be derived directly from 
the balance sheet.

Net working capital:
Inventories 
+ Trade receivables
– Trade payables

Leverage:
Net interest-bearing liabilities, 
including pension liabilities
EBITDA

Interest cover:
EBITDA
Interest costs, net

Equity ratio:
Equity
Balance sheet total

Organic growth:
Growth in revenue adjusted for 
acquisitions, divestments, foreign 
exchange rate changes as well as 
changes in accounting policy.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2013 in short

performance price 

DKK /kg3.05 

revenue

73.6 

bn DKK

revenue growth 

16.6%

Milk volume  

equity

net interest-bearing debt  

12.7 

bn DKK

17.9

bn DKK

12.7

bn kg

Profit

2.2 bn DKK
3% of revenue

equity ratio

28% 

Owners  

12,629

3.2 

Leverage

May 2013

October 2013

October / november 2013

Deployment of the world’s largest  
fresh milk facility in aylesbury  
outside London.

issue of corporate bonds worth 

1.3

bn DKK

for a broader financing platform.

1

bn kg
of milk per year

arla’s owners and aFMp farmers 
decide on merger.

1.5

bn kg
of milk  
from owners

1,300 new owners
as per 31 December 2013 

Investment of

1.4bn DKK

Project management: Charlotte Møller Andersen, Corporate Accounting, Arla. Copy, design and 
production: We Love People. Web production: Morten Riber Pryds, Corporate Accounting, Arla and 
We Love People. Translation: TextMinded® Photos: Tine Harden, Jens Bangsbo, Casper Sejersen,
Mikkel Bache, Thomas Carlgren and Arla’s archives. Printer: Scanprint A/S. 

MANAGEMENT REVIEW

Arla is a cooperative.
We are committed to taking good 
care of the milk produced by our 
owners and to adding value to it. 
No matter how much is produced.

More milk is a precondition for 
scalability and creates more value 
through innovation, product  
development and branding, and 
thereby performance.  

A solid  
platform  inviting  
growth

The milk wheel illustrates Arla’s business model. Milk is both our commodity 
and our growth engine. More milk means more power for the engine and 
more growth for the company. Milk is what drives the company’s earnings 
and brings new opportunities for growth for its owners. Only a handful of dairy 
companies in Europe have openly declared that they want more milk. Arla is 
one of them. We must secure supplies for Arla’s new dairies, Pronsfeld in 
Germany and Aylesbury in the UK as well as other production sites. In 2013, 
Arla increased its milk volume significantly. The company’s current volume is 
the largest milk volume received by any cooperative in Europe. Nevertheless, 
we still have room for more milk and more owners. We need to keep the 
wheel turning to secure future supplies of the raw milk that is at the core of 
our existence.

12.7bn kg milk annually

Globalisation opens new markets, and Arla is also 
seeking new distribution channels for its increasing 
milk volumes. Based on environmentally respectful 
production processes, Arla offers the safe and 
healthy products which are demanded by the 
consumers in the emerging markets. And with a 
stable base in our core European markets, we also 
have the courage to grow further worldwide.

For Arla, growth is about 
increasing earnings. Our 
growth drives market 
consolidation and attracts 
more raw milk. The 
agreement made with the 
AFMP partnership in 2013 
brings security to the supply 
chain and signals that we 
take good care of our milk.

2

Raising the bar 
together

In 2013, Arla consisted of 12,300 milk producers in six countries, 
who all share the cooperative principle. Collaboration is in Arla’s 
DNA and is a major strength of the business. Together, the business 
and the owners are creating the future of dairy and securing the 
highest value for the farmers’ milk. 

INFLOW OF RAW MILK

14,000

Mio. kg.

12,000

10,000

8,000

6,000

4,000

2,000

0

12,676

10,410

8,660

8,713

9,241

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

Owners in Denmark

Owners in Sweden

Owners in Germany

Owners in United Kingdom

Owners in Belgium

Owners in Luxembourg

Others

Arla’s increased milk volume supports our 
increased activities. The increase mainly 
comes from new owners as a result of the 
merger activity.

Increase in weighed-in milk 
in past 5 years

Milk volume 2013

46%
 12,676 mKG

Arla performed well in the markets in 2013, and 
the owners, the milk producers, experienced a 
much-needed improvement of their financial 
situation. The higher milk prices helped the 
finances of the farms. Milk production is 
soaring, and the relationship between farmers’ 
income and costs has been improved. 2013 
was also the year in which we started to 
understand the consequences of being a 
cross-national cooperative after the mergers in 
2011 and 2012, and of continued growth. At 
the end of the year, we welcomed the supplier 
group Arla Foods Milk Partnership (AFMP) into 
the owner group. The growing number of 
owners made it clear that Arla’s democratic 
structure needed to be updated, and in the 
spring we established a new structure that 
balances national and global perspectives. 

a clear mission
During the past year, we have updated Arla’s 
mission, vision and strategy to better reflect 
who we are as a company, where we are 
heading and how we want to deliver on our 
targets. Our mission clearly states what we have 
always known: that Arla was founded to create 
value for our milk.

What makes Arla attractive for a dairy farmer  
is that the company is owned by farmers. 
We are united by the strength of the  
cooperative and its promise of a better milk 

price. It is important for dairy farmers, customers 
and consumers in Europe that the money Arla 
earns is returned to us, the owners. The profits 
are shared, and together we create a strong 
foundation for dairy farmers to grow – now and 
in the future. 

ready for more milk 
Only a handful of dairy companies in Europe are 
openly asking for more milk. Arla is one of them. 
The explanation can be found in the basic story 
of the ‘milk wheel’. Receiving more milk gives us 
the strength to grow. Arla, therefore, increased 
its milk volume significantly in 2013. The 
company’s current volume of 12.7bn kg of milk 
is the largest cooperative milk volume in 
Europe. Nevertheless, we still have room for 
more milk and more owners. We need to keep 
the wheel turning to secure future supplies of 
the raw material that is the very basis of our 
existence. 

Seen in that light, the vote in favour of AFMP by 
the Board of Representatives, Arla’s supreme 
body, was the single most important decision 
made by us, as owners, in 2013. I am proud that 
we had a lively debate, and stood together and 
made a clear decision to bring our UK suppliers 
into our group. This decision shows that we are 
remaining true to the cooperative principle.  
We want to share both investments, risks and 
profits. Because even though the merger in 

itself does not increase milk volumes, the new 
owners help safeguard the supply chain.  
The merger signals that we are a European 
cooperative with a strong focus on European 
milk to boost the value of raw milk. Having 
many owners is attractive for us because it 
translates into stable milk supplies. The greater 
the number we are, the better we can do things 
together. 

Closeness and cohesion
The cooperative democracy is a living 
instrument for Arla. It is our most important 
strength, but cohesion obviously comes under 
pressure when we expand our numbers so 
quickly. Today, Arla has owners in six countries 
speaking their own languages. It adds to the 
complexity of our business, and there have 
been concerns that it will compromise the 
sense of closeness and involvement. We have 
therefore established four national councils 
which are helping to apply the provisions of the 
merger agreements in the individual owner 
countries. The national councils are, among 
other things, involved in the work to introduce 
the Arlagården® quality assurance programme 
in all owner countries and in establishing a joint 
settlement model. 

The new democratic structure will empower 
the business and ensure closeness to our 
cooperative’s owners, the dairy farmers. But as 

Åke Hantoft, Chairman of 
the Board of Directors

owners, we must also make an active effort  
to exercise our influence as part of the 
cooperative democracy.We must read the 
Owner Update newsletter and participate in the 
debate – also across national borders. Because 
without communication the cooperative idea 
falls apart. But, most importantly, we must share 
the responsibility for the strategy. I still see 
Strategy 2017 as a winning one because it 
creates a sense of security, both for the 
business and on the individual farms. The 
strategy creates new opportunities for us 
following the abolition of the quotas in 2015. 
We are able to sell all that we can produce. Arla 
will buy the milk and add value to it. 

The basic idea behind a cooperative more  
than 100 years ago still holds true today in Arla:  
We shoulder the responsibility, we solve tasks 
together and we share what we achieve. We do 
things better when we do them together. 

Creating the future of dairy requires funding, 
and in 2014 we need to have a discussion 
about the future consolidation policy as the 
company and owner group have changed 
significantly since we agreed on the current 
consolidation policy.

we are raising the bar
Arla’s growing cooperative strength brings 
certain obligations. We will therefore meet 
consumer demands for traceability and quality. 
We will manage the entire value chain from cow 
to consumer. Our most important tool is the 
quality assurance programme Arlagården®, 
which is being implemented in Germany, 
Luxembourg and Belgium, and which will be 
rolled out in the UK in 2015. Arlagården® 
creates added value in the market and 
confidence among customers and consumers. 
The quality assurance programme is a key 
element in our corporate reputation and 
benefits both our business and the individual 

farm. Also in this context, the company and its 
owners have a common task: the owners must 
comply with the programme, and the company 
must convert it into market value. 

Arla now has the size to make a real difference. 
Other milk producers, customers and 
consumers will look at us and see that we are 
leading the way in a number of areas. When we 
are realising our mission of creating growth – 
also in terms of the milk price level and quality. 
When we keep focusing on paying for the milk 
in accordance with the cooperative principle. 
And in our work with Arlagården® and the 
promotion of sustainable milk production.  
This focus will confirm that we are creating the 
future of dairy.

Mission
To secure the highest value for our farmers’ milk while creating  
opportunities for their growth  

4

5

MANAGEMENT REVIEWMANAGEMENT REVIEW

On track for 
sustainable growth 

Arla is a strong European dairy company with global visions and a determination to 
seek opportunities for growth. Organic growth goes hand in hand with growth through 
mergers and the consolidation of the cooperative across borders. These are 
achievements which are rooted in the robustness of the cooperative model and the 
determination of the company’s owners.

perFOrManCe priCe 

DKK per kg cooperative owner milk

1
8
2

.

1
7
2

.

5
0
3

.

2
5
2

.

4
1
2

.

4

3

2

1

0

Arla’s performance price 
has increased over the 
period to reach an all time 
high for 2013

Peder Tuborgh, CEO

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2013 was an exciting year for Arla. We have 
worked to create a robust platform for growth 
after several years of mergers. Concurrently 
with the expected synergies, Arla has realised a 
16.6 per cent growth in revenue over the past 
year. At the same time, we have seen an 
increase in milk volumes, a widening of the 
owner group and a broadening of our mindset. 
At present, we are consolidating the platform on 
which the global dairy company of the future 
will be built and which will secure a market beyond 
Europe for the milk supplied by the company’s 
owners. We are strengthening the global mindset 
of our business and sharpening our focus on 
efficiency improvements, quality and sustain-
ability. It is ultimately about meeting our targets, 
which we did to a large extent in 2013. 

Focus on the business 
We have realised a profit of DKK 2.2bn,  
corresponding to the decided 3 per cent of 
revenue, which totalled DKK 73.6bn. At  
DKK 3.05, Arla’s performance price is the 
highest in the history of the company, while 
leverage has been reduced to 3.2, which is 
within the agreed target range. 

Arla had a good 2013. The 16.6 per cent growth 
in revenue is driven by organic growth of 6.6 per 
cent in our core and growth markets, and 
especially by the realised effect of last year’s 
mergers in the UK and Germany. The integration 

of these companies is progressing faster than 
expected. We have successfully increased the 
profitability of the additional milk which is 
weighed in, resulting in a strengthening of the 
European core business. At the same time, we 
have followed the price increases in the global 
market for dairy products.

Over the past five to ten years, a relatively stable 
dairy industry has developed into an industry 
characterised by considerable volatility. Arla is 
strongly positioned to navigate short-term 
market variations without losing sight of our 
long-term goals. Price fluctuations have refined 
our ability to identify and seize new market 
opportunities as they arise. 

The industry and private-label prices follow the 
volatility of the market prices, while the prices of 
branded products are traditionally slightly 
behind and generally more stable. In a situation 
with increasing market prices, as in 2013, our 
branded products therefore come under 
pressure. Arla’s three global brands have stood 
still in Europe, primarily due to the negative 
economic climate and a strong preference 
among consumers for private-label products. 

All in all, we have not met the targets set for our 
three global brands Arla®, Castello® and Lurpak®, 
and the strengthening of these brands in our 
core markets will remain a strategic focal point. 

On the other hand, Arla’s brands are doing well 
in our growth markets where consumers are 
becoming more affluent and in a position to 
buy healthy, and good quality food products. 
Arla’s strategic growth markets account for an 
ever-increasing share of the group’s growth 
because our brands are gaining ground in these 
markets. For example, we are seeing organic 
growth of 44 per cent in Russia and growth in 
excess of 12 per cent in the Middle East and 
Africa. This confirms that the strategy which we 
have identified as the driver of growth in these 
markets in the period up until 2017 is working. 

Status of our strategy
Today, Arla has owners in six European countries 
and a clear global presence. However, there is no 
doubt that our presence in emerging markets 
needs to become even more prominent if we 
are to keep up with our competitors. In 2013, we 
presented a revised version of Arla’s strategy, 
which previously had a strong European focus. 
Strategy 2017 is still very much about being 
part of the consolidation which is taking place 
in Europe and about developing our products 
and activities for European consumers. The new 
part of the strategy will prepare us for the 
expected growth in Russia, the Middle East, 
Africa and China.

The world population is growing at 78 million 
people a year, and is projected to reach 9bn in 

2050. By then, far more than half of the population 
will be middle-class citizens who can afford more 
and better products for the whole family. Growth 
will come both from these emerging markets as 
well as  from Arla Foods Ingredients (AFI). AFI is a 
company which is truly realising Arla’s vision today 
with its innovation programmes and advanced 
technology. AFI is a genuinely global company 
which is actively engaged in creating the future of 
dairy. AFI is helping to improve the utilisation of 
milk-based ingredients, tailoring its products to 
consumer requirements. 

Arla’s ingredients is among other things used for 
child nutrition, that already is so popular that our 
production capacity cannot keep pace with 
demand. We are currently expanding our facilities 
in Videbæk in Denmark so that in 2014 we will be 
able to export 48,000 tonnes of specialised 
powder products, primarily to China. We can still 
sell more than we can produce.

Arla offers safe and healthy products, produced 
with respect for the environment, and 

demanded by the world’s new middle classes. 
And with a stable base in our core markets, we 
also have the courage to explore opportunities 
in the world market. 

In step with the successful implementation of 
the strategy, the proportion of revenue from 
the original owner countries, Denmark and 
Sweden, will naturally decline. However, this 
does not detract from the strategic importance 
of these countries.

view of the future
We are fully dedicated to realising Arla’s 
potential in the updated Strategy 2017 which 
aims to attract more milk and create more sales 
opportunities in a globalised world. 

In 2013, Arla formulated a new mission and 
vision and is now putting its words into  
action. Creating the future of dairy is about 
contributing to the industry’s development and 
about setting and driving new standards for 
efficiency, innovation, food safety, animal 

welfare, social responsibility and sustainability. 
The vision is already providing a clear direction 
for our decision-making. 

In 2013, the business delivered satisfactorily on 
the seven essential goals defined in connection 
with the strategy. In China, the building of a 
future business based on sales of products 
under the Arla® brand is continuing, while sales 
of highly processed infant nutrition products for 
the growing middle classes continue to grow. In 
Africa, we are entering into strategic partner-
ships to prepare a stable platform on a new 
continent, and in Europe, the integration of Arla 
Milk Link in the UK and MUH Arla in Germany is 
progressing according to plan. 

In Germany, Arla has become a leading 
company with a completely new status. A few 
years ago, Arla was only an export office with 
imported products to offer. However, with 
owners and milk, production and a broad range 
of products, Arla is now in a very different 
league in Germany. Now, we truly stand out as  

Vision
Creating the future of dairy to bring health and inspiration to  
the world, naturally

6

7

a force to be reckoned with. In 2013, Germany 
became our third-largest market and a brand 
new driver of growth in Arla. Our expertise is 
lifting milk out of Europe, and we have shown 
the new owners and customers that Arla will 
create the future of dairy in Germany. The 
organisation is four times larger than last year, 
and our German employees deserve praise for 
their committed efforts to streamline the 
business. Their commitment is a precondition 
for a strong future in Germany. 

The UK business is performing well. With Milk 
Link, Arla UK now offers a complete portfolio of 
fresh products, UHT products and – as 
something new – cheese. In 2013, efforts have 
been devoted to restructuring and streamlining 
production, and this is a process which is 
revealing the true value of the merger. Not 
least, Arla has won a large cheddar contract 
with Asda, which means that we will be 
supplying 100,000 tonnes of cheese to the 
retail chain over the next three years. This is a 
historic contract which cements Arla’s position 
as the largest dairy company in the UK. 

At the same time, we have strengthened the 
cooperative through the admission of the Arla 
Foods Milk Partnership (AFMP) as new owners 
in the UK. In so doing, our owners have made 
an important decision which will secure Arla’s 
milk supplies and enable us to seize future 
business opportunities. AFMP’s membership of 
Arla increases the security of supply of raw milk. 
However, we need more milk if we are to be 
able to meet customer demand, grow 
accordingly and scale our business to create 
the highest value for our owners.

increased responsibility
Consumers and retailers not only judge Arla  
on the basis of our products. They also look at 
the way in which we conduct ourselves, how  
we produce our products and generally go 
about our business. As a cooperative, our 
responsibility extends to the entire supply 
chain. We must use our strengths as a 
cooperative to grow, but we are very aware of 

SeVen eSSentiAl GOAlS  
FOR 2014 

In 2014, the seven essential goals will 
focus on the execution of the strategy 
and the commercialisation of initiatives. 
All in all, this will add the highest possible 
milk value. 

how we are growing. With size comes increased 
responsibility, and our growth must benefit  
the farmers and our customers as well as 
consumers, our employees, the environment 
and society at large. Since the start of the 
cooperative movement in the 1880s, Arla has 
pursued the same philosophy: Creating 
something greater and better together. This is  
a mindset which remains part and parcel of our 
business to this day.

Nature is one of the areas for which we  
assume responsibility. We have an ambitious 
environmental strategy for dairy production 
and distribution, and in 2013, for example, we 
completed the construction of the world’s 
largest fresh milk dairy in Aylesbury outside 
London, which is environmentally focused. 
However, we also want to shoulder our share of 
responsibility on the farms which account for 
the majority of the milk’s environmental and 
climate impact. Arla’s owners have adopted a 
sustainable milk production strategy. A decisive 
element in the strategy is a shared commit-
ment to reduce the total climate impact of the 
farms. No individual targets are set for the 
farms, but a joint target based on voluntary 
climate checks and other initiatives.

The owners’ willingness to contribute to the 
company’s profile is a key factor. Their quality 
assurance programme Arlagården® is a 
commercial bonus. For example, Arlagården® 
was one of the reasons why Chinese Mengniu 
chose Arla as their new strategic partner in 
2012. The agreement is a reflection of Arla’s 
globally leading position when it comes to 
quality and food safety. People trust us. 
Therefore, we must conduct ourselves 
accordingly. 

Focus on sustainability is a precondition for 
realising our vision of being a natural, healthy, 
global and innovative business. I am therefore 
pleased that our owners are working to 
strengthen Arla’s sustainability platform.

OutLOOk 2014
Arla operates in a complex world. Production 
and thereby the supply of milk decide the 
prices in a global and interconnected world.  
A drought in New Zealand has an impact on 
prices in Europe. At the same time, it is a 
two-speed world. The European crisis drove 
consumer conversion from brand to discount 
products in 2013, while consumers outside 
Europe are experiencing growing affluence and 
creating a demand for high-quality brand 
products. This is the world in which we operate. 
And we have to keep an eye on every 
continent. 

The price of milk as a commodity is heavily 
influenced by market prices as a consequence 
of the global market for milk. A higher supply of 
milk will affect prices as global demand is 
growing at a more stable rate. 2014 has got off 
to a good start, but we are well aware that a lot 
of milk is being produced in the world at the 
moment. 2014 is the last year with the EU milk 
quota system, and the milk sector is preparing 
for the abolition of the quotas. This is good for 
farmers, but will lead to further price volatility. 

We are strongly focused on the successful 
realisation of our strategy and targets. Our 
business will continue to grow, and we are 
maintaining our focus on efficiency throughout 
the organisation. We expect our brands to do 
better – helped by several of our own initiatives, 
but also by general market conditions. At the 
same time, we are gaining a foothold in the 
emerging markets which will account for a 
growing share of Arla’s earnings in future. We 
are working hard to optimise all controllable 
aspects of our business. This will enable us to 
maintain a market premium over and above the 
market price for milk. 

Rather than absolute target milk prices, we 
define targets for the relative milk price 
compared with the prices paid by our 
competitors. The target is a milk price index  
of 103-105 compared with our peer group.  
We expect to attain this target.

1.  Re-establish market price premium on 

4.  Continue integration and secure more owner 

consumer products  
Goal: A market premium of five Danish øre
2.  Create strong volume growth from three 
global brands in all business groups and 
commercialise Corporate Identity  
Goal: Three per cent growth for Arla® 
Ten per cent growth for Castello® 
Five per cent growth for Lurpak® 
Successful launch of Corporate Identity
3.  Create commercial breakthrough in China  

and accelerate Africa, Russia and the 
ingredients business  
Goal: Continue strong growth in Middle East 
& Africa (MEA), Russia, China, Arla Foods 
Ingredients and third-party manufactured 
child nutrition. Establish new joint ventures in 
Africa

milk in Consumer UK and Consumer 
Germany & the Netherlands  
Goal: Complete integration of MUH and Milk 
Link. New owner milk in Germany and the UK

5.  Progress efficiency agenda and strengthen 

balance sheet  
Goal: Savings of 0.7-0.8bn DKK and reduction 
of DKK 1bn in working capital from efficiency 
agenda. Leverage of 3.0-3.4

6.  Increase profitability through further scaling 

across core markets  
Goal: Successful relaunch of the Arla brand 
Positive financial impact from four innovation 
platforms

7.  Finalise IT turnaround 

Goal: Clear operational stability throughout 
the year. Implementation of newly approved 
IT strategy

Seven 
essential 
goals
for 2013 

To deliver good results for the company’s owners and ensure growth in accordance 
with Arla’s strategic ambition, the Group Management and the Board of Directors 
each year establish seven essential goals and priorities for the group. In effect, they 
serve as our lodestars. 

The seven essential goals reflect the company’s priorities each year. They break 
long-term strategies down into short-term targets and create the foundation for 
Arla’s improved year-on-year performance.

In 2013, we have been working to execute and realise synergies following the 
mergers and acquisitions made in 2011 and 2012. For this reason, we decided to 
change our focus from the top line to our bottom line. This change is reflected in our 
seven essential goals, which maintain our focus on our working capital and on 
reducing the group’s leverage.

GOAlS FOR 2013

ReSult 

1. performance price above peer group
Goal: Index 103-105

Arla’s performance price relative to the peer group is under pressure, but is 
expected to reach the low end of the index – 103. Peer group earnings 
cannot be calculated in full as some figures are still not available.

2. Bottom line a top priority
Goal: Savings from efficiency programmes 
and improved scalability totalling DKK 1bn

The performance price is DKK 3.05 compared with DKK 2.71 in 2012. 
Scalability (calculating revenue growth in relation to growth of costs) is up 
from 1:0.3 to 1:1.6 contributing with savings of DKK 0.5 bn. Other efficiency 
programmes, Tetris ect. contribute to ensure the total savings target.

3. Efficient integration of Milk Link  
and MuH 
Goal: Delivery according to business plans

The integration of Milk Link and MUH is progressing according to plan, and 
the expected synergies are being realised after the planned structural 
changes. The efficiency programmes OPEX and Design to Value are being 
rolled out both in the UK and in Germany.

4. Developing a Chinese platform  
for growth
Goal: Double revenue in China

Revenue in China has almost doubled at DKK 1.2bn against  
DKK 0.7bn in 2012. Growth is driven by other product types than expected  
– primarily third-party manufacturing (TPM). 2014 will see the launch of 
further initiatives concerning Arla’s own brands in China.

5. increase volume and strengthen global 
trademarks and categories
Goal: 
2-4 per cent growth for Arla® 
4 per cent growth for Castello® 
6 per cent growth for Lurpak®

6. Strengthen balance sheet
Goal:
Reduce working capital and free up DKK 1bn
Reduce leverage from 3.9 to approx. 3.5

The following growth rates have been realised for the three global brands: 
  Arla®: Volume growth -0.7 per cent.
  Castello®: Volume growth 2.7 per cent.
  Lurpak®: Volume growth 3.0 per cent.

Working capital has been reduced by an additional DKK 1.1bn in 2013. 
Leverage has been reduced to 3.2 and is now within the group’s target range.

7. Stabilise it operations
Goal:
New IT strategy 
Improve the user experience
MUH and Milk Link integrated with  
Arla’s IT platform

Transition of IT infrastructure and support to NNIT.
 IT strategy REBOUND: Adopted by EMG in November.
Improve user experience: total user satisfaction score up from 67 per cent  
to 70 per cent. 
MUH and Milk Link integrated with Arla’s IT platform. “One face to the customer” 
implemented. Supply chain and infrastructure integration in progress

8

9

MANAGEMENT REVIEWMANAGEMENT REVIEW

As Arla continues to 
grow, more people will 
make our products part 
of their everyday diet. 
Milk enables children to 
grow, learn and play.  
It brings natural energy 
to their parents, so that 
they can meet the 
challenges of the day. 
We have something for 
everybody at all ages 
and we believe that our 
products have the 
power to improve lives. 

Arla products in the supermarket Hiperglobus 
in the small town, Klimovsk, 14 km from Moscow, Russia.  

10

11

 
MANAGEMENT REVIEW

Dedicated to  
long-term targets 

Arla is a European dairy company with a 
global strategy. The ambition of Strategy 
2017 is to become the world’s leading 
farmer-owned dairy. We want to attract 
more raw milk and generate more sales 
opportunities in a globalised world.

Page

16

Consumer UK (CUK)

18

Consumer Sweden & Finland (CSE) 

20

Consumer Denmark (CDK) 

Page

26

Consumer International 
(CIN)

Arla Foods Ingredients 
(AFI) 

28

Global Categories and 
Operations-Innovation 

30

Develop the  
core

Capture the benefits 
of leading positions 
and grow three major 
brands.

22

Consumer Germany & the Netherlands (CGN) 

24

Global Categories and Operations-Brands 

Deliver the 
growth
Increase revenue from 
non-core markets to 
20 per cent, move milk 
outside Europe.

StRAteGy 
2017

Faster, simpler 
& leaner

Achieve cost 
leadership and strong 
execution with 
savings of DKK 2.5bn.

Page

32

Programme Zero

32

Design to Value (DtV) 

32

Total Cost Ownership (TCO) 

32

OPEX 

32

Lean

Strategy 2017 was launched at the beginning  
of 2013 with the purpose of realising Arla’s 
potential and activating the organisation,  
which had delivered in full for Strategy 2015. 
The revised strategy reflects the global market 
conditions and Arla’s strong position in the dairy 
industry. The strategy has provided the 
company with extra fuel and clear, long-term 
goals to steer towards. 

Develop the core
Arla has a good basis in our branded business, 
which is of value both on core markets and 
growth markets. We want to strengthen our 
three global brands Arla®, Lurpak® and Castello® 
and maintain focus on customer relations, 
innovation, efficiency and value creation. And 
while we are building new markets for our 
products, we continue to maintain Arla’s core 
markets. We want to remain the best dairy 
company for consumers in our core markets in 
the United Kingdom, Sweden, Denmark and 
Germany by inspiring them with new products 
and appealing concepts that we can share 
across borders. We have four business groups 
supporting our core markets to secure the right 
presence and focus. We will develop both our 

strong brands and play a major role in 
developing our customers’ own-label dairy 
products. Brands are centrally supported by 
Global Categories and Operations.

Deliver the growth 
One significant change in our strategy is 
triggered by important factors in the outside 
world. The EU milk quota system will disappear 
in 2015, and we expect our farmers to produce 
an additional 1bn kg milk to the 12.7bn kg that 
already flows through Arla annually.  
The European markets will not be able to 
accommodate the increased number of 
products. Consequently, our strategic goal is to 
sell more milk outside Europe in profitable 
markets where living standards are improving. 
More consumers demand healthy and 
inspirational dairy products in their daily diets. 
They have less time to cook and a growing 
ability to buy high-quality products. Other 
potential lies within manufacturing child nutrition 
for other companies and within our highly 
profitable ingredients business. This part of the 
strategy is highly supported by our business 
group, Consumer International, Arla Foods 
Ingredients and our innovation department.

Faster, simpler and leaner
Our rapid growth means that we need to find new 
ways to achieve synergies, exploit large-scale 
operations to reduce our unit costs and add 
value to our business. We want to lead the dairy 
industry when it comes to efficiency. Strategy 
2017 addresses a number of ambitious cost 
and efficiency programmes with the potential 
to simplify Arla’s business model, streamline 
production and optimise processes. The 
programmes are expected to contribute with 
total savings of DKK 2.5bn a year from the 
middle of 2012 to year-end 2015. This will 
contribute to a competitive milk price for our 
owners and provide the organisation with 
leverage for further growth. 

we are doing well, but we cannot rest 
In 2013, the business kick-started Strategy 
2017. Besides working on maintaining and 
improving our position in the core markets, we 
are working full steam ahead in growth markets 
in Africa, Russia, China and the Middle East. And 
we have kept focus on efficiency to execute 
planned savings.

+10%

Raw milk surplus

Raw milk deficit

A balanced business

The dairy business is both local and global. Arla wants to be ahead in both 
the local and global dairy industries via six ambitious business groups that 
can feel the pulse of the unique markets and service their specific needs.

REVENUE DISTRIBUTION 
FOR ARLA BUSINESS GROUPS

80,000

DKKm

The composition of Arla’s activities is naturally 
affected by Arla’s development in the direction 
of a more globalised company. The core 
markets in the United Kingdom and Germany 
are expanding as a consequence of the 
mergers conducted in recent years. Thereby, 
the total share of the core markets in Sweden 
and Denmark is decreasing. Today, about 9 per 
cent of Arla’s revenue comes from Denmark 
and 16  per cent from Sweden. Even during the 
merger process, growth markets in Consumer 
International and Arla Foods Ingredients have 
been able to maintain their share due to strong 
organic growth. 

This development has helped to spread Arla’s 
business-related risks, making us today, and in 
the future, more resilient to fluctuations in the 
individual markets. Identifying strategic risks 
and assessing their impact on Arla’s global 
actions is an integral part of our strategic work. 
Read more about our risk management 
process, material operating risks and mitigating 
actions on page 48.

60,000

40,000

20,000

0

Revenue development split by business groups shows how 
mergers in the United Kingdom and Germany have increased 
revenue, but that the international businesses are able to 
retain their share of total revenue due to organic growth.  

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

CUK

CSE&FI

CDK

CGN

CIN

AFI

OTHERS

gLOBaL CategOrieS anD OperatiOnS (gCO)

GCO has the global responsibility for Arla’s product categories and the 
three global brands. New marketing campaigns, concepts and 
innovations contribute to Arla’s organic growth. 

GCO also drives the planning of milk, logistics and production of cheese, 
butter and milk powder in Denmark, Sweden and Germany and is 
represented in all three parts of the strategy.

Viby Denmark
Headquarters

 5,475
Number of employees

Operating sites
7 dairies in Sweden with production of cheese, 
butter and powder products, 19 dairies in 
Denmark with production of cheese, butter and 
powder products, three dairies in Germany, one 
dairy in France and one dairy in Poland and with 
production of cheese products.

12

13

 
 
Strategy 2017

 Develop 
the core

Arla remains true to its position as a branded business, but at  
the same time we explore the opportunities in the partnership 
concerning private label. By 2017, we will capture the benefits of 
leading positions in core markets and grow our three global brands 
on core markets but also use synergies on growth markets to 
support the true global brands. 

In the core markets, we will develop our 
positions and become more sophisticated in 
how we approach the business. It is critical for 
Arla to be able to offer the right mix of branded 
products and private-label products in Europe, 
where private labels account for an increasingly 
greater share of consumer purchases. As we 
continue to see growth in retailers’ own brands, 
Arla’s milk is increasingly becoming a component 
in other businesses’ products. In all our core 
markets, we have the capacity, the raw milk and 
the required expertise to turn private-label 
products into a profitable business.

It is Arla’s strategy to release the potential of our 
leading positions across all markets. We will 
maximise value creation in the United Kingdom, 
Germany, the Netherlands and Finland and 
sustain profitability in Denmark and Sweden.

Three global brands
In order to place Arla in the best possible 
position in the European dairy consolidation,  
we need to realise cross-national synergies and 
strengthen our three global brands Arla®, 
Lurpak® and Castello®. One way of doing so is 
by strengthening our position as the global 
dairy company with the natural products and 
the most sustainable approach from cow to 
consumer, and by increasing innovation to 
meet the customers’ needs. 

Arla sells a full range of dairy products in 
Northern Europe and exports high-quality 
cheese, butter and milk powder products all 
over the world. 

Arla®
We are under pressure in the yellow cheese 
category. This goes, in particular, for the Arla® 
brand. In Sweden, we have lost fresh milk 
volumes, also under the Arla brand, which is 
impacted by the increasing preference for 

private-label products. Some Arla® brand 
products are doing well. In 2013, we saw 
profitable growth for cream cheese, BUKO® and 
Apetina®.

Lurpak®
The premium brand Lurpak® is one of the 
world’s famous butter brands made from fresh 
Danish cream. Lurpak® is a strong brand which 
is realising strong growth both in Europe  
and in the Middle East. In Denmark, growth is 
challenged due to the general shift in 
consumer purchasing behaviour towards 
private-label products, and in the UK sales  
grew less than expected, due to a conscious 
choice of not compromising on prices. The 
reliable and unique butter brand travels to both 
China and Australia. And despite its more than 
100 year long history, Lurpak® is also a highly 
innovative brand. The Lurpak® innovation 
pipeline is launched in Germany and the UK 
with a planned geographical expansion.

Castello®
The Castello® brand is a premium cheese brand 
sold globally. House of Castello® includes blue, 
white and red mould cheeses, decorated cream 
cheeses and ripened yellow cheese. The 
Castello® brands is struggling in many markets, 
but we are planning a Castello® turnaround. The 
Castello® portfolio now includes a new British 
cheddar from the former Milk Link range, and 
we are integrating other UK specialty cheeses. 
The overall Castello® portfolio is now so diverse 
that it will match most of our markets. 

Our brands in 2013
Generally speaking, the targets defined for  
Arla’s three global brands have not been 
achieved. In Europe, developments have been 
more negative than expected, and price 
inflation has precluded volume growth.
Broken down by business group, a more diverse 
picture of brand product performance appears. 
The brands generally do well in the emerging 

markets, while the economic situation has 
resulted in price pressure in the core markets, 
where we have had to choose between losing 
volumes and lowering prices.

OuTLOOk 
In 2014, the strengthening of our brands in the 
core markets will remain a strategic focal point. 
Several business groups are supporting their 
price management with an increased budget 
for marketing and innovation. Efficiency and 
price increases alone will not create long-term 
growth.

Arla has a great deal of “hidden” value in our 
identity. Many people outside Arla aren’t aware 
of our great history and the contributions we 
make to society through our products and 
actions. 

We haven’t yet succeeded in exploiting the full 
value of our identity in a commercial sense. In 
2014, we will roll out the third generation of the 
Arla® brand in order to successfully commer-
cialise our branded corporate identity.

14

15

MANAGEMENT REVIEW 
STRATEGy 2017 – DEVElop ThE CoRE

3,786
Number of employees

19,217
Millions (DKK) in revenue

22%
Development in revenue from 2012. 

leeds,  
united Kingdom
Headquarters

Operating sites
5 fresh milk dairies, 8 other dairies 
(cheese, butter and UHT), 1 cheese  
packing and 3 distribution centres 

Product categories 

Fresh dairy products 54%

Cheese 14%

Butter and spreads 20%

Non dairy products 9%

Other 3%

Consumer 
uK

2013 marked another 12 months of unprecedented activity for the UK business.  
As the largest dairy company in the country, with leading positions in milk, cheese, 
butter and spreads, focus has been on maintaining and extending these leads, 
maximising the benefits of the merger with Milk Link, starting up the world’s largest 
fresh milk dairy and creating the conditions for more UK farmers to become  
co-owners of the global business. 

number one dairy company in the uk
CUK completed the merger and integration of 
Milk Link during the year, and the business is 
already benefiting significantly as a result. The 
creation of a new cheese strategy, aimed at 
growing its core cheddar and speciality cheese 
business, has enabled it to negotiate the biggest 
cheese contract win in Arlas history. From April 
2014, it will annually supply 30,000 tonnes of 
cheddar to retail customer Asda, which will 
increase its UK cheese production by 50 per 
cent. CUK also launched the Anchor® Cheddar 
brand one year ahead of schedule, and new 
product variants are already on the market. 
Tickler® cheese has been migrated to the 
Castello® brand and Lactofree® came close to the 
ambition to have a lactose free option across dairy 
categories by adding mature cheddar to its range.

Strengthening its link to the coffee industry, 
2013 was the year where CUK signed an 
exclusive partnership with Starbucks to supply 
30 million litres of Cravendale® to all its 700 
stores in the UK and Northern Ireland, annually.  
Arla’s cooperative status was cited as one of the 
key reasons for gaining the contract. In 
addition, CUK is also supplying Starbucks with 
Anchor® butter portions, as well as continuing 
to develop its Starbucks retail portfolio with a 
skinny latte in the Discoveries range. 

To create a stable and secure supply of raw milk 
in the UK, a landmark decision was made last 
year when Arla Foods’ Board of Representatives 
voted for Milk Partnership Limited (Arla Foods 
Milk Partnership farmers) to become co-owners 
of Arla Foods amba. This decision has allowed 
Arla to increase its British farmer owners to  
approximately 2,800.

As part of Arla’s commitment to be a 
responsible cooperative, CUK launched its most 
environmentally friendly plastic bottle to date.  

The eco bottle is 20 per cent lighter and 
contains 15 per cent recycled plastic. Eco 
bottles are already in production at the UK’s 
Aylesbury and Stourton dairies, and all other 
fresh milk sites will begin using the new 
packaging in the course of 2014. Arla’s aim is  
to increase the recycled plastic content to  
30 per cent. 

Competition and consumer trends
The UK market is a highly competitive own-label 
and branded market, and economic pressures 
continue. Consumers continue to look to buy 
special deals, and discounters are growing in 
strength and focus heavily on price and quality. 
No significant economic growth is expected, 
and exchange rates are volatile. 

With the marked increase in obesity levels over 
the past 10 years and the associated health 
problems, we recognise our responsibility, as a 
leading dairy company, to provide consumers 
with lower-fat and healthier alternatives. 
Consequently, we have added several healthier 
options to our portfolio, including Anchor® 
Unsalted Spreadable, Starbucks Discoveries 
Skinny Latte and Lactofree® Skimmed Dairy 
Drink. CUK will launch a health strategy, which 
will mark a step change in the health arena,  
in 2014.

Financial development 
CUK revenue rose in 2013, primarily due  
to the Milk Link merger in 2012. Profitability was 
challenged in 2013, and profits are down due to 
competitive trading environments and increased 
milk price costs. However, the business has 
delivered price increases. 

Furthermore, it has delivered close to its OPEX 
and Lean targets for the year with total savings 
of DKK 162m.

Five-year revenue DeveLOpMent 
(Dkkm)

2014 OutLOOk

20,000

16,000

12,000

8,000

4,000

0

,

0
6
7
5
1 1
5
7
2
1

,

2
5
8
1
1

,

0
9
1
2
1

,

7
1
2
9
1

,

CUK has ambitious targets and will continue to deliver efficiencies and working capital reductions.
To strengthen the UK business, and further release its growth potential, CUK commenced 
production at its new fresh milk facility in Aylesbury in October. Built to schedule and budget, it is the 
world’s largest and most environmentally advanced dairy of its kind, and a significant operational 
ramp-up is planned throughout 2014.  Aylesbury will work towards being fully operational in 2014. 
Furthermore, CUK will support the delivery of its cooperative status, integrating its AFMP farmers 
and recruiting more owner milk where it can. 

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

16

17

MANAGEMENT REVIEW15,000

12,000

9,000

6,000

3,000

0

4

4

2

,

4

1

9

6

2

,

4

1

8

1

9

,

2

1

8

4

7

,

1

1

4

0

8

,

0

1

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

arla in Finland
Arla’s revenue in Finland increased by 10 per 
cent and performance is improved thanks to 
enhanced efficiency and the price recovery in 
the fresh milk market. 

The growth in financial result was significant 
following a few difficult years due to the  
market situation. Our Finnish organisation has 
successfully launched new products and has 
taken an even more consumer-based 
approach, which will also be in focus in the 
operations going forward. 

Competition in the fresh milk market in Finland 
remains tough. The number of private label 
products and other price-advantage products 
grew during the year. 

Five-year revenue DeveLOpMent 
(Dkkm)

2014 OutLOOk

15,000

12,000

9,000

6,000

3,000

0

4
4
2
4
1

,

9
6
2
4
1

,

8
1
9
2
1

,

8
4
7
1
1

,

4
0
8
0
1

,

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

In 2014, CSE aims to further stabilise and improve delivery quality and customer service. Also,  
CSE will focus on driving volume and revenue growth across all categories and on implementing the 
announced changes in the dairy structure. In order to remain cost-competitive in the future, and in 
line with Arla’s strategy for 2017, Arla Foods’ Board of Directors made the final strategic decision on a 
new dairy structure in Sweden in November 2013. The decision means that the dairy in Gothenburg 
will close in 2014 and production will be moved primarily to the dairy in Jönköping. Furthermore, the 
dairy in Skövde will close in Q4 2015. Instead, Arla will create Europe’s largest cottage cheese dairy 
in Falkenberg in 2014 as its production will move to what will in future be Europe’s largest cottage 
cheese dairy in Falkenberg, to be opened in 2014.

STRATEGy 2017 – DEVElop ThE CoRE

2,545
Number of employees

14,269
Millions (DKK) in revenue

0%
Development in revenue from 2012. 

Stockholm, 
Sweden
Headquarters

Operating sites
4 fresh milk dairies, 1 YFD (yoghurt & 
fermented dairy products) dairy,  
1 cottage cheese dairy, 1 fresh dairy 
multi site (FDP, butter) and 3 milk 
collection dairies

Product categories 

Fresh dairy products 59%

Cheese 21%

Butter and spreads 15%

Non dairy products 5%

Consumer 
Sweden & Finland

Sweden is one of Arla’s core markets and processes the majority of the raw milk 
produced in Sweden. Overall, the Swedish dairy market slightly declined in volume, 
but grew in value, driven mainly by a series of price increases during 2013. Consumer 
Sweden & Finland (CSE) secured a number of strategic private-label contracts in 
2013 as a part of the increased focus on becoming a preferred private-label supplier. 
In November, it was decided to create a new dairy structure in Sweden in order to 
streamline and gear production for the future, and one of the aims is to reopen and 
invest in Falkenberg Dairy as Europe’s largest cottage cheese dairy.

CSE has made excellent progress on scalability in 
2013 and is still harvesting synergies from the 
Milko merger in 2011. The business group 
continues to contribute to Arla’s overall strategy 
by further developing the profitability and by 
securing a profitable offset for the Swedish 
owners’ raw milk volumes. CSE does this through 
programmes and through continued focus on 
cost improvement by growing scalable concepts 
fuelled by innovation and finally by continuously 
refining our category strategies and driving the 
market together with our customers. 

Strong focus on private labels
Arla in Sweden has many strong brands, e.g.  
Arla Ko® and Arla Bregott®, a very good image and 
a strong position in food inspiration among 
Swedish consumers. CSE will continue to 
strengthen the brands, but we are now also 
adjusting to the evolving market situation in which 
there is a strong growth of retailers’ own brand. 
Own-label products are very few in Sweden 
compared to other European markets, but are 
growing fast. By becoming the preferred customer 
partner for both branded and private label 
products, CSE aims to come closer to a fair share of 
the own-label business. Also the import of cheese, 
mainly from the Netherlands and Germany, and 
butter and spreads products, mainly from Belgium 
and Denmark, has increased significantly over the 
last couple of years. Arla still gains share in butter 
and spreads (BSM), despite the growing import. 
Also CSE is strongly focused on working together 
with the Swedish Dairy Association to strengthen 
the value of the Swedish heritage brands. 

Dialogue with stakeholders
CSE has continuously throughout 2013 valued 
dialogues with consumers, customers, NGOs and 
politicians in Sweden. Arla’s overall climate work 
continues, reducing energy consumption in 

production, packaging and transportation 
including dialogues with WWF, politicans and 
national organisations. 

Consumer dialogue and the presence at social 
media have increased during the year. More 
than 50,000 school children visited an Arla 
farmer (Arla Minior). Almost 1,000,000 school 
children have been on an Arla farm since the start 
in 1993! And during 2013 about 150,000 
consumers participated in the new folk feast  
– Arla Kosläpp, letting cows on grass. Together 
with Arla’s owners we arranged more than 30 
different consumer events locally to underline 
that Arla is close to the consumers and owned 
by farmers, a true farmer cooperative. These are 
key activities to strengthen consumer relations 
and loyalty. 

Arla has about 50 per cent of the Swedish dairy 
market, and a growing company needs strong 
relations with growing numbers of customers 
and consumers on a highly competitive  
market. Strategic collaboration on business 
development is important. Arla Sweden is also 
spearheading digital solutions to present food 
inspiration and strengthen consumer loyalty. 
During 2013, we successfully launched a new 
responsive arla.se.

Financial development
Net revenue is at the same level as in 2012, but 
volumes have been under pressure given the 
rapid increase in the share of private-label milk 
triggered by Coop’s acquisition of the Grådö 
Dairy. However, in Q4 net revenue is growing 
again, helped by price increases introduced 
throughout 2013. 

18

19

MANAGEMENT REVIEWSTRATEGy 2017 – DEVElop ThE CoRE

1,852
Number of employees

6,569
Millions (DKK) in revenue

-4%
Development in revenue from 2012. 

Viby,
Denmark
Headquarters

Operating sites
3 fresh milk dairies, 1 yogurt dairy,  
1 UHT dairy and 1 smoked cheese dairy.  

Product categories 

Fresh dairy products 59%

Cheese 24%

Butter and spreads 13%

Non dairy products 4%

Consumer 
Denmark

Consumer Denmark (CDK) has a strong focus on developing the core business, the 
three global brands and ensuring an effective and lean business. In 2013, CDK 
executed a clear branded growth strategy across product categories. As a result,  
CDK has grown the branded business by one per cent in a market that in general is 
characterised by a trend towards private-label products. Key elements in the brand 
strategy have been the relaunch of Arla® Lærkevang, growth in several of the yoghurt 
brands, and new exiting product innovations.

A number of changes are happening in the 
Danish market, including discounting retailers 
being the preferred shopping destination for 
Danish consumers, continued focus on private 
label by our customers, and Danish retailers 
expanding store numbers and opening hours in 
a largely saturated market. In this market, CDK 
has to quickly adapt to market changes, 
customer developments and consumer trends. 
It has been key in 2013 to ensure CDK is well 
geared to meeting these challenges also in the 
years to come. 

Among the key activities in 2013 were the 
relaunch of Arla® Lærkevang with a 24-hour 
guaranteed delivery from farm to shop, 
relaunch of the organic brand Arla® Harmonie 
with a clear link to the zero waste agenda as 
well as upsizing of the Castello® brand. A clear 
strategy for the Danish yoghurt brands has 
helped grown the Arla brand share in the 
yoghurt category in Denmark throughout 
2013. And the yellow cheese brands Klovborg® 
and Riberhus® also gained traction in 2013.

Several new product innovations were 
launched in 2013, including yoghurt with 30% 
reduced sugar, Bubble Latte® for at youngsters, 
Skyr products with high protein and low fat and 
on-the-go products like cottage cheese. 

working closely with the world  
outside arla
CDK has stepped up its collaboration with 
several key organisations and stakeholders 
working with the food or environmental 
agenda. One key element was Arla’s presence 
at “Folkemødet” 2013 on the island of 

Bornholm, where Arla participated side by side 
with NGOs, customers and political stakehold-
ers discussing how to minimise food waste and 
the environmental impact of food companies in 
Denmark. 

In 2013, CDK also initiated a strong strategy to 
ensure Arla reaches its environmental targets 
towards 2020. Several projects supporting this 
have been initiated in the supply chain where 
most of CDK’s environmental foot print is seen. 
One of these projects is a collaboration with the 
City of Copenhagen involving the collection of 
used milk cartons for recycling. CDK is also 
working actively with consumers to engage 
them in this area – for example in a campaign 
to collect lids from milk cartons and to reuse 
these in order to save both waste and CO2. 

Financial developments
Despite a general market development with 
private-label growth, CDK has been able to grow 
branded volumes by 1 per cent. Revenue has 
decreased slightly due to the discontinued fat 
tax. CDK has a strong efficiency agenda, and in 
2013 many of these efficiency projects led to 
increased competitiveness. 

To further enhance efficiency, CDK has created 
a more lean production and logistics setup at 
the dairies through several projects, including 
outsourcing parts of CDK’s transportation chain, 
full implementation of lean across the supply 
chain and conversion of the supply chain IT 
systems to new improved solutions. 

Five-year revenue DeveLOpMent 
(Dkkm)

2014 OutLOOk

10,000

8,000

6,000

4,000

2,000

0

3
9
3
6

,

4
6
5
6

,

6
6
7
6

,

7
3
8
6

,

9
6
5
6

,

CDK will continue to focus on creating growth in dairy in Denmark to bring health and inspiration to 
Danish consumers. Growth will build on continued innovation of our brands within the core 
categories as well as strengthening our collaboration with our customers. In addition, 2014 will show 
a stronger focus on making our products available in new channels. Finally, CDK is continuing is 
work to become faster, simpler and leaner through various efficiency programmes.

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

20

21

MANAGEMENT REVIEWSTRATEGy 2017 – DEVElop ThE CoRE

1,984
Number of employees

12,953
Millions (DKK) in revenue

54%
Development in revenue from 2012. 

Düsseldorf, 
Germany
Headquarters

Operating sites
2 fresh dairies, 1 UHT dairy and  
2 powdered milk plants, including  
1 powder plant under construction 

Product categories 

Fresh dairy products 62%

Cheese 18%

Butter and spreads 11%

Other 9%

Consumer Germany 
& the netherlands

For more than a year now, one of the largest integration projects in company history 
has been underway at Arla Foods. In 2013, Consumer Germany & the Netherlands 
(CGN) focused on creating one strong business group based on the mergers and 
acquisitions between 2009 and 2012. After all, this project involved merging the 
locations in Allgäu, the Eifel, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, the Dutch city of Nijkerk  
as well as the headquarters in Düsseldorf into one single, powerful business unit. 
With the integration of the existing businesses in France, Luxembourg and Belgium, 
CGN has now become the second-largest business group within Arla in terms of 
revenue. 

2013 was characterised by a strong increase  
in milk prices based on developments in the 
price of dairy products in the global markets. 
CGN succeeded in securing the necessary price 
increases on its home markets of Germany and 
the Netherlands. Due to the earlier mergers, 
high investments into dairies and the launch of 
new brands and products, Arla is now one of 
the main players in Germany offering a broad 
and inspirational product range. The size and 
the range of its current business gives CGN a 
strong position in the German dairy market, 
thereby securing the company’s raw material 
supply through competitive milk prices paid out 
to our farmers. 

new structure 
CGN is seeking to further grow in the core 
markets in Germany and the Netherlands along 
with its neighbouring countries of Belgium, 
Luxembourg and France. Competition in the 
markets is expected to remain high, and CGN 
has prepared for this by initiating a clear supply 
chain strategy with projects such as LEAN and  
a new logistics set-up. Moreover, CGN has started 
integrating administrative functions and has 
begun the process of optimising the legal entity 
structure to secure clarity and cost-efficient 
processes.  All activities are now embedded in a 
coherent company and product strategy. The 
different business units in the French market, 
taken over from MUH eG, Allgäuland-Käsereien 
GmbH and Consumer International, have been 
streamlined in order to guarantee clear and 
direct customer relations. 

Strong product and brand portfolio
In 2013, CGN created a strong production 
platform for the export of mainly ultra-high 
temperature (UHT) products and prepared for 

milk powder and butter production in Pronsfeld. 
CGN also contributed to further strengthening 
the Arla brand. Throughout the year, Arla® 
Kærgården continued to develop strongly in 
the German market, and Arla Bio® – a new 
organic range for German consumers – was 
launched. Arla Bio® focuses on the milk’s origin 
and traceability from the farm to the supermarket. 

In the Netherlands, the transition of the Frische 
Vlag product assortment to the Melkunie® 
brand, which is associated with high-quality milk 
by Dutch consumers, was completed, and 
further products were added to the brand 
assortment including UHT milk and milkshakes. 
Additional private-label contracts were 
delivered contributing to significant growth and 
strengthened relationships with major retailers.

Furthermore, the introduction of Arla’s Quality 
Assurance Programme, Arlagården®, started in 
2013 for all the owners and suppliers in 
Germany, Belgium and Luxembourg with the 
aim of ensuring the high quality and naturalness 
of Arla products.

Financial developments
Global dairy markets experienced strong 
growth in 2013, and CGN also improved its 
performance significantly driven by increasing 
prices across all categories, strong branded 
growth and the winning of strategically 
important customer contracts. The reported 
revenue in CGN increased from DKK 8bn in 
2012 to almost DKK 13bn in 2013 – mainly 
driven by merger effects. Adjusted for the 
merger effect, the organic revenue growth was 
around 14 per cent. 

Five-year revenue DeveLOpMent 
(Dkkm)

2014 OutLOOk

15,000

12,000

9,000

6,000

3,000

0

3
5
9
2
1

,

Investments in quark production capacity in Upahl, the completion of the new milk powder plant 
and the start of butter production at the Pronsfeld site are some of the main activities in 2014. In the 
summer, the production of Arla Kærgården® for the German market will move from Denmark to  
Germany. The Arla Kærgården® spread is expected to continue its strong growth in the German market.

6
8
3
8

,

7
1
0
6

,

4
1
3
3

,

6
5
5
3

,

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

CGN will continue to further integrate administrative functions and business processes. Therefore, 
the completion of building one integrated IT landscape will continue to be a key activity in 2014. 
In the Netherlands, the dairy at Nijkerk will develop products for the German market like Vla, and a 
continued focus on innovation will add new products to the Melkunie brand portfolio. 

A plan to consolidate the activities in France into one business has been formulated and will be  
further strengthened by moving towards a more centralized organization with one face to the 
French customers. With market indicators showing a stable or even rising outlook on prices for 
2014, CGN expect a positive revenue and performance development in 2014.

22

23

MANAGEMENT REVIEWSTRATEGy 2017

Deliver the growth 

By 2017, Arla will increase its revenue 
share from growth markets to exceed  
20 per cent and move 1bn kg of milk 
outside Europe. Arla has strong brands 
which are popular with the growing 
middle classes because they are 
associated with food safety, healthy 
living and naturalness.

In 2015, the EU’s milk quota system will be 
abolished, and we anticipate that our owners 
will produce at least an additional 1bn kg  
of milk annually. This extra milk can be sold 
profitably outside the EU where we expect a rise 
in demand from the growing middle classes in 
the profitable emerging markets.

The aim of this part of our strategy is to move 
our milk from Europe to growth markets in 

Russia, China, the Middle East and Africa,  
where we will invest in sales and marketing, 
local partnerships and production facilities. 
We will intensify Arla’s role as Third Party 
Manufacturer (TPM) with a focus on child 
nutrition products for other food companies 
and continue to expand our profitable business,  
Arla Foods Ingredients, which offers advanced 
milk-based ingredients for the food industry.

the Chinese Journey

the Middle east  
and Africa Journey

the Russian Journey

Arla Foods  
ingredients

innovation

Entering the COFCO partnership in 2012 was a significant step in establishing a 
growth platform for Arla’s future in China. Arla’s revenue in China – Arla branded 
products and TPM – doubled in 2013, and an ambitious business plan is guiding the 
way. The launch of the Arla brand via Mengniu has taken place. Infant formula is the 
fastest- growing food industry segment with an annual growth rate of 17 per cent 
forecast in China up to 2015. Consequently, Arla is producing an increasing volume 
of child nutrition to China and other Asian markets through its TPM business.

Arla has more than 50 years of experience in the Middle East, and Africa is one of the 
key growth clusters in the world with very high growth and promising developments. 
In the different countries across Africa, 45-80 per cent of total household spending 
is on food. Arla experiences strong profit growth in the Middle East and North Africa 
driven by cheese, powder, butter and spreads, and a strong organisation. Now the 
aim is to create growth in several other African countries. Future development looks 
very promising. Revenue in the Middle East and Africa increased by 10 per cent in 
2013 to DKK 3.3bn.

Solid revenue and profit development in Russia is driven by branded organic growth 
and a strong local team. The annual growth in 2013 was 35 per cent, increasing the 
revenue to DKK 0.9bn. The next milestone in Arla’s Russian journey is the start-up of 
locally produced yellow cheese to supplement imported cheeses from Denmark.  
A new yellow cheese dairy is being built together with Russia’s third largest dairy 
company, Molvest Group and commercial production of local high quality yellow 
cheese will start in first quarter 2014.

One of Arla’s most profitable business areas increased its revenue by 8 per cent to 
DKK 2,4bn in 2013. An investment has been made in Danmark Protein in Denmark, 
where lactose will be processed from the whey. A partnership with the German dairy 
company DMK will increase Arla’s access to whey. A long range of initiatives is 
expected to make it possible to double AFI revenue from 2012 before the end of 2017.

Innovation is a key driver for Arla’s core. In 2013, Arla’s Strategic Innovation Centre 
(ASIC) contributed to both the core business and the growth agenda. Launching 
products across the categories represented an innovation rate in 2013 of about 
DKK 7bn. Also, a new investmest was made: The new Global Innovation Center. 

tripLing revenue in ruSSia

After five years of growth through former 
joint-venture company, Arla Foods Artis,  
Arla has consolidated its position with a full 
ownership in Russia. One of our strategies is 
to expand from the big cities – metropoles – 
and this has shown to have great effect.  
We now have a regional sales setup that has 
led to local representation in more than 12 of 
the largest cities across Russia. Russian 
consumers choose Arla because Arla’s 
products are distinguished by being 
imported from Scandinavia and are 
associated with high food safety standards  
and quality. 

inspiration is key
Consumers in the world’s largest country are 
busy people who are looking for inspiration 
to cook easy and healthy meals. Also, they 
are travelling more than ever and come back 
with a taste for foreign cuisines. 

These trends are a great opportunity for Arla 
Apetina®, which six years ago was introduced 
in Russia as a white cheese brand. Now this 
positioning is being expanded to a cooking 
range covering a variety of different dairy 
products that can add taste and creativity  
to any meal. Through online recipes, TV 
commercials, in-store tasting, booklets and 
competitions, Arla aims to inspire consumers 
on how to use the new products in their daily 
cooking. Arla is a well-known brand, and 
many Russians are willing to pay more for 
good quality.

OutLOOk 
Linking to the overall Strategy 2017, the 
priority of 2014 is to further accelerate 
Russia. The Russian team is expecting a  
30 per cent volume growth through  
acceleration of organic growth and securing 
local production. The next milestone in Arla’s 
Russian journey is the start-up of locally 
produced yellow cheese to supplement 
imported cheeses from Denmark. 

To be replaced by Russian 
Consumer photo

24

25

MANAGEMENT REVIEWSTRATEGy 2017 – DElIVER ThE GRoWTh

1,986
Number of employees

9,639
Millions (DKK) in revenue

9%
Development in revenue from 2012 

Viby,
Denmark
Headquarters

Operating sites
Cheese dairies in the USA, Canada, Brazil 
(associated company) and Saudi Arabia 

Product categories 

Fresh dairy products 7%

Cheese 58%

Butter and spreads 10%

Milk powder 24%

Other 1%

Consumer  
international

Consumer International (CIN) is a profitable growth engine with a focus on moving 
milk outside Europe. In 2013, CIN delivered strong results with total revenue growth 
of 12 per cent. CIN plays a major role in executing Arla’s updated strategy towards 
2017 with focus on lifting profitability and delivering growth outside Europe.  
The overall ambition is to more than double CIN’s revenue in 2017 from DKK 9bn in 
2012 to DKK 19bn by doubling Arlas’ market share in the Middle East and Africa 
within long-life dairy, growing China big and profitable, tripling the Russian business, 
pursuing global leadership within Third Party Manufactured child nutrition (TPM)  
and further optimising value markets.

CIN aims to maximise Arla’s potential in the 
emerging and developing economies. The 
major priorities in 2013 were to grow China and 
TPM, maintain growth in MEA and Russia, and to 
further boost Rest of World and Distributor 
Sales. Virtually all of CIN’s markets showed 
growth in revenue. With total revenue growth of 
12 per cent in 2013, Russia grew 35 per cent, 
the Middle East and Africa 10 per cent and 
China 61 per cent (including TPM).

The emerging and developing economies are 
driving world growth, but they are also raw milk 
deficit regions. CIN is present in many of these 
markets and in execution mode to capture 
growth. Entry into new markets takes place 
mainly by working with existing distributors or 
other local anchorages on the market. 

Continued growth in russia
In 2013, organic growth in Russia was strong, 
and CIN prepared for local production of yellow 
cheese together with a strong Russian partner, 
Molvest Group. The production site is ready for 
commercial production in spring 2014. 2013 
also marked the year where Arla became 
category leader within sales of both white 
cheese and mould cheese. Within food service 
and catering, Arla has strengthened its leading 
position as a supplier of cream cheese and 
mozzarella. 

Stepping up in China 
In China, CIN markets a range of UHT, 
processed cheese and milk powder products 
through Arla’s partnership with Mengniu. 2013 
saw the expansion of exports of Arla products  
to China. Focus is on strengthening the setup 
to enable our products to enter the market. 
Consumer International aims to deliver 

significant revenue and volume growth in 
China, while maintaining profitability. 

Strong strategic traction  
in the Middle east  
Arla’s Middle Eastern business is experiencing 
strong growth in both volume and value. In 
2013, CIN’s biggest market share is in the 
Middle East where the branded business has 
doubled since 2006 and keeps taking market 
shares from the closest competitors. The broad 
product portfolio consists of high-quality and 
nutritious dairy products, all with a long shelf life 
and sold under strong brands with a market 
share of 32 per cent for cream cheese and 
butter. CIN has long experience and strong 
capabilities in serving both the traditional and 
modern trade. CIN masters both local and 
international retail businesses, and the Middle 
East learnings will be useful to enter the African 
markets in the future. 

Huge ambitions in africa
Africa is essential to reaching CIN’s ambitious 
growth targets, and CIN is stepping up its 
presence here. 2013 was the year where CIN got 
it’s first partner in Africa – Ivory Coast – allowing 
Arla to customise products to the locals. 

tpM delivers growth
Third Party Manufacturing (TPM) is one of the 
strategic mandates of strategy 2017. TPM 
experienced revenue of DKK 1.1bn in 2013. TPM 
customers are companies that lack sufficient 
capacity at their own sites or which do not have 
their own production know-how. A major 
Chinese contract means that Arla will deliver 
20,000 tonnes of infant formula milk powder 
every year for the next 10 years. TPM accounts 
for about 11 per cent of CIN’s total revenue, and 

the biggest challenge is lack of production 
capacity. The current expansion of the Arinco 
milk powder plant in Videbæk will be completed 
during 2014.

Financial development
CIN delivered strong results for 2013 with total 
revenue growth of 12 per cent driven by strong 
growth in the emerging economies of about  
25 per cent and a stable business on the value 
markets. The increase in revenue was due to 
increased volumes but there were also price 
increases in the second half of 2013.  

Five-year revenue DeveLOpMent 
(Dkkm)

2014 OutLOOk

12,000

10,000

8,000

6,000

4,000

2,000

0

9
3
6
9

,

0
7
8
8

,

0
0
8
7

,

0
6
9
6

,

3
9
5
4

,

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

The strategy for further growth is to build strong market positions based on high quality cheese, milk 
powder, butter and long-life dairy products and brands and to seek to establish local cooperation 
within distribution and production through partnerships or acquisitions.

In China, CIN plans to secure a commercial breakthrough by building the Arla® brand. In MEA, CIN 
will continue Middle East growth and accelerate African growth. In Russia the plan is to accelerate 
organic growth and secure local production. Furthermore, the plan is to optimise the future 
customer mix to secure TPM growth. Overall,  focus is on strengthening the profitability and 
expanding market shares.

26

27

MANAGEMENT REVIEWSTRATEGy 2017 – DElIVER ThE GRoWTh

474
Number of employees

2,392
Millions (DKK) in revenue

8%
Development in revenue from 2012

Viby,
Denmark
Headquarters

Production facilities
Denmark, joint ventures in 
Argentina and Germany

Revenue in  
joint ventures
A large part of AFI’s activities is centred on 
joint ventures which are not consolidated 
in the consolidated financial statements. 
The total activities including joint 
ventures amounted to DKK 3,480 million 
in 2013 (2012: DKK 3,149 million. 

28

Arla Foods  
ingredients

Arla Foods Ingredients (AFI) is a leading developer and supplier of nutritional and 
functional milk-based ingredients to the global food industry. Whey is a by-product of 
the manufacture of cheese. Innovative thinking and high-tech expertise allow this 
by-product to be processed into groundbreaking products that can be used as, for 
example, egg substitutes and to help regenerate muscles. In just a few years, whey- 
based food ingredients have become a major component in Arla’s general strategy. 
Solid demand for high-quality whey proteins and lactose is top of the agenda in the 
AFI strategy. Arla has announced an ambitious aim to double the revenue by 2017 
compared to 2012. The biggest challenge is the limited access to whey.   

Innovation is a core comptence at AFI, which is 
delivering innovative thinking to, among other 
things, the nutrition, dairy, bakery and ice-cream 
industries. 

In 2013, AFI developed an innovative concept 
that enables manufacturers of traditional Greek 
strained yoghurt to profit from their acid whey 
waste. The unique and simple process uses 
Nutrilac® protein, which is derived from milk, to 
turn the whey into a wide range of dairy 
products. The result is a fresh-tasting and 
nutritious product that is a good source of  
calcium, protein and essential amino acids.  
In addition, using whey in other food products 
eliminates the storage and transportation 
requirements associated with other methods of 
disposing of it. The acid whey concept is also 
suitable for use in other applications where the 
whey is a by-product, including quark production. 

In 2013, AFI launched Quality 2020, which is 
part of the goal to position AFI as the global 
market leader within highly refined whey 
protein and lactose products.

Financial developments
AFI is a genuine global business, and revenue 
rose by 8 per cent. 

In 2013, AFI moved closer to its 2017 goal of 
doubling its revenue by 2017. Part of achieving 
the ambitious target for 2017 will be a strong 
focus on building additional supplies of whey, 
reinforcing customers’ perception of AFI as a 
global leader in product and site quality and 
engaging the entire AFI organisation in 
delivering quality. 

2014 OutLOOk
The mission of AFI is to become the true global 
leader in value-added whey while sustaining 
attractive returns. Major investments have 
created the foundations for meeting the growth 
objectives. An expansion of the company’s 
whey processing facility in Denmark was 
completed at the end of 2012, and a plant for 
the production of new-generation lactose is 
scheduled for completion in 2014. Once fully 
up and running, the plants’ combined capacity 
will increase the global supply of lactose and set 
new quality standards. Long-term demand for 
lactose is solid as the middle-class population 
expands in the booming economies of China, 
India, Asia and South America. Growing 
disposable income makes it possible for more 
and more families to turn to infant formula 
products, in which lactose is a main component. 

In recent years, AFI has established several new 
partnerships to secure the additional whey 
volumes necessary to make use of the 
extended production capacity and grow the 
business. The search to establish further 
successful partnerships is a key element of the 
new strategy.

Three factors will determine our success:
1: Securing the necessary whey volumes
2:  Finishing lactose production at DP  
(Danmark Protein) to boost earnings

3:  A number of new products for launching  

next year.

FrOM waSte prODuCt tO vaLue aDD

Arla Foods Ingredients has developed a method to turn the by-product, whey, into 
ingredients for new products for e.g. bakery, beverage and children nutrition.  
AFI produces milk proteins from what was once a by-product and has made whey  
a raw material – creating a new product that supports Arla’s sustainable mindset.

Our ingredients are used in 
product applications as

Milk

Cheese

Whey

Special 
protein powder 
products

Bakery

Clinical nutrition

Separation 
and drying 
processes

Standard 
protein powder 
products

Dairy products

Functional foods

Ice cream

Infant nutrition

Lactose 
and milk mineral 
powders

Beverage

Sports nutrition

Five-year revenue DeveLOpMent 
(Dkkm)

3,000

2,500

2,000

1,500

1,000

500

0

2
9
3
2

,

5
1
2
2

,

2
1
0
2

,

0
9
5
1

,

3
3
3
1

,

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

29

MANAGEMENT REVIEW 
STRATEGy 2017 – DElIVER ThE GRoWTh

innovation 
creates value 

Innovation is a key driver in defending Arla’s profitable brand positions and in generating 
organic growth. In this sense, innovation is an essential ingredient in Arla’s strategic 
ambition towards 2017. Arla’s Strategic Innovation Centre (ASIC) is contributing to both 
the core business and the growth agenda.

Arla will increase its organic growth by providing 
customers and consumers with the market’s 
most innovative products and solutions across 
all categories. ASIC is operated in the belief that 
innovation is about the profitable implementation 
of new ideas. ASIC will help boost Arla’s growth 
and the milk price paid to its owners by thinking 
in completely new ways on the farms, in production 
and in relation to our finished products.

results through new concepts, and improve 
efficiency in our production processes.

As set out in Arla’s strategy, at least 10 per cent 
of the Arla’s earnings must be delivered from 
the development of new products. In 2013, the 
launch of products across categories represents 
an innovation rate at about 12 per cent, which 
equates to about DKK 7bn across categories.

As a consequence of Arla’s s size and vision of 
creating the healthy and safe foods of 
tomorrow, innovation remains a top strategic 
priority. Innovation contributes to sales by 
developing new products, which in turn can 
strengthen Arla’s market positions, improve our 

tracing consumer patterns
Understanding consumers is key to making an 
impact in the markets of today and tomorrow. 
To grow, we need to understand the needs, 
tastes and preferences of local consumers. 
This truth especially applies when Arla enters 

new markets. In 2013, ASIC was tracing consumer 
patterns in Africa. These studies create a 
pipeline of opportunities that innovative thinking 
will turn into opportunities for Arla in the 
coming years.  

new food forms 
Above all, innovation in Arla is about developing 
new foods and concepts to inspire consumers 
and deliver benefits in an optimal manner. From 
a product innovation perspective, the dairy 
product of the future is different in two ways: It 
is out of the fridge, and it’s not white. In many 
markets, e.g. in African countries, dairy as a 
category is constrained by the need for cold 
storage. In order to create the future at the 

arla Foods global innovation Centre will 
enable us to achieve our vision of creating 
the future of dairy through excellence in 
research and knowledge sharing

  Become #1 on Innovation in Dairy
  Connected with internal stakeholders, external 
partners and worldwide strategic research
  Best-in-class facility in Science, Technology,  
and Consumer research
  Excellence center for Knowledge Sharing  
& Training

Sustainability
Support Closer to Nature by 
reducing environmental and 
climate impact in production

5

tHe Five arLa reSearCH axeS
In Arla, innovation equals the profitable Implementation 
of ideas. Innovation is delivered by focusing research 
spending on the Five Arla Research Axes

1

Microbiology
Deliver breakthroughs through 
innovative use of cultures and 
enzymes and secure the safety and 
shelf life of our products

3

Manufacturing efficiency
Ensure best-in-class 
manufacturing operations in 
order to deliver top-quality 
products at a reasonable price

the Stregnth of milk
Unleash the power of milk 
through development of healthy 
and nutritious dairy products  
with improved functionality

2

Food forms
Constantly offer the best, new and 
unique food products and formats 
that suit our consumers and their 
needs all around the world

4

bottom of the pyramid, we need to overcome 
this main constraint. 

In the core markets, Arla already covers all  
the dairy categories in the nutritional recom-
mendations today. Consequently, the future of 
dairy is outside dairy. The innovation journey is 
about bringing the nutrition on to non-dairy 
categories. 

In 2013, the focus on consumer patterns,  
milk power and new food forms led to the 
development of a yogurt which has a tentative 
shelf life of 12 months, without compromising 
on quality, a milk tofu with the same properties 
as soya-based tofu, but which is 30 per cent 
more nutritious, and a milk powder for the 
African market, that consumers can mix with 
water to make yogurt.

Thanks to technological developments, we can 
reuse the valuable ingredients from the milk in 
other food categories. And people may not 
even recognise them as dairy. In that sense 
Arla’s category is expanding. Today, we can 
make transparent soda out of milk. Or meat, 
snacks and pasta. Every new product is built on 
the goodness from the milk. But it all starts with 
understanding consumer trends. 

Milk power
Nutrition is at the core of everything Arla does. 
We will unleash the power of milk through the 
development of healthy and nutritious dairy 
products with improved functionality. Through 
advanced technology we can reduce salt, sugar 
and fat without compromising taste and quality 
by using natural ingredients. 

the global innovation Center 
The development of new cheese, yogurt, milk 
and butter products that consumers around 
the world use every day has become increas-
ingly important on the international market. 
Therefore, Arla has decided to create a new, 
modern innovation centre for global product 
development.

Arla is one of the world’s leading dairy 
companies, and as such we should be one step 
ahead in terms of innovation, which enhances 
the value of our products. 

Arla has searched across Europe for suitable 
locations for its Global Innovation Center and 
chose Aarhus, Denmark. The centere will  
be part of the Danish Food Cluster, which is  
an international association of experts in 
agriculture, food and related technologies.  

Using the Danish Food Cluster as a stepping 
stone is a unique opportunity to step change 
Arla’s innovation. 

The investment proves that Arla is dedicated  
to using innovation as the driving force for  
the company. We are truely committed to 
developing better products in better ways. Also, 
the centre will bring a new perspective on open 
innovation, a key enabler in innovation. The 
centre will help us establish strategic partner-
ships with universities, research organisations, 
suppliers and other private organisations to fuel 
Arla with external expertise. 

Arla’s current centres in Brabrand and 
Stockholm are already being used to full capacity 
and lack potential for further development. The 
new centre is expected to have 120 employees. 
Construction is due to start in spring of 2014 
and will be completed in late 2016.

30

31

MANAGEMENT REVIEWSTRATEGy 2017

Faster, simpler 
and leaner

Active cost management is a precondition for Arla’s success.  
Before the end of 2015, Arla expects to be a cost leader, having  
reduced cost levels by DKK 2.5bn compared with 2012.

The growth in European core markets is slowing, 
and competition is fierce. Moreover, an 
increasing share of Arla’s revenue comes from 
private-label or trading products. Scaling and 
efficiency increases in production being decisive 
to the company’s competitiveness in these areas.

Arla focuses on earnings. This means that we 
are continuously making our supply chain more 
efficient through investments and efficiency 
programmes. Due to our high growth rates, we 
must find new ways of working and develop our 
ability to identify and realise synergies and 
economies of scale and reduce unit costs.

In 2012, we launched a number of ambitious 
cost-cutting and efficiency programmes with 
considerable potential. These were successfully 
completed in 2013. The programmes will 
simplify Arla’s business model, increase 
production efficiency and optimise processes. 
The strategic ambition is an efficiency gain of 
DKK 2.5bn before the end of 2015.

To improve the speed and agility of the 
organisation, Arla is finding savings within the 
following main areas:

Lean and Operational excellence (Opex)
OPEX is about the sharing of knowledge across 
Arla. It’s about creating a knowledge bank 
which can pave the way for sharing and 
applying best practices within a number of 
supply chain processes. Lean is a precondition 
for OPEX. While lean focuses on the individual 
dairy’s structure and use of knowledge and 
efficiency improvement tools, OPEX looks at all 
the dairies.

procurement and innovation
Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) is about 
standardising purchases and working with 
fewer suppliers, while Design to Value (DtV) is 
about redesigning products and packaging so 
that they are more competitive and deliver 
more quality without losing sight of the 
importance of the good consumer experience.

Structural rationalisation
Arla endeavours to develop and strengthen a 
competitive and efficient production structure. 
A large share of Arla’s investment budget is 
spent on expanding production facilities and 
increasing production efficiency.

exaMpLeS OF ratiOnaLiSatiOnS in 2013

2013 saw the continued rationalisation of  
the production of yellow cheese. It costs a lot  
to produce yellow cheese, and competition is 
fierce. The aim is to increase profitability.

Scaling of yellow cheese production in 
Denmark
The European yellow cheese market is 
important for Arla. In 2011, a process aimed at 
improving production efficiency and scalability 
was launched. It will ensure competitive prices, 
a varied product portfolio and the continued 
production of high-quality cheeses.

All production of yellow cheese for the trading 
market is being moved to the dairy in Branderup. 
The production of other cheeses has been 
moved to other dairies. In connection with  
the move, capacity has been increased from 
13,000 tonnes to 25,000 tonnes in Branderup.

Moreover, in 2013 yellow cheese capacity was 
increased in Taulov after production was moved 
there from the dairies in Klovborg and Hjørring. 
The restructuring has increased efficiency and 
flexibility in the production and packaging 
departments through the introduction of new 
technology.

and modern dairy structure with reduced 
environmental and climate change impacts.

The plan is for Gothenburg to close down at the 
end of 2014. Most of the production of fresh 
products will be transferred to Jönköping, where 
investments will be made and more jobs created. 
The rest of production will be moved to the 
dairies in Linköping and Stockholm.

Moreover, Arla’s dairy in Skövde north of 
Jönköping must be closed by the end of 2015 
as any expansion is precluded by the dairy’s 
town-centre location. The dairy’s unique 
Billede text fra Pronsfeld 
knowledge about cottage cheese production 
will be transferred to Falkenberg, which was 
originally closed in spring 2013. The aim is for 
Falkenberg to reopen at the end of 2014 as 
Europe’s largest cottage cheese dairy.  
In so doing, Arla will be able to seize new 
opportunities in and outside Sweden and 
create more added value for Arla’s owners.

Thirdly, production in Visby must be simplified. 
Acidified products and butter as well as cold 
storage will be moved to Stockholm and Götene, 
respectively. Production of milk powder, fresh 
milk and cream will remain at Visby.

Even though Taulov Dairy is 13 years old, it was 
a brand new dairy that was inaugurated on  
29 August 2013. Annual production capacity has 
been increased from 26,000 to 47,500 tonnes 
of yellow cheese. 275 employees used to work 
at the dairy. They still do. As part of the capacity 
increase, new and smarter ways of working 
have been developed, which means that the 
same number of employees can produce 
almost twice as much as before.

rationalisation in the uk  
closes ashby Dairy
It was proposed in July that the dairy and 
distribution centre in Ashby be closed to ensure 
efficient production. Milk production will be 
moved to Arla’s new dairy in Aylesbury. The 
transfer of milk started in October, and the dairy 
is expected to close down completely in April 
2014. The plan is to outsource milk distribution 
to a third-party supplier.

More efficient production geared  
for the future in Sweden
In 2013, the Board of Directors adopted a 
structural plan which is designed to secure the 
future of production in Sweden. Arla will close 
two of the 14 Swedish dairies and instead invest 
in other Swedish dairy plants. In line with 
Strategy 2017, the result will be an efficient  

Moreover, the former Milk Link offices in Plymouth 
and Bristol will be closed as part of the 
post-merger integration process. The sale of 
Crediton Dairy was required by the competition 
authorities in connection with the approval of the 
merger. The sale was completed in August 2013.

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33

MANAGEMENT REVIEWMANAGEMENT REVIEW

“Arlagården® 
secures the 
quality of  
my milk”

The Arlagården® quality assurance programme is important for Arla’s 
reputation. One farmer who highlights Arlagården® is Margit Tanderup 
Kristensen from Skjern in western Denmark. 

“I am proud of our shared and strong concept. I believe it is why we 
have been able to enter new markets, like China. Because we are able 
to document that our milk is of a high quality and meets food safety 
criteria. The purpose of the Arlagården® programme is to obtain the 
best possible price for our milk. In my view, we are really helping 
ourselves. After all, Arla is your company and mine,” she says. 

arLagårDen® 2013

The purpose of Arlagården® is to ensure 
that Arla’s owners work according to the 
same standards and to provide a quality 
guarantee for customers and 
consumers. The programme is unique to 
Arla, and the aim is for Arlagården® to 
become a natural part of the working 
lives of all cooperative owners. 

  Globally acknowledged and a 
precondition for market access
  The quality assurance programme 
rests on four cornerstones – milk 
quality, food safety, animal welfare and 
environmental awareness

  Arla’s own programme instead of 
many different customer programmes
  Means that milk producers can be sure 
that they work according to applicable 
rules and policies
  Arlagården® exists in Denmark and 
Sweden, and a version tailored to local 
conditions was introduced in 
Germany, Belgium and Luxembourg 
on 1 October 2013

Read more about Arlagården® at arla.dk

34

Margit Tanderup Kristensen runs an organic  
farm with her husband Ernst. The farm has  
85 hectares and 80 dairy cattle which produce 
700,000 kg of milk a year. Milk has been  
produced according to the Arlagården® principles 
since 2003. 

35

Corporate 
Responsibility 
Being responsible is key 

Arla has truly become part of the global dairy market, and with 
greater size comes greater responsibility. The more we grow, the 
more we want to set and drive the agenda for a healthy, natural 
and responsible dairy industry. 

Arla is poised for growth. However, our  
growth and our actions should not to unfold at 
the expense of nature and the environment.

conduct from cow to consumer, so that we  
can embrace the challenges and seize the 
opportunities that will inevitably come our way.

We currently have the scale and the resources 
required to make a difference to society  
and the environment. Our vision sets out a 
sustainable way forward. Our goal is to operate 
our business with respect for, and in harmony 
with our surroundings.

The environment knows no borders, and 
consumers shop both globally and locally.  
Arla balances on this global-local axis every 
single day. We must respect local developments 
while, maintaining our global perspective. 

Our responsibility  
– arla’s Code of Conduct 
We are dedicated to being an active team 
player in the local communities in which we do 
business. We need to build confidence, show 
initiative and set new standards for quality and 

Arla’s principles for ethics and sustainable 
development are contained in Our Responsibility 
– Arla Foods’ Code of Conduct, which is now 
available to download in eight languages at 
www.arla.com. The code serves both as a tool 
and as a compass, guiding us on how we should 
behave and assume responsibility within our 
business. 

Arla’s ethical, social and environmental 
responsibilities are constantly being tested.  
The Code of Conduct shows the way ahead in  
a dynamic world. It is based on the principles 
laid out in the UN’s Global Compact, a tool that 
– along with education and training – is 
designed to support our colleagues in handling 
the dilemmas we unavoidably encounter as a 
global business. 

the CSr committee
To ensure commitment to the Code of Conduct 
internally, we have established a CSR committee 
which is chaired by CEO Peder Tuborgh and is 
made up of representatives from the senior 
management team. The committee prioritises 
the areas that need additional focus to ensure 
the company’s long-term commitment to 
responsibility.

Focus on the future
All our colleagues, owners and partners play their 
part in ensuring that Arla is, and continues to be, 
a sustainable company, which is imperative for 
our long-term success. Our approach to running 
a responsible business now encompasses more 
countries and more people. This presents us with 
challenges, and we hope that we can become a 
source of inspiration to the world around us. 

Our efforts to develop the future of dairy, our 
focus on health, naturalness and inspiration, as 
well as the steps needed to maintain the 

environmental sustainability of our company, 
will be major cornerstones on which to build 
long-term success. 

owners represent the first link in the chain, we 
are in a unique position to incorporate nature 
from cow to consumer.

Stakeholder view and expectations 
For a number of years, we have conducted 
annual consumer surveys in Denmark, Sweden 
and Finland. Generally, Arla enjoys a good 
reputation, and the highest scores awarded 
relate to our products. Consumer perceptions 
of Arla’s CSR record (citizenship) and the way in 
which our company is run with regard to ethics 
and transparency (governance) are increasingly 
influencing consumers’ views of Arla. To 
improve our reputation, consumers say we 
should pay dairy farmers more, offer a wider 
range of organic products and improve animal 
welfare. Clearer marketing communication 
about our products would also be appreciated.  

Closer to nature™
Consumers expect us to remain accountable to 
nature throughout the supply chain. As our 

To be closer to nature is a corporate philosophy 
that obligates Arla to ensure that our products 
are as natural as possible, that our milk is 
supplied by farms which operate in harmony 
with nature, and that Arla’s own processes have 
the least possible impact on nature and the 
environment. We have defined a number of 
long-term goals, and we analyse and record our 
activities from all our business units and 
functional areas annually.

Healthy and safe products 
We strive to offer our consumers safe, 
milk-based food products. Making healthy and 
nutritious milk products is part of our company 
vision, and food safety is a major priority in Arla. 
In our vision, we reference the fact that milk is 
one of nature’s most nutritious foods, and 
making sure consuming our products does not 

cause illness or injury is paramount in the food 
production industry. 

an engaging workplace
19,600 colleagues work in Arla. All of them 
contribute to the company’s results and to the 
societies in which they live and work. We truly 
believe that respect for the individual creates 
engagement. Inclusion and diversity in all 
teams and at all organisational levels benefit 
the development of the business and the 
communities around us. 

We gather and follow up on our colleagues’ 
views of our company and our leadership by 
means of our Barometer survey – 85 per cent 
of all colleagues shared their views this year, 
and the result shows a great level of commit-
ment.

36

37

MANAGEMENT REVIEWCorporate Responsibility (CSR)  
How we meet our responsibilities 

Taking responsibility for our impact on society is part of Arla’s DNA. That is why, for many years, we have 
maintained high standards for natural and healthy products as well as high standards, in terms of food safety, our 
impact on the environment and climate, for animal welfare and for Arla as a safe and appreciated workplace. It is 
our conviction that this creates value for society, for individuals and for our business.  Arla has participated in Global 
Compact since 2008, and our Code of Conduct complements its basic principles. This is an extract from the CSR 
report, where, every year, we report on how our company is adhering to the Code of Conduct. The report describes 
the progress Arla has made during the year and where we see opportunities for improvement. Read more about 
how we meet our responsibilities in Arla Foods’ Corporate Responsibility report on https://csr2013.arlafoods.com

responsible company

Confidence in products

Care for the environment and animal welfare

respectful relations

Our aim is to run a profitable business that is ethically responsible and 
respects integrity. However, it requires know-how, will power and hard work.

Product safety is Arla’s top priority. We want to enable consumers in all 
markets to make informed choices about healthy products based on clear 
information and knowledge.

Business principles
We comply with our Code of Conduct and local legislation in all the 
countries in which we operate.

Operational principles
Our democratically elected representatives formulate strategies and 
ensure that the business is operated in the manner that best serves our 
cooperative owners.

procurement
We expect suppliers to assume social and environmental responsibility,  
so we can achieve our objective of purchasing goods and services in a 
sustainable manner.

Market conduct
We communicate openly, act responsibly and have an open dialogue with 
customers and consumers to ensure their trust.

additional principles

  Arla does not accept the use of bribery.
  Arla exclusively enters into contracts with suppliers that comply with 
local legislation and respect the requirements set out in our code of 
conduct for suppliers.

Food safety
As a responsible food manufacturer, we are dedicated to ensuring that 
eating and drinking our products does not cause illness or injury.

Food and health
We are committed to meeting consumer demand for healthy products 
and reliable nutritional information.

additional principles

  We use Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) to evaluate 
and control food risks throughout the entire supply chain.
   Arla’s ambition is to produce dairy products for everyone – also those 
with special requirements.

activities and results in 2013

  Danish-Chinese knowledge centre in action
  Better breakfast eating campaigns in many countries
  Development of lactose-free products
  Reducing sugar, fat and salt in several products
  Dairy products developed for mal-nourished people
  In 2013, 53 of Arlas 73 production sites were certified under the ISO 
22000 food safety standard.

activities and results in 2013

Objectives

  Training for elected representatives
  Global risk & compliance function has visited companies within Arla to 
verify compliance with framework, guidelines and policies
  Arla Forum receives 250,000 enquires and has an increasing presence 
and dialogue in social media

Objectives

  We focus on raising awareness of our Code of Conduct and policies through - 
out the entire organisation – especially when integrating new business units.
  All our preferred suppliers must sign our code of conduct for suppliers.

38

  None of our products should cause illness or injury.
  We aim for zero recalls, but if we have to make a recall, we have solid 
routines and procedures to trace our products.
  All sites should be certified according to the ISO 2200 food safety 
standard.
  Arla will contribute to the health and well-being of consumers in all 
markets and in all phases of life.

Arla’s growth must not take place at the expense of the environment and 
nature. We are therefore constantly working on ways to reduce our 
impact on the climate and the environment and on maintaining a high 
standard of animal welfare.

environment and climate
We constantly strive to reduce our environmental impact within the value 
chain, from cow to consumer, by applying sound and sustainable 
principles.

agriculture
We will ensure that the farms that deliver milk to Arla are operated in a 
manner that respects the quality of milk, animal welfare and the 
environment.

Arla interacts with people, organisations, communities and countries.  
No matter what the relationship is, we are committed to maintaining 
mutual respect.

workplace
We have competent and committed colleagues and provide safe and 
healthy working conditions.

Community relations
We maintain good, respectful and constructive community relations.

Human rights
Irrespective of where we operate, we are determined that the rights of the 
individual should be respected and observed.

additional principles

additional principles

  Total life cycle approach – from milk production at the farm to 
consumer’s handling of packaging and food waste.
  Arlagården® – the Arla milk production quality programme – focuses on 
the composition of milk, food safety, animal welfare and the environment.

activities  and results in 2013

  Investment of DKK 142m in eco-friendly and energy-saving initiatives, 
among other things, using excess heat and biogas plants.
  The fresh milk dairy Aylesbury outside London, which will be Arla’s 
largest and most environmental friendly and has started production.
  Continued savings of energy and water.
  Key stakeholder dialogue regarding responsibly produced soya.

Objectives

  The 2020 Global Environment Strategy includes reducing CO2 
emissions from dairy operations, transport and packaging by  
25 per cent before 2020 compared to 2005 levels.
  To reduce energy and water consumption by three per cent a year until 
2020.
  To ensure that half of the energy consumption is derived from 
sustainable energy sources by 2020.
  To role out the Arlagården® quality programme to Arla owners in all six 
owner countries.

  Our Responsibility – Arla Foods’ Code of Conduct.
  Our Character: Lead, Sense & Create, specifies Arla’s culture and values.
  Diversity & Inclusion Strategy.
  We are committed to engaging in a wider social perspective and to 
contributing to the community through our business activities.

activities and results in 2013

  The diversity agenda was driven by management training.
  The employee survey (Barometer) covered 16,700 colleagues in  
27 countries with responses submitted in 14 different languages.  
The response rate was 85 per cent.
  Closer to Arla – new colleague magazine in eight languages
  445,000 people visited our farms as part of Arla-arranged events
  The Danish Arlafoundation was set up – focus on young people learning 
about food and nature.
  Team Rynkeby collected DKK 23m for the Children’s Cancer Foundation.

Objectives

  All colleagues comply with Arla’s Code of Conduct.
  No work-related injuries and no harassment.
  Continuous development of diversity.
  Increased consumer confidence.

39

MANAGEMENT REVIEWMANAGEMENT REVIEW

DiverSity iS an aSSet in arLa 

Arla believes in inclusion and diversity as a business imperative. We define diversity broadly as 
differences between people with individual personalities and from different backgrounds formed by 
the generation to which they belong, their gender, culture, education, family status, ethnic identity, 
traditions, beliefs and much more. 

In 2010, we launched a ten-year Global Diversity & Inclusion strategy. We believe the strategy is right 
for our people, our business and our suppliers, for consumers and for our customers. Our focus is on 
making the most of the diversity of thought created by these differences, and we regard inclusion as 
a means to succeeding as a global business. We have strengthened our recruitment process and 
our talent management, and we have competence-building diversity & inclusion training for our 
management teams. We are working to create a more inclusive culture and processes that will 
enable us to succeed in attaining our goals for diversity in our workforce and teams – and most 
importantly that will help us meet the goals set out in the business strategy.

Targets defined and status 2013
In terms of the composition of teams, the 
long-term target for 2020 is that max. 70 per 
cent of members of any one team should 
represent the same:

 national/ethnic background
 gender
 generation
 educational/professional background

To comply with legislation introduced in 2012, 
we have set 2017 targets for gender at top/
upper management level: 

gender composition at  
top/upper management level:  

20 per cent women

80 per cent men

Our top/upper management level (top 
management, senior vice presidents and vice 
presidents) is very diverse in relation to national 
background. The group consists of:

2013 status on the gender composition at  
top/upper management level is: 
13 per cent women – 87 per cent men.

8 per cent 
Swedish 

68 per 
cent 
Danish 

10 per 
cent 
British 

4 per cent 
German

10 per cent 
other nationalities

In the Board of Directors the nationality split is:
40 per cent Danish 
27 per cent Swedish 
13 per cent British 
20 per cent German

The gender composition of the company as a 
whole is: 27 per cent women – 73 per cent 
men.

Arla Foods has not been able to realistically set 
a target for the underrepresented gender on 
the Board of Directors in compliance with the 
legislation introduced in 2012. This is due to a 
shortage of women among the owners in the 
recruitment base. Agriculture is a traditionally 
male industry. No statistics are available on the 
proportion of women in dairy production, but 
the Danish Agriculture & Food Council has 
estimated that the proportion of women in 
Danish agriculture is 9 per cent.

We will set a target for the Board of Directors in 
2014. This will be an integrated part of developing 
a strategy on how to benefit from increased 
cultural diversity as a result of the mergers with 

German and UK dairy farmers. The strategy will 
also focus on how to increase gender and 
generational diversity in the recruitment bases 
of the Board of Representatives and Board of 
Directors.  

2013 status on the gender composition  
of the Board of Directors: 
7 per cent women – 93 per cent men. 
2013 status on the gender composition of the 
Board of Representatives:  
13 per cent women – 87 per cent men.

Future ambitions to increase diversity 
Diversity is an asset, and we work to increase 
diversity in several ways. Actions intended to 
increase diversity in Arla: 

  Ongoing training for leaders and leadership 
teams in inclusive leadership & team culture 
(incl. unconscious bias- and cultural 
competencies)

  Strengthening global recruitment-, perform-
ance review- and talent management-
processes to increase diversity and mitigate 
unconscious bias

  Global recruitment policy: Mix of gender  
and nationality in final shortlist for top 50 and 
300 positions, diverse recruiting teams,  
D&I requirements for search companies

40

41

MANAGEMENT REVIEW

tax governance

Arla’s tax platform has changed from local to global in step with the development  
of the business. Arla Global Tax handles the complex legislation and increased 
regulatory demands of the globalised business proactively. We aim to ensure full 
compliance and support transparency. Our goal is to manage our tax affairs in a 
proactive manner that seeks to maximise our milk price, while operating in 
accordance with the law at all times.

Tax is a topic increasingly debated by  
businesses, governments and other stake-
holders worldwide. Generally, we see a growing 
focus on corporate tax disclosure levels in 
terms of both tax strategies and payments. 
Stakeholders want to know more about these 
business-critical affairs, and also about the 
extent to which businesses contribute to 
society in a wider context. Our view on tax is 
aligned with our business strategy and 
conformed to our global code of conduct, Our 
Responsibility. To sustainably and fairly ensure 
a competitive level of taxation for Arla, we 
balance and optimise tax while managing risks 
by application of compliance and prudence. 

in 2013, we have strengthened our focus  
on tax as follows:

  Formalisation of tax directives
  Establishment of a framework for a risk 
heat map
  Extension of our reporting on tax  
  Creation of a new standard for transfer 
pricing documentation
  Establishment of synergies of the global 
organisation

Open interaction with authorities  
We maintain and develop a good working 
relationship with the tax authorities in order 
to minimise the risk of disputes and create 
certainty for our stakeholders. 
In the UK, we have for several years worked 
with the authorities to maintain a low risk 
status. In 2013, we started a tax transparency 
project in Denmark.  

How is arla contributing to society?
For the cooperative, the farmer is the primary 
source of taxation. We secure the highest 
value for the milk produced by our farmers 
while creating opportunities for growth. We 
may not be paying much corporation tax but 
the cooperative’s owners are taxed on the 
value created by the company. However, this 
is not reflected in the financial reporting. 

Therefore, we need to look at the bigger 
picture to show how Arla contributes to 
society. We also make other valuable 
contributions in the various countries:

  We pay VAT and other duties (energy taxes, 
VAT, property taxes etc.)
  We employ people and through their wages 
we contribute income taxes etc. 
  Some of our other operating costs 
contribute to the earnings in society.
  We export products from core markets to 
growth markets, creating jobs in both 
places.

We are proud to be making a significant  
contribution to the public finances in the 
countries in which we operate. 

Klas Vallhagen, 46, has a farm in Sweden where he lives 
with his wife Katarina and their five-year-old son Hugo. 
The farm has 80 cows, which produce approx. 690,000 kg 
of milk a year.  

guiDe tO COOperative taxeS 

Arla is a cooperative company headquartered in Denmark. Our activities are 
therefore covered by Danish tax rules for cooperatives, which take account of the 
basic principles of the company. When the owner of a company is also a supplier to 
the company, earnings end up with the owner in the form of the price paid for the 
commodity. That is why the farmer is in this case the primary source of taxation.

Limited liability company 

Cooperative

Profits

Shareholder 

Min. payment 
for ommodity

Supplier

The cooperative is the farmer’s extended arm, 
and that is how Arla operates. Danish coopera-
tive tax rules take account of the fact that Arla’s 
suppliers are also Arla’s owners and that 
earnings do not accrue to the company but to 
its owners in the form of the highest possible 
milk price inclusive of supplementary 
payments. The company’s earnings can 
therefore be viewed as its owners’ personal 
income.

This means that owners of a cooperative, as 
opposed to shareholders, pay income tax on 
distributed earnings under the applicable rules 
in the six countries in which Arla has owners. 

Max. payment  
for commodity

Owner/
supplier 

Danish cooperative tax rules take account of the fact that 
Arla’s suppliers are also Arla’s owners and that earnings do 
not accrue to the company but its owners in the form of 
the highest possible milk price.

It also means that Arla Foods amba pays 
income tax based on its assets (equity)  
– retained profit kept at a minimum because, in 
principle, the funds belong to the owners. This 
income tax can be viewed as interest on the tax 
of the portion of earnings retained in the 
company. 

Arla Foods amba has a number of subsidiaries 
in Denmark and elsewhere. Subsidiaries  
which are limited liability and private limited 
companies are subject to regular corporate 
taxation – just like all other such companies. 

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43

MANAGEMENT REVIEW

Corporate  
governance

The dairy industry is changing ever more rapidly, and Arla needs a flexible organisation which can adapt to 
the changing circumstances. In 2013, Arla’s Board of Representatives adopted a modernised democratic 
structure for the future. For example, national councils have been established in Sweden, Denmark, Germany 
and the UK as subcommittees to the Board of Directors. Local democracy has thus been strengthened in 
step with the growth of Arla’s global organisation. 

Cooperatives operate according to specific 
principles. Arla was founded by dairy farmers, 
and the purpose of the cooperative is to buy, 
process and sell their milk in the best possible 
way. The cooperative owners are both owners 
of and suppliers to Arla. This is the key strength 
of the cooperative: the long-term, mutually 
obliging cooperation. The owners are obliged to 
supply their milk to Arla, thereby securing 
supplies. On the other hand, Arla is obliged to 
buy the milk. This means that the owners can 
be sure of being able to sell their milk at the 
highest possible price. Unlike a limited 
company, the purpose of the cooperative is to 
pay its suppliers the highest possible price for 
their raw materials. Arla creates value for its 
owners as a reliable sales channel which pays  
as much as possible for the milk. 

Modernised cooperative structure
As a cooperative, Arla upholds the fundamental 
principles of democracy and solidarity. Each 
owner has one vote – regardless of his or her 
trading with the cooperative, and all owners  
are basically paid the same price for their milk, 
regardless of the country in which their 
production takes place. 

In 2013, Arla had 12,600 owners in six countries, 
and 19,000 employees in a total of 30 markets. 
In February 2013, Arla adopted a new 
democratic structure. With the many new 
cooperative owners which Arla welcomed 
following the mergers with MUH and Milk Link 
in 2012 and AFMP in 2013, a need arose for 
ensuring a stronger balancing of the national 
and global perspectives. This means that the 
Board of Directors is being reduced in size, 
while four national councils have been set up in 

44

Sweden, Denmark, Germany and the UK. These 
national councils function as subcommittees of 
the Board of Directors. 

Moving forwards, the Board of Directors will be 
reduced from the current 15 members to ten 
members plus the employee representatives. In 
the 2013-15 period, the Board of Directors will 
consist of 15 members (plus four employee 
representatives): six from Denmark, four from 
Sweden, one from Hansa Arla Milch, two from 
Arla MUH and two from Arla Milk Link.

The Board of Representatives consists of 165 
members plus 12 employee representatives. In 
the 2013-15 period, Sweden and Denmark 
have a total of 141 members, Hansa Arla Milch 
five, Arla MUH nine and Arla Milk Link ten. 

The distribution of seats on the Board of 
Directors and the Board of Representatives will 
be determined every other year according to 
capital shares.

District councils 
Each owner countries has their own democratic 
structures. This means that there are different 
local organisations in Denmark, Sweden, the  
UK and Germany (including Belgium and 
Luxembourg) that ensure the democratic 
influence of the cooperative owners in all 
countries. Each year, the cooperative owners in 
the local democratic structures are invited to 
attend meetings. The members of the local 
organisations elect members of the Board of 
Representatives.

Board of representatives 
The Board of Representatives is the company’s 
supreme body which also makes decisions 
concerning the appropriation of the profit for 
the year. The Board of Representatives appoints 
the Board of Directors. The Board of Represent-
atives holds a minimum of two meetings a year. 
Every other year, cooperative owners are 
elected to Arla’s Board of Representatives.

national councils
There are four national councils, which are 
subcommittees of the Board of Directors. The 
four national councils have been established in 
the four countries Sweden, Denmark, Germany 
and the UK. The subcommittees to the Board 
are established to take care of the matters that 
concern dairy farmers in each country. Arla has 
made this change to ensure our close bond to 
the owners in order to handle the important 
work with owner-oriented matters. 

Board of Directors 
The Board of Directors is responsible for 
monitoring the company’s activities and asset 
management, maintaining the accounts 
satisfactorily and appointing the Management 
Board. The Board of Directors is responsible for 
the organisation’s overall strategies and for 
ensuring that Arla is managed in the best 
interests of its owners. Together with the Board 
of Representatives, the Board of Directors 
decides Arla’s strategic direction, and is 
responsible for decisions which relate to 
long-term strategies, major investments, 
mergers and acquisitions as well as the 
planning and recruitment of the executive 
management. 

arLa’S DeMOCratiC StruCture 2013

12,600

Different democratic structures 
in DK, SE, UK and DE
incl. BE and LUX

i

n
o
i
t
a
c
n
u
m
m
o
C

Communication binds 
the cooperative together. 

Members 
177

Members
19

2

8

4

19,600

Owners 

District councils

Board of Representatives

Board of Directors

4 national councils

Management Board

Executive Management Group

Functional boards

Employees

Management Board and executive 
Management group
The top management must ensure the proper, 
long-term growth of the company in a global 
perspective, drive the corporate strategy and 
follow up on the targets for the year. This is 
where the contents of ONE Arla are defined, 
where decisions are made regarding activities 
and resource allocations across geographical 
areas and functions, and where the group’s 
ambitions are defined for cross-disciplinary 
efforts. 

The Executive Management Group (EMG) is 
responsible for Arla’s day-to-day business 
operations and for preparing strategies and 
planning the future dairy structure. The EMG 
holds a minimum of 11 meetings a year. 

The seven business groups are Arla’s executive 
bodies and focus on ensuring that Arla is a 

results-oriented, market-facing business. The 
seven business boards act as boards for the 
individual business groups. No strategic efforts 
are initiated in Arla’s business groups, unless 
they have the support of a business board. 

Functional boards
The functional boards are interdisciplinary 
forums which create one course for Arla. This is 
where a number of Arla’s global polices are 
defined, where best practices are shared and 
implemented and where efficiency measures 
are managed. The four functional boards hold 
four to six meetings a year:

  Finance Board
  Supply Chain Board
  Innovation & Marketing Board
  Human Resource Board

45

 
global anti-fraud Directive
Arla has a zero tolerance of fraud and breach of 
anti-corruption laws and takes all forms of 
non-compliance transactions very seriously. 
Growing operations in a world where fraud is on 
the increase has emphasised the need to 
formalise this in a Global Anti-fraud Directive. 
The directive was introduced in 2013 and Risk 
and Compliance conducts fraud inspection 
visits to subsidiaries to verify compliance. 

global Fraud response policy
Arla has a clear commitment to thoroughly 
investigate the validity of any credible 
allegations of fraud and to ensure that the 
appropriate actions are subsequently taken. 
During 2013, Arla defined a Global Fraud 
Response Policy, which also clarifies the 
responsibilities of the Arla management.

Fraud awareness programme
In Arla, we believe that fraud awareness training 
of employees is an essential element in 
cascading the company’s anti-fraud attitude 
and communicating fraud-related policies effec-
tively. In 2013, a Fraud Awareness Programme 
was launched in our shared service centre in 
Gdansk. 

The work on strengthening the anti-fraud 
culture in Arla continues and will be supported 
by further activities in 2014. 

MANAGEMENT REVIEW

Compliance 
is in our DnA

Arla is growing rapidly, and the increased complexity of our global business has highlighted  
the need for a shared, financial compliance culture. As we grow, we are constantly advancing 
our compliance and control mechanisms. Starting at the top of the organisation and spanning 
the various business groups, our compliance and control culture serves to increase 
transparency and minimise risk exposure. In 2013, we accelerated our efforts to evolve the 
financial compliance DNA in Arla. The actions will add value to our business and ensure that 
Arla is always compliant with our business principles. 

Corporate Finance Directives and policies
The increased complexity and diversity of our 
global business has strengthened the need for 
our finance community and business to be 
supported by a clear set of guiding principles. 
Today, it is no longer enough to design policies 
with diligence. Rather, we must reach further to 
make business initiatives and policies come 
alive through each employee in the global 
organisation.   

To dinstinguish clearly between corporate  
Top Policies and supporting policies we have 
introduced a set of Corporate Finance 
Directives. This acts as our overall finance 
constitution and serves as an overall framework 
for all supporting policies and procedures / 
guidelines.

Values/Code of Conduct

Directives

Policies

Procedures/Guidelines

a new Compliance and Control Committee
Financial compliance is key to being a 
responsible company, and Arla is committed to 
meeting all applicable laws, rules and regula-
tions in the operating markets. In 2013, Arla 
established a Compliance & Control Committee 
(C&CC). The purpose of the committee is to 
ensure that Arla stays compliant as a fast-growing 
global company. The committee’s tasks include:

  monitoring compliance and the internal 
control environment
  ensuring right training and communication
  ensuring the continued progress of  
implementing required internal controls
  ensuring standardisation of processes 
  implementing anti-fraud plans

improving communication 
In 2013, we prepared several initiatives  
to improve communication across the global  
organisation. These include a new internal 
corporate finance site, hard-copy booklets  
and material suitable for tablets and mobile  
devices. Furthermore, we have enhanced our 
awareness campaign and support for the 
implementation of our policies. To support the 
ambition we have opened a new Directive & 
Policy office under Corporate Accounting.

Minimum controls catalogue
In 2013, the Risk and Compliance function 
implemented a minimum controls catalogue 
into our growth, value and selected core 
markets.  The integrated programme was 
launched usinga tailored approach that focused 
on efficiency and controls that were appropriate 
to the business. The catalogue consisted of a 
number of critical controls covering six different 
financial processes.

46

47

 
Strategic risk 
management

All larger companies basically share many of the same risks. What ultimately 
differentiates them is their ability to handle these risks. Strategic risk management 
was a first priority of Arla’s Board of Directors in 2013. We set out to evaluate a number 
of major strategic risks – “Black swans” – with the capability of significantly impairing 
our business performance and disabling Arla from delivering a competitive milk price. 

a

D

3

4

2

5

B

Low

prOBaBiLity

Probability is based on the risk that an event will occur 
and its assumed frequency. Impact is assessed before 
precautions are taken. The impact is considered major if 
it unsettles the entire business platform of the company.

C

High

A black swan is a company killer – an unpredict-
able risk with the potential to significantly impair 
the Arla Group as a whole by fundamentally and 
permanently undermining our competitiveness 
or as a result of a sudden and major event.  
The consequence would preclude Arla from 
delivering a competitive milk price. 

An impairment may be caused by external 
factors (macroeconomic, sociopolitical, 
regulatory, reputation or industry-related) or 
internal factors (employees, supply chain, 
commercially or financially related). Black swans 
tend to come as a surprise and to have major 

impact on performance overall. The Board of 
Directors is responsible for Arla’s comprehen-
sive risk management framework that involves 
the identification of the strategic risks. Our risk 
management approach is top-down and covers 
all major entities across regions, markets and 
functions. The framework is based at the 
strategic level to ensure that the risks related to 
carrying out Strategy 2017 are identified and 
that relevant mitigating actions are taken.

Black swans for arla 
Out of a full list of strategic risks, a number were 
classified as potential black swans for Arla. After 

identifying and assessing risks that might 
prevent us from achieving our strategic 
ambition, the Board of Directors defined a 
corresponding set of mitigating actions. 

Operating risks 
In addition to the black swans, there are a 
number of operating risks in the industry and 
markets in which we operate. Our strategy and 
growth opportunities are to a large extent in 
emerging markets. A paradigm shift in the 
current competitive landscape where Arla is ‘left 
behind’ or ‘stuck in the middle’ due to our 
current positioning in Europe and internationally 

l

a
c
i
t
i
r
C

j

r
o
a
M

t
C
a
p
M

i

e
t
a
r
e
d
o
M

r
o
n
M

i

Strategic risks

riSk

CHaraCteriStiCS

Current Mitigating aCtiOnS

pOtentiaL Mitigating aCtiOnS 

Severe dip in  
reputation and  
consumer confidence

An external or internal event resulting in 
a significant impact on the reputation 
of Arla Foods – either immediately or 
over time

The causes could be e.g. animal welfare, 
ethics or food safety resulting in major 
call-back of products and medium/long-
term damage to our brands and positions

Clear focus on CSR and ‘code of conduct’

Quality programmes across all sites and 
physical locations

Systematic focus on ‘issues  
management’ in order to constantly be 
aware of potential damaging issues that 
could arise 

Increase focus on crisis management at 
EMG and BoD level 

Further increase awareness about 
reputation for all employees (e.g. through 
mandatory education)

Strengthen quality and food safety 
procedures

2  
Large-scale  
dairy accident 

Fire, chemical spill, explosion, sabotage 
related to one or more of Arla Foods’ 
production sites

The specialisation of dairies has  
increased the level of exposure

An emergency programme exists across 
all dairies

The current emergency programme is to 
a large extent based on trust…

Learnings from historical accidents are 
continuously built into the emergency 
programme in order to prevent accidents

… for which reason internal/external 
auditing of the emergency programme 
could improve the security further

Continuous back-up plans for  
re-allocation of raw milk to other dairies 
in the case of a serious breakdown

3  
anti-competitive  
ruling 

Anti-competitive agreement and/or 
abuse of dominant position

Adverse publicity and damage to 
reputation

Compliance manager function supported 
by governance model and mandate – 
2013

“Tone from the top”

The potential fine is up to 10% of group 
revenue (maximum)

Implementation of compliance programme 
for all relevant employees

Further business group involvement  
and appointment of compliance  
responsible in each business group 
(already in process)

Developing an E-learning system  
(already in process)

Refining reporting mechanisms, controls 
and reviews

4  
political and/or  
socio-economic 
instability in emerging 
markets

5  
Lack of milk supply

Time-consuming and costly investi-
gations; additional third-party claims; 
sanctions include imprisonment

Regulative measures or financial  
downturn in individual countries/regions 
preventing Arla Foods from exporting/
selling products to these

A potential new revolt hitting Arla 
growth/profit in one of our growth 
markets

Significant drop in the supply of raw milk 
from owners

‘Reverse’ milk wheel due to the inability 
to pay a competitive milk price compared 
to competitors

Significant worsening of the (financial) 
framework conditions for the farmers

Diversification strategy across many 
international markets reducing  
dependency on single growth markets

Joint ventures and partnerships with 
lower risk

Increase the level of diversification across 
growth markets

Local production in e.g. Russia in order to 
prevent the consequences of a potential 
milk import ban

Arla’s active part in the consolidation 
game in Europe is a clear measure to 
constantly secure a forward-going milk 
wheel

Strategy 2017 emphasising profit  
and performance in order to pay a  
competitive milk prices to owners

Active participation in lobbying activities

Further focus on consolidating the  
European dairy market

More active communication with  
financial institutions in order to avoid 
farmers’ bankruptcy

could potentially harm our future possibilities  
of attracting milk. Our strategy captures this 
exposure, and we are already accelerating our 
presence in these markets.

Financial risks
Furthermore, there are a number of financial 
risks related to doing business in a globalised 
world – currency risks, interest rate risks, 
liquidity risks etc. These financial risks are 
handled centrally by our treasury function and 
described in note 4.3.

Evaluation

Risk 
identification

Risk 
management

Mitigating
actions

Risk 
assessment

riSk ManageMent iS an  
OngOing exerCiSe

Strategic risk management is an ongoing 
exercise in the years to come. The identified 
risks and their respective mitigating actions will 
be evaluated at the annual Board of Directors’ 
strategy review. 

48

49

MANAGEMENT REVIEW 
 
MANAGEMENT REVIEW

Healthy 
financial base 

2013 was a record year for Arla in  
terms of both revenue and earnings.  
We realised growth, while at the same 
time significantly increasing earnings, 
with marked organic growth in Russia, 
the Middle East, China and Africa. Our 
growth is scalable, leverage has been 
reduced as promised, and we are 
successfully releasing passive capital. 

Arla’s earnings capacity testifies to the 
robustness of our business model. Earnings 
increase in step with the scaling of the business 
based on the considerable growth achieved, and 
we are seizing the opportunities which present 
themselves – for example in the emerging 
markets. We consistently focus on maintaining a 
solid credit rating. At the start of 2013, leverage 
exceeded our target range, and this has now 
been reduced even faster than planned. However, 
the level of leverage still restricts Arla’s strategic 
latitude. At the same time, Arla is favoured by a 
situation with greater than ever opportunities for 
selling dairy products on attractive terms. All in 
all, this means that Arla must increasingly 
prioritise its resources. The company is therefore 
working hard to finance growth by increasing 
cash flows from operating activities. 

growing activities
2013 was a record year for Arla. Revenue 
growth of 16.6 per cent was driven partly by the 
group’s acquisitions in 2012, the full-year  
effect of which is seen in 2013, and partly by 
increasing global growth. Following the mergers 
in the UK and Germany, focus has been on 
business integration. In Denmark and Sweden, 
we are maintaining a strong focus on 
developing the business.

In 2013, Arla’s organic growth was driven, in 
particular, by growth in non-core markets and 

global market price increases. The international 
activities are seeing significant market-wide 
growth, with Russia and the Middle East as the 
most prominent players. Growth rates are being 
maintained at a solidly high level. A combined 
growth rate of 24.7 per cent was achieved in 
Arla’s growth markets.

Solid growth continues in the Middle East, 
where Arla is winning market shares. Against 
this background, Arla is markedly upping its 
presence in Africa. In 2013, we started 
establishing joint ventures which will drive 
future growth on the continent based on 
powder products. We expect these develop-
ments to accelerate in 2014. At the same time, 
exports to China are increasing, especially of 
third-party manufactured child nutrition 
products, which are seeing growth rates of up 
to 62 per cent. 

All in all, the international business is maintain-
ing double-digit growth rates and is increasingly 
seen as the engine which will secure a market 
beyond Europe for the milk supplied by the 
company’s owners. Also, earnings levels are 
now on a par with our established core markets. 

This development is driven by the underlying 
global demand for milk products and the fact 
that world market prices have reached a 
reasonable level. 

In the past 12 months, Arla Foods Ingredients 
has realised satisfactory growth of 8 per cent. 
We expect the year’s strategic investment in 
increasing lactose capacity to spur markedly 
increased growth in 2014. 

Scalable growth
Arla focuses on the bottom line. Growth in 
revenue is not an aim in itself if it leads to similar 
or higher increases in cost levels. Scalability is 
therefore an objective: Arla’s revenue must 
grow twice as fast as costs. Thanks to our 
large-scale efficiency programmes, we are now 
fulfilling this objective. Our cost-cutting 
initiatives have been more than successful, and 
in future our focus will remain on ensuring that 
growth creates value for the company and its 
owners.

A scalability level of 1.6 is reported for 2013, 
and this is a very central key ratio for the 
organisation. In 2013, the scalability equates to 
a value of DKK 0.5bn. 

Leverage under pressure  
from investments
Arla focuses on its credit rating. We are obliged 
to maintain a good credit rating, and our efforts 
to reduce leverage are progressing according to 
plan. In 2013, leverage was reduced to 3.2 from 
3.9 last year. We are still close to the top of the 
target range of between 2.8 and 3.4. 

perFOrManCe 
priCe

expeCtatiOnS 
FOr 2013

2.71

DKK/Kg

MiLk vOLuMe 12.5

bn kg

revenue

revenue 
grOwtH

prOFit

Leverage

72

DKKbn

16%
2.2 

DKKbn

3.5

aCHieveD 2013

expeCtatiOnS FOr 2014

3.05

DKK/Kg

12.7

 bn kg

73.6 

DKKbn

16.6%
2.2

DKKbn

3.2

3.25-3.35 

DKK/Kg

13

bn kg

79 

DKKbn

9%
2.4

DKKbn

3.0-3.4

Frederik Lotz, CFO

It is a challenge for Arla today that we are 
seeing far more favourable investment 
opportunities than we can finance. Leverage is 
developing satisfactorily, but restricts the scope 
for making major new investments. Arla’s  
future consolidation policy will be a topic for 
discussion with the owners in 2014. The aim is 
to be able to finance some of the many exciting 
opportunities that we are seeing. 

new programme Zero wave
The working capital is one of the measures 
which in recent years have contributed to 
financing growth and reducing leverage, and it 
remains high on Arla’s financial agenda. The 
purpose of Programme Zero is to release 
passive capital. 

Programme Zero has been running successfully 
for three years. In 2012, our primary focus was 
to optimise our customers’ terms of payment 
so as to reduce trade receivables. In 2013, we 
intensified our focus on reducing inventories by 
optimising internal planning and forecasting 
accuracy. These initiatives had an estimated 
effect of approx. DKK 1.1bn in 2013, and have 
had a total effect of approx. DKK 3.3bn since 
2011. All in all, the resulting improved cash 
flows from operating activities can be invested 
or used to repay debt. Despite the marked 
improvements already realised, there is still  
considerable potential for further reducing the 

working capital, and Programme Zero is 
therefore continuing in the coming years. 

investments of the year 
In 2013, Arla invested in the expansion of a 
number of dairies as well as new facilities with a 
view to increasing the production of profitable 
products globally. At the same time, we want to 
make production more efficient and environ-
ment-friendly. As planned, we have invested 
just over DKK 2bn in capacity increases, 
efficiency and environmental improvements, 
quality and innovation. In addition to this is 
leasing agreements, additions to other assets 
etc. making the total investments DKK 3,9 bn 
The aim is to contribute to increasing the 
profitability of Arla’s business, thereby 
improving long-term earnings for Arla’s 
cooperative owners.

Focus on risks 
Strong financial management is key to 
sustainable growth. At the moment, we are 
markedly strengthening the way in which we 
manage and develop our business. The aim is 
to ensure that we make the most of the assets 
with which we have been entrusted by the 
company’s owners. For example, in the past 
couple of years, Arla has significantly upgraded 
its internal control set-up, and we are commit-
ted to developing an even safer and more 
effective control culture. At the same time, in 

2013 Arla strengthened and formalised its risk 
management and identification processes at 
group level. 

The milk price is the most important factor for 
Arla’s results. We need the milk to seize scaling, 
innovation and branding opportunities. Arla 
must pay a competitive milk price both in the 
short and long terms in order to secure milk 
supplies. The creation of value over and above 
the market price is indicative of the company’s 
success. 

OutLOOk FOr 2014
Revenue in the region of DKK 79bn is expected 
to be realised in 2014. The profit for the year is 
expected to meet the agreed target of 3 per 
cent of revenue, corresponding to DKK 2.4bn. 
Our ambition is to deliver a performance price 
in the range of 3.25 - 3.35 DKK. This is of course 
an estimate that is subject to uncertainty, as 
market conditions in the industry can change 
rapidly. Arla maintains a consistent focus on the 
three elements of its strategy – core markets, 
growth markets and efficiency. We expect to 
significantly expand our markets to sell the 
increasing production at our European dairies 
and on the farms.

50

51

MANAGEMENT REVIEW

investing in 
development 
together

Arla’s Strategy 2017 is ambitious, and 
we are currently seeing many 
interesting investment opportunities, 
among other things in the emerging 
markets.  A strong financing model is 
required to seize these opportunities. 
We are willing to increase leverage in 
excess of the agreed target at times if 
the opportunities are interesting enough 
and provided that we can find a way of 
adjusting back to the leverage target.

There are three ways of financing Arla’s 
growth and development.

 Owners 
 Company
 Financial institutions 

Financing growth
Arla is working hard to convert idle working 
capital so it can be used for investments.  
This is, for example, being done under 
Programme Zero. Since 2011, the  
programme has successfully improved cash 
flows from operating activities for use to 

finance investments. In 2014, Programme 
Zero will enter phase two to emphasise that 
Arla is consistently focused on improving 
cash flows and reducing tied-up funds. The 
next wave of initiatives hold considerable 
potential and are expected to release several 
bn kroner in the coming years.

Moreover, financing must be arranged 
through financial institutions and the capital 
market. Arla is characterised by its solid 
creditworthiness, a flexible distribution of 
debt on several sources of financing and a 

sensible repayment profile. The company has 
a broadly based financing platform, which in 
2013 was supplemented with the issue of  
a EURO TERM Note programme as a 
supplement to other sources of financing.

It is important that Arla’s owners are behind 
us and willing to invest in the business. They 
do so by consolidating. According to Arla’s 
current consolidation policy, 4.5 per cent of 
the performance price is consolidated. The 
consolidation is generally divided between  

individual capital (one third) and collective 
capital (two thirds).

prioritisation of resources
After the financing, sharp priorities are set for 
the available investment funds. Investments 
are prioritised in consultation with the 
company’s business groups.

In line with Strategy 2017, we invest in growth, 
efficiency (including structural rationalisations) 
and environmental initiatives (e.g. lighter 
lorries, saving diesel and emitting less CO2).

FinanCing OF Strategy 2017

Owners  

Arla’s ambitious  
growth strategy calls  
for a careful balancing  
of the various sources  
of financing.

Company

Financial 
institutions

52

Arla Foods dairy in 
Nørre Vium, Denmark.

53

Consolidated income Statement 1 January - 31 December

Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive income 1 January - 31 December

nOte

2013

2012

(DKKm)

nOte

2013

2012

1.1
1.2

1.2
1.2
1.2
1.3
3.5

1.2

4.1

5.1

 73,600 
-56,576
17,024

 -279 
 -10,647 
 -3,406 
338
 140 
 3,170 

 5,496 
 -2,326 
 3,170 

 -660 
 2,510 

 -274 
 2,236 

 -35 
 2,201 

 63,114 
 -48,413 
 14,701 

 -202 
 -9,496 
 -2,791 
 217 
 73 
 2,502 

 4,445 
 -1,943 
 2,502 

 -518 
 1,984 

 -89 
 1,895 

 -31 
 1,864 

Profit for the year

 2,236 

 1,895 

Other comprehensive income
Items that will not be reclassified to the income statement:
Actuarial gains/(losses) on defined benefit plans.
Income tax on actuarial gains/(losses) on defined benefit plans

Items that may subsequently be reclassified to the income statement:
Deferred gains/(losses) on cash flow hedges arising during the year
Net change in fair value of hedging instruments reclassified to other operating income
Net change in fair value of hedging instruments reclassified to financial items
Net change in fair value of hedging instruments reclassified to production costs
Net change in fair value of financial assets for the year classified as available for sale
Foreign currency translation adjustments of foreign entities
Other adjustments
Income tax on items that may be reclassified to profit or loss
Other comprehensive income, net of tax
total comprehensive income

allocated as follows:
Owners of Arla Foods amba
Minority interests
total 

 4.7 

168
-41

70
92
188
-12
33
-58
0
-54
386
2,622

2,600
22
2,622

 -654 
 126 

 68 
 -46 
 -39 
 11 
 -4 
 -59 
 -70 
 -   
 -667 
 1,228 

 1,227 
 1 
 1,228 

Comprehensive income shows the value creation/impairment during the year. It covers income and changes in equity for the year that are not transactions with 
owners, e.g. actuarial movements on defined-benefit plans and changes in value of cash flow hedge instruments. The milk price is only affected by the net profit for the 
year and not by the changes in other comprehensive income.  

(DKKm)

Revenue
Production costs
Gross profit

Research and development costs
Sales and distribution costs
Administration costs
Other operating income and costs
Share of net profit in joint ventures and associates
earnings before interest and tax (eBit)

Specification:
Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA)
Depreciation, amortisation and impairment
earnings before interest and tax (eBit)

Financial income and costs
Profit before tax

Tax
Profit for the year

Minority interests
Owners of arla Foods amba

For information about profit appropriation, see page 59.

3.0%

Profit accounts for 3.0% of revenue, which is in line 
with the Group’s performance target of 3%.

54

55

Consolidated finanCial statements/Primary finanCial statementsConsolidated Balance Sheet 31 December

Consolidated Balance Sheet 31 December

(DKKm)

nOte

2013

2012

(DKKm)

nOte

2013

2012

eQuity anD LiaBiLitieS
eQuity
Equity before proposed supplementary payment to owners
Proposed supplementary payment to owners
equity attributable to the parent company’s owners
Minority interests
total equity

LiaBiLitieS
non-current liabilities
Pension obligations
Provisions
Deferred tax
Loans
Other payables
total non-current liabilities

Current liabilities
Loans
Trade payables
Amounts owed to joint ventures
Amounts owed to associates
Provisions
Derivatives

Current tax
Other payables
Total current liabilities excl. liabilities classified as held for sale
Liabilities classified as held for sale
Total current liabilities incl. liabilities classified as held for sale

total liabilities

tOtaL eQuity anD LiaBiLitieS

aSSetS
non-current assets
Intangible assets 
Property, plant and equipment
Investments in associates and joint ventures
Deferred tax
Other non-current assets
total non-current assets

Current assets
Inventories
Trade receivables
Amounts owed by joint ventures
Amounts owed by associates
Derivatives
Current tax
Receivable for non-paid equity instruments
Other receivables
Securities
Cash and cash equivalents
total current assets excl. assets held for sale
Assets held for sale
total current assets incl. assets held for sale

3.1.a
3.3.a
3.5
5.1.c

2.1.b
2.1.c
3.5.b
3.5.d

3.6.a

 5,569 
16,851
2,353
427
374
25,574

 7,562 
 6,762 
41
34
 208 
 30 
 111 
1,083
 3,994 
566
20,391
 200 
20,591

 5,442 
 15,644 
2,350
435
544
 24,415 

 6,034 
 6,723 
 83 
 25 
 251 
 82 
 -   
 753 
 4,021 
 735 
 18,707 
 356 
 19,063 

tOtaL aSSetS

46,165

 43,478 

BALANCE SHEET SPLIT BY MAIN ITEMS

Total equity

Total non-current liabilities

Total current liabilities

Total non-current assets

Total current assets

The balance sheet composition is sound and 
stable. The share of non-current assets is on 
par with other companies in the dairy business. 
Non-current assets are mainly financed by 
equity and non-current liabilities. Current 
assets exceed current liabilities, which is a 
sound overall measure for liquidity.

,

1
2
7
3
6

,

1
6
3
2
4

,

1
7
1
0
5

,

2
5
5
7
4

,

2
0
5
9
1

,

2
4
4
1
5

,

1
0
9
1
8

,

1
5
2
8
5

,

1
9
0
6
3

,

1
7
2
2
6

2013

2012

100 %

90

80

70

60

50

40

30

20

10

0

56

11,676
 900 
12,576
 160 
12,736

 2,593 
 66 
266
 13,346 
54
16,324

6,600
7,564
2
9
314
 623 

 80 
1,913
17,105
 -   
17,105

 9,643 
 1,112 
 10,755 
 163 
 10,918 

 3,129 
77
93
11,908
78
15,285

 7,269 
 6,866 
 -   
 15 
 188 
 864 

 27 
1,997
17,226
 49 
17,275

33,429

 32,560 

46,165

 43,478 

4.7
3.7
5.1.c
4.2
4.2

4.2
2.1.a
3.5.b
3.5.d
3.7

3.6.b

57

Consolidated finanCial statements/Primary finanCial statements  
 
Group Statement of Changes in equity 
1 January - 31 December

DEVELOPMENT IN EQUITY ATTRIBUTABLE 
TO ARLA (DKKm)

The Group statement of changes in equity shows the development of the year in net 
assets, that is, the Group’s assets less liabilities.

As at 31 December 2013, equity amounted to DKK 12,736m, up DKK 1,818m  
compared with 31 December 2012. 25% of the total equity is individual capital. Solvency  
measured as equity in relation to the balance sheet total was 28% as at 31 December 
2013 compared with 25% last year. 

Profit for consolidation was DKK 1,301m, with DKK 978m consolidated to the reserve for 
special purposes and DKK 323m to contributed capital (2012: DKK 469m to the reserve 
for special purposes and DKK 283m to contributed capital). 

As at 31 December 2013, Arla Foods amba merged with AFMP, whereby Arla Milk  
Cooperative limited (AMCo) became a member of Arla Foods amba. As part of the  
transaction, Arla Foods amba issued DKK 41m as collective capital (capital account) and 
DKK 501m as individual capital (contributed capital).

Supplementary payment for 2012 were paid out from equity in March 2013.  
The payment amounted to DKK 1,126m after exchange rate adjustments primarily 
related to SEK.

(DKKm)

I

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I

equity as at 1 January 2013

 6,894 

 835 

 1,628 

 969 

 -   

 -673 

 -10 

 1,112 

 10,755 

 163 

 10,918 

Net profit for the year
Other comprehensive income
total comprehensive income
Capital issued to new owners
Payment to owners
Dividend to minority shareholders
Acquisition of non-controlling interests
Disposal of non-controlling interests
Supplementary payment to owners
Foreign currency translation adjustments
total transactions with owners
equity at 31 December 2013

83
83
41

-139
-5

19
-84
6,893

 323 

 978 

 978 

 -   

 337 
 337 

-21
-21

 -   

 -28 

 323 
 501 
 -23 

-11
-39
796

-22
456
2,407

 -   
 1,947 

 -   
 -   

 -   
 -336 

 -   
-31

 900 

 900 

-1,126
14
-1,112
900

 2,201 
399
2,600
542
 -51 

-139
-5
-1,126
 -   
 -779 
12,576

35
-13
22

2,236
386
2,622
542
 -51 
-38
-134
3
-1,126
 -   
-804
-25
 160  12,736

-38
5
8

equity as at 1 January 2012

 7,465 

 840 

 682 

 -   

 500 

 -667 

 53 

 491 

 9,364 

 162 

 9,526 

Net profit for the year
Other comprehensive income
total comprehensive income
Capital issued to new owners
Payment to owners
Transfer
Supplementary payment to owners
Foreign currency translation adjustments
total transactions with owners
equity at 31 December 2012

 -568 
 -568 
 14 

 283 

 469 

 -   

 -18 

 283 
 678 
 -19 

 469 

 -   

 500 

 -500 

 -6 
 -6 

 -63 
 -63 

 1,112 

 1,112 

 -17 
 -3 
 6,894 

 13 
 -5 
 835 

 4 
 663 
 1,628 

 500 
 969 

 -500 
 -   

 -   
 -673 

 -   
 -10 

 -491 
 1,112 

 -491 

 1,864 
 -637 
 1,227 
 692 
 -37 

 -491 
 -   
 164 
 10,755 

 31 
 -30 
 1 

 1,895 
 -667 
 1,228 
 692 
 -37 

 -491 
 -   
 164 
 10,918 

 -   
 163 

58

  Financial review

Arla Foods’ equity is divided into individual capital 
(delivery-based owner certificates and contributed 
capital) that can be allocated to the individual 
owners and common capital (capital account and 
the statutory Reserve for special purposes). Also 
included are a number of technical accounts 
maintained by law. Supplementary payment for the 
year then ended is shown as a separate item under 
equity.

Collective capital
  Capital account, which comprises the Group’s 
unallocated equity. In connection with the AMCo 
transaction DKK 41m was issued.
  A reserve for special items was established in 2011 
when the former reserve fund B was transferred to 
a new reserve which, upon the Board of Director’s 
proposal, may be applied by the Board of 
Representatives for the full or partial offsetting of 
material extraordinary losses or impairment, cf. art. 
19(iii) of the Articles of Association. Amounts 
added from the profit appropriation represent  
DKK 978m. 

Individual capital
  Delivery-based owner certificates established in 
accordance with art. 19(1)(ii) of the Articles of 
Association and related regulations. Consolidation 
in this respect is suspended from 2010.
  Contributed capital established in accordance with 
art. 19(1)(iii) of the Articles of Association and 
regulation.
  Supplementary payment to owners are recognised 
separately in equity until they are paid out.

Amounts added from the profit appropriation 
represent DKK 323m. In addition to this, DKK 501m 
has been issued in connection with the AMCo 
transaction.

Amounts consolidated as contributed capital via the 
annual distribution of net profit carry interest at 
CIBOR + 1.5%. Amounts paid into the contributed 
capital in connection with mergers carry no interest. 
Interest is paid out along with the supplementary 
payment. Interest for 2013 is DKK 18m compared 
with DKK 16m in 2012.

Individual owners’ balances on delivery-based 
owner’s certificate and on contributed capital can be 
paid out over three years upon termination of 
membership of Arla Foods amba in accordance with 
the provisions set out in the regulation subject to 
the Board of Representatives’ approval. In 2013, a 
net amount of DKK 51m has been paid out to 
members who had decided to leave the company.  
It is expected that DKK 90 m will be paid out in 2014. 

Balances on individual accounts are denominated in 
the currency relevant to the country in which the 
members are registered. Foreign currency 
translation adjustments are calculated annually, the 
amount of which is then transferred to the capital 
account.

Proposed supplementary payment amount to DKK 
900m, of which interest on the contributed capital 
amounts to DKK 18m. In March 2013, a resolution 
was passed to pay out DKK 1.112m in supplementa-
ry payment and interest on contributed capital in 
connection with the 2012 profit appropriation. 

Other equity accounts
  Reserve for hedge accounting comprise the fair 
value of derivative financial instruments classified 
as and meeting the conditions for hedging of 
future cash flows and where the hedged 
transaction has not yet been realised.

  Reserve for foreign currency translation 
adjustments comprises currency translation 
differences arising during the translation of the 
financial statements of foreign companies 
including value adjustments relating to assets and 
liabilities that constitute part of the Group’s net 
investment, and value adjustments relating to 
hedging transactions that hedge the Group’s net 
investment. 

Non-impairment clause
Under the Article of Associations, no payment may 
be made by Arla Foods amba to members that 
impair the sum of the company’s capital account 
and equity accounts prescribed by law and 
prescribed by IFRS. The non-impairment clause is 
assessed on the basis of the Arla Group’s most 
recent annual report presented under IFRS.  
Individual accounts, reserve for special purposes and 
proposed supplementary payment to members are 
not covered by the non-impairment clause.

Minority interests
Subsidiaries are fully recognised in the consolidated 
financial statements. Minority interests’ shares of the 
results for the year and of the equity in the subsidiar-
ies that are not wholly owned are recognised as part 
of the consolidated results and equity, respectively, 
but are listed separately. On initial recognition, 
minority interests are measured at either the fair 
value of the equity interest or the proportional share 
of the fair value of the acquired companies 
identified assets, liabilities and contingent liabilities. 
The measurement of minority interests is selected 
on a transactional basis, and disclosure is made in 
the note pertaining to business combinations.

Profit appropriation
(DKKm)

Profit for the year
Minority interests
Arla Foods amba’s share of the net profit for the year

Proposed profit appropriation:
Supplementary payment for milk
Interest on contributed capital
Supplementary payment, total

transferred to equity:
Reserve for special purposes
Contributed capital
transferred to equity, total

Appropriated profit, total

2013

2012

 2,236 
 -35 
 2,201 

 882 
 18 
 900 

 978 
 323 
 1,301 

 2,201 

 1,895 
 -31 
 1,864 

 1,096 
 16 
 1,112 

 469 
 283 
 752 

 1,864 

59

Consolidated finanCial statements/Primary finanCial statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Group Cash Flow Statement 1 January - 31 December

The success, growth and survival of every company depend on its ability to generate or otherwise obtain cash. What enables 
Arla to survive is the tangible resources of cash, not profit, which is merely one indicator of financial performance. Thus, our 
owners look for supplementary payment, suppliers and lenders expect payment and repayment, employees receive wages 
for their services and the tax authorities are legally entitled to tax revenue. Hence, a cash flow statement is an important part 
of corporate reporting.

(DKKm)

Profit for the year
Depreciation and impairment
Share of results in joint ventures and associates
Profit/loss from disposal of enterprises and properties, etc. 
Change in primary working capital
Change in other working capital
Other operating items without cash impact
Dividends received, joint ventures and associates
Financial income
Financial costs
Interest paid
Interest received
Change in deferred tax
Tax paid
Total cash flow from operating activities

Investment in intangible fixed assets
Sale of intangible fixed assets
Investment in property, plant and equipment
Sale of property, plant and equipment
total operational investing activities

Free operating cash flow

Investment in financial assets
Sale of financial assets
Acquisition of enterprises
Sale of enterprises
Total financial investing activities
Total cash flow from investing activities
Total free cash flow

Supplementary payment regarding the previous financial year
Paid in funds from new owners
Paid out from equity regarding terminated member contracts
Loans obtained, net
Change in current liabilities
Net change in marketable securities
Total cash flow from financing activities

Net cash flow 

Cash funds at 1 January
Exchange rate adjustments of cash funds
Cash funds at 31 December

60

nOte

 1.2.d 
 3.5 

 2.1.a 

 4.1 
 4.1 

 3.1 
 3.1 
 3.3 
 3.3 

3.4

4.2

2013

 2,236 
 2,326 
 -140 
 -   
-973
-886
-207
15
 -37 
 697 
-481
37
73
 -118 
2,542

 -253 
 -   
-3,767
345
-3,675

-1,133

 -   
 173 
 -   
 -   
 173 
-3,502
-960

-1,126
396
-51
1,202
321
 78 
820

-140

735
-29
566

2012

1,895
 1,943 
 -73 
 -59 
 1,436 
 -1,429 
-3
-
-101
619
 -431 
 69 
21
 -88 
 3,799 

 -136 
 19 
 -3,303 
 37 
 -3,383 

 416 

 -1,701 
 -   
 -289 
 53 
 -1,937 
 -5,320 
 -1,521 

 -491 
-
 -37 
 1,674 
 680 
 -78 
 1,748 

 227 

 504 
4 
735

SPECIFICATION OF TOTAL FREE CASH FLOW
(DKKm)

-3,988
(-131.7%)

,

3
5
1
5

,

-
1
6
4
2

+
4
2
0

,

-
3
6
7
5

+
3
2
6

+
7
7

-
9
6
0

T
o
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l

f
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+
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T
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a

l

fi
n
a
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c
a

i

l

i

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s
t
i
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s

C
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a
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i

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m
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T
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C
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s

i

l

i

n
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p
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l

(
e
x
c

l
.

M
e
m
b
e
r

m
k
)

i
l

C
h
a
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g
e

i

n

i

n
v
e
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t
o
r
i
e
s

O
p
e
r
a
t
i
n
g
c
a
s
h
fl
o
w
b
e
f
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i

m
a
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y
w
o
r
k
n
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c
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a

i

l

  arla accounting policies

  Financial review

The consolidated cash flow statement is presented 
according to the indirect method, whereby the net 
profit for the year is reconciled to the total net cash 
flow from operating activities. This is done by 
adjusting the net profit for the year for non-cash 
items such as depreciation, items that do not relate 
to the Group’s operating activities such as tax and 
disposals of assets and movements in working 
capital balances during the period.

Cash flows from operating activities were DKK 2,542 
million in 2013 compared with DKK 3,799 million in 
2012. The reduction in cash flows from operating 
activities represented a decline of DKK 1,257 million.

Primary working capital – the sum of inventories 
and trade receivables less trade payables (incl. 
payables  for milk – stood at DKK 6,760 million at  
31 December 2013 compared with DKK 5,891 
million in 2012. Arla sharpened its focus on 
increasing cash flows from operating activities 
(Programme Zero). The positive effect of this was 
offset by the effects of a higher milk price, growth in 
revenue  and inventory build up for delivering 
contracts in 2014. 

Cash flows from financial investment activities were 
DKK -3,502million compared with DKK -5.320 
million in 2012. The year’s investments in property, 
plant and equipment stood at DKK -3,767 million. 

Free cash flows totalled DKK -960 million in 2013 
compared with DKK -1,521 million in 2012. These 
are calculated as cash flows from operating activities 
less cash flows from investment activities.

Cash flows from financing activities were DKK 820, 
which are affected by paid-in funds from new 
owners at DKK 396 million. Cash and cash 
equivalents combined represented DKK 566 million, 
compared with DKK 735 million in the previous year.

61

Consolidated finanCial statements/Primary finanCial statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Overview of notes and Accounting Policies

note 1. Primary Activities

The notes and accounting policies sections are divided into sections that describe the various parts of the financial statements.  
The sections comprise accounting policies, estimates and uncertainties (where relevant), specifications of the figures and comments on the figures.

The consolidated financial statements are presented in Danish kroner (DKK), the parent company’s functional currency.

note 1. 

note 2. 

note 3. 

 Primary activities 
Note 1.1 Revenue 
Note 1.2 Costs 
Note 1.3 Other operating income and other operating costs 
 Working capital 
Note 2.1 Primary net working capital 
 Other operating assets  
and other operating liabilities 
Note 3.1 Intangible assets 
Note 3.2 Impairment tests 
Note 3.3 Property, plant and equipment 
Note 3.4 Business combinations 
Note 3.5 Joint ventures and associates 
Note 3.6 Assets held for sale 
Note 3.7 Provisions 

nOte 4.   Financial matters 

Note 4.1 Financial items 
Note 4.2 Net interest-bearing debt 
Note 4.3 Financial risks 
Note 4.4 Derivative financial instruments 
Note 4.5 Financial instrument disclosures 
Note 4.6 Transfer of financial assets 
Note 4.7 Pension obligations 

nOte 5.   Other areas 

Note 5.1 Tax 
Note 5.2  Fees to auditors appointed by  

the Board of Representatives 

Note 5.3 Management remuneration and transactions 
Note 5.4 Contractual commitments and contingent liabilities 
Note 5.5 Events after the balance sheet date 
Note 5.6  Future standards  

– Early adoption of new or amended IFRS 

Group chart 

63
63
65
67
68
68

70
70
72
73
75
77
79
80
81
81
82
87
93
94
96
96
100
100

102
102
103
103

103
104

Summary of significant accounting policies
The Consolidated financial statement included in this Annual Report have been 
prepared in accordance with the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) 
as endorsed by the European Union. These consolidated financial statements were 
authorised for issue by the Company’s Board of Directors on 18 February 2014 and 
presented for approval by the Board of Representatives on 26 February 2014.

Change in accounting policies - adoption of new or amended iFrSs
Under the revisions of IAS 19, interest is now calculated by applying the discount 
rate to the net defined benefit obligation (or asset) of the pension plan as 
opposed to previously, where this rate was applied only to the defined benefit 
obligation and the expected return on plan assets was instead recognised. This 
change has increased the Group’s financial expenses by DKK 57m in 2013. As 
retrospective application of these changes would have only an immaterial impact 
on each financial year, Arla has fully adopted the amendment in 2013 without 
restating previous years’ comparable amounts and disclosures.

In addition to the above, Arla has assessed that the application of the other new 
IFRSs has not had a material impact on the Consolidated financial statement.

IASB has issued a number of new or amended and revised accounting standards 
and interpretations that have not yet come into effect.

IASB has issued IFRS 9 Financial Instruments and amendments to IFRS 9, which 
is applicable for reporting periods starting on or after 1 January 2015. The new 
standard and the amendment have not yet been endorsed by the EU. Arla has 
assessed the impact of the standard and determined that it, in its current 
wording, will not have any significant impact on the Consolidated financial 
statement.

The approved non-effective standards and interpretations will be implemented 
as they become mandatory for Arla.

Consolidated financial statements
The consolidated financial statements are prepared as a compilation of the 
parent company’s and the individual subsidiaries’ financial statements prepared 
under the Group’s accounting policies. Revenue, costs, assets, liabilities together 
with items included in the equity of subsidiaries are aggregated and presented 
on a line-by-line basis in the consolidated financial statements. Intra-group 
shareholdings, balances and transactions as well as any unrealised income and 
expenses arising from intra-group transactions are eliminated.

The consolidated financial statements comprise Arla Foods amba (parent 
company) and the subsidiaries in which the parent company directly or indirectly 
holds more than 50% of the voting rights or otherwise maintains control in order 
to obtain benefits from its activities. Companies in which the Group exercises 
joint control through a contractual arrangement are considered to be joint 
ventures. Companies in which the Group exercises a significant but not 
controlling influence are considered to be associates. A significant influence is 
typically obtained by holding or having at the Group’s disposal, directly or 
indirectly, more than 20% but less than 50% of the voting rights in a company. 
Unrealised gains (i.e. profits arising from sales to joint ventures or associates, 
whereby the customer pays with funds partly owned by the Group) from 
transactions with joint ventures and associates are eliminated against the 
carrying amount of the investment in proportion to the Group’s interest in the 
company. Unrealised losses are eliminated in the same way as unrealised gains, 
but only to the extent that there is no evidence of impairment. The consolidated 
financial statements are prepared on a historical cost basis except for certain 
items with alternative measurement bases, which are identified in these 
accounting policies.

translation of transactions and monetary items in foreign currencies
For each reporting entity in the Group, a functional currency is determined, being 
the currency used in the primary economic environment where the entity 
operates. Where a reporting entity transacts in a foreign currency, it will record 
the transaction in its functional currency using the transaction date rate. 
Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated 
into the functional currency using the exchange rate applicable at the reporting 
date. Exchange differences are recognised in the income statement under 
financial items. Non-monetary items, e.g. property, plant and equipment which 
are measured based on historical cost in a foreign currency, are translated into 
the functional currency on initial recognition.

translation of foreign operations
The assets and liabilities of consolidated companies, including the share of net 
assets and goodwill of joint ventures and associates with a functional currency 
other than DKK, are translated into DKK using the year-end exchange rate. The 
revenue, costs and share of the results for the year are translated into DKK using 
the average monthly exchange rate if this does not differ materially from the 
transaction date rate. Foreign currency differences are recognised in other 
comprehensive income (OCI) and accumulated in the translation reserve. On 
divestment of subsidiaries, associates and joint ventures, the relevant proportional 
amount of the cumulative foreign currency translation adjustment reserve is 
transferred to the results for the year along with any gains or losses related to the 
divestment. Repayment of outstanding balances considered part of the net 
investment is not in itself considered to be a partial divestment of the subsidiary.

62

2013 was a record year for Arla. Revenue growth of 16,6 per cent was driven partly by the group’s acquisitions in 2012. Arla’s organic 
growth was driven in particular by growth in non-core markets and global market price increases. However, growth in revenue is not an 
aim in itself if it leads to similar or higher increases in cost levels. Scalability is therefore an objective: Arla’s revenue must grow twice as 
fast as costs. A scalability level of 1:1,6 is reported for 2013. 

This note section focuses on the Group’s performance. The specifications include disclosures about the distribution of revenue across 
business areas and product categories. Organic growth is adjusted for the impact of mergers, acquisitions and foreign currencies. The 
note states the weighed-in volumes of milk from owners as well as contract suppliers and the cost of the milk, which is the single main 
cost item in our income statement. The total cost is the prepaid price for milk. Supplementary payment is generated as part of the 
Group’s profit appropriation and are therefore not included under costs. 

+10.2
(+17%)

REVENUE DEVELOPMENT
(DKKm)

COST DEVELOPMENT
(DKKm)

+
1
5

.

-
1
5

.

+10.5
(16.6%)

7
3
6

.

-
1
0

.

-
0
2

.

-
7
1
4

.

-
6
3

.

-
6
1
2

.

2
0
1
2

-
2
7

.

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1
2

+
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p
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s

nOte 1.1. revenue

  arla accounting policies

Revenue from the sale of dairy and other food 
products is recognised in the income statement 

when delivery and risk of the products have passed 
to the buyer, the amount of revenue can be 
measured reliably and collection is probable. 
Revenue comprises invoiced sales for the year less 

sales rebates, cash discounts, VAT and duties. 
Revenue by business area/geographical market and 
product category is based on the Group’s internal 
financial reporting.

note 1.1.a. revenue by business area/market

2013

(DKKm)
Consumer United Kingdom
Consumer Sweden 
Consumer Finland
Consumer Denmark
Consumer Germany
Consumer Netherlands
Core markets total
Consumer International – Russia
Consumer International – Middle East & Africa
Consumer International – China*
Consumer International – TPM
Arla Foods Ingredients
growth markets total
Value markets
Global Categories and Operations – Trading
Others
total revenue

ORGANIC 
GROWTH
3.4%
-2.7%
10.3%
1.3%
8,7%
16.5%
3.5%
44.3%
11.6%
54.0%
61.7%
9.6%
24.7%
5.2%
28.0%

6.6%

REVENUE
 19,217 
 11,592 
 2,677 
 6,569 
10,782
1,746
 52,583 
 857 
 3,337 
 119 
 1,084 
 2,392 
 7,789 
 4,667 
 6,712 
 1,849 
 73,600 

* Our sales to China including TPM and other areas total approximately 1,200m compared to approximately DKK 750m in 2012.

2012

REVENUE
15,760
11,823
 2,421 
6,837
6,891
 1,495 
45,227
634
 3,045 
 78 
 671 
2,215
 6,643 
4,442
 5,263 
1,539
 63,114 

63

Consolidated finanCial statements/notes 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
note 1.1.b. revenue by product category

REVENUE SPLIT BY 
PRODUCT CATEGORY, 2013

REVENUE SPLIT BY 
PRODUCT CATEGORY, 2012

Fresh dairy products 42.8%

Cheese 23.4%

Butter and spreads 13.0%

Milk powder 9.5%

Whey products 3.4%

Non dairy products 5.1%

Other 2.8%

Fresh dairy products 42.0%

Cheese 24.1%

Butter and spreads 14.0%

Milk powder 9.1%

Whey products 3.6%

Non dairy products 5.2%

Other 2.0%

  Financial review

Revenue for 2013 totalled DKK 73,600m compared 
with DKK 63,114m in 2012 – an increase of  
16,6 per cent. Revenue growth is primarily driven by 
the full year effect of the mergers in 2012, but also 
by a solid organic growth of 6,6 per cent in 2013. 

Core markets in total show an organic growth of  
3,5 per cent primarily related to price increases, 
while growth markets in total display an organic 
growth of 24,7 per cent and now represent 10 per 
cent of the total revenue. Especially Russia and the 
Middle East show high growth rates. In the table 

China only consist of export of consumer goods in 
Consumer International. Our total sales to China 
including TPM and other areas total approximately 
DKK 1,200m compared to approximately  
DKK 750 m in 2012.

The largest category is fresh dairy product (FDP)  
that is mainly sold in core markets. The category is 
responsible for almost half of total revenue. FDP 
contain milk, cream, cooking ingredients, UHT and 
yogurts. Organic growth is about 9 per cent mainly 
due to price increases. 

The sale of cheese represent 23 per cent of total 
revenue and contains yellow cheese primarily on 
the core markets and other cheese categories 

around the world – cream cheese, white cheese and 
mould cheese. Organic growth in this area is limited 
– on core markets growth is negative, however 
sound revenue increases on growth markets more 
than compensate for this. The categories white 
cheese, mould and cream cheese shows sound 
growth while yellow cheese is struggling. Substantial 
growth can be found in the milk powder category, 
which, however, only represents a relatively small 
part of the business – about 10 per cent of total 
revenue. 

nOte 1.2. COStS

  accounting policies

Production costs
Production costs comprise the purchase of goods 
(including the purchase of milk from cooperative 
owners) and the direct and indirect costs (including 
depreciation and impairment losses on production 
plant etc. (mainly dairy sites) as well as payroll costs) 
related to the revenue for the year. The purchase of 
milk from cooperative owners is recognised at 
prepaid prices for the accounting period and 
therefore does not include supplementary payment, 
which is classified as distributions to owners and 
recognised directly in equity.

Research and development costs
Research and development costs comprise 
attributable direct and indirect costs, including 
payroll costs, amortisation and impairment losses. 
Research costs are expensed as incurred.

Development costs are capitalised at cost under 
intangible assets only from the time that the 
product is considered technically and commercially 
viable, but are expensed in all other circumstances. 
Normally, these criteria are met late in the 
development phase. Development costs capitalised 
are measured at cost. 

Sales and distribution costs
Costs incurred for the sale and distribution of goods 
sold in the course of the year and for promotional 
campaigns etc. during the year are recognised as 
sales and distribution costs. Costs relating to sales 
staff, write-down of receivables, costs relating to 
sponsorships, advertising and exhibits and 
depreciation and impairment losses are also 
recognised as selling and distribution costs.

Administration costs
Administration costs incurred in the course of the 
year relate to management and administration, 
including administrative staff, office premises and 
office costs as well as depreciation and impairment 
losses.

note 1.2.a. Costs
(DKKm)

Production costs
Research and development costs
Sales and distribution costs
Administration costs
total 

of this:
Cost of raw milk
Staff costs
Depreciation, amortisation and impairment losses
Other costs
total 

note 1.2.b. Cost of raw milk
(DKKm)

Cost of owner milk
Cost of other milk
total cost of raw milk

(mKG)
Inflow of owner milk
Inflow of other milk
Total inflow of raw milk

Note 1.2.c. Staff costs
(DKKm)

Wages, salaries and remuneration
Pensions – defined benefit plans
Pensions – defined contribution plans
Other social security costs
Total staff costs

Staff costs relate to:
Production costs
Research and development costs
Sales and distribution costs
Administration costs
Total staff costs

2013

2012

-56,576
 -279 
 -10,647 
 -3,406 
-70,908

-35,635
-8,342
-2,326
-24,605 
-70,908

-26,901
-8,734
-35,635

 9,474 
 3,202 
 12,676 

-7,192
 -23 
-490
-637
 -8,342 

 -4,503 
 -107 
 -2,374 
 -1,358 
 -8,342 

 -48,413 
 -202 
 -9,496 
 -2,791 
 -60,902 

 -26,625 
 -7,753 
 -1,943 
 -24,581 
 -60,902 

 -19,127 
 -7,498 
 -26,625 

 7,529 
 2,881 
 10,410 

 -6,543 
 -26 
 -416 
 -768 
 -7,753 

 -4,295 
 -77 
 -2,372 
 -1,009 
 -7,753 

average number of full-time employees

19,577

 18,112 

64

65

Consolidated finanCial statements/notesnote 1.2.d. Depreciation, amortisation and impairment losses
(DKKm)

Intangible assets, amortisation
Property, plant and equipment, depreciation
Property, plant and equipment, impairment losses
total depreciation, amortisation and impairment losses

Depreciation/amortisation and impairment relate to:
Production costs
Research and development costs
Sales and distribution costs
Administration costs
total depreciation, amortisation and impairment losses

TOTAL COST BREAKDOWN

60,000

50,000

40,000

30,000

20,000

10,000

0

P
r
o

d

u

c

tio

n c

o

sts

R

e

s

e

a
r
c

h a

n

d d

e

v

elo

2013

2012

A

d

m

inistr

a

tio

n c

o

sts

S

ale

s a

n

d distrib

u

tio

p

m

e

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o

sts

n c

o

sts

2013

2012

nOte 1.3. OtHer Operating inCOMe anD COStS

-219
 -1,970 
-137
 -2,326 

-1,833
 -13 
-181
-299
 -2,326 

 -177 
 -1,698 
 -68 
 -1,943 

 -1,499 
 -8 
 -144 
 -292 
 -1,943 

  accounting policies

Other operating income and costs comprise items 
secondary to the Group’s principal activities. These 

items comprise gains and losses relating to the 
divestment of intangible assets and property, plant 
and equipment etc.

note 1.3.a. Other operating income
(DKKm)

Gain on disposal of intangible assets and property, plant and equipment
Gain on divestment of companies
Sale of electricity
Rent and other secondary income
Financial instruments
Other items
total other operating income

note 1.3.b. Other operating costs
(DKKm)

Loss on disposal of intangible assets and property, plant and equipment
Costs relating to the sale of electricity
Financial instruments 
Other items
total other operating costs

  Financial review

Other items include income and costs related to the 
sale of surplus power from condensation plants. The 
net result of this  in 2013 is DKK 16m compared to 
DKK 17m in 2012. 

Gains and losses related to sale and disposal of 
assets amount to a gain of DKK219 m and a loss of 
DKK -31m. The gain on divestment of enterprises in 
2012 relate to the sale of the subsidiary Arla Foods 
S.p.z.o.o. in Poland and the ownership interest in 
Mengniu Arla Dairy sold in connection with the 
investment in COFCO Dairy Holding Limited, China. 

  Financial review

Total production, research and development costs, 
sales and distribution costs and administration costs 
have risen 16,2 per cent which is just below the 
revenue growth of 16,6 per cent. 

The prepaid milk price is determined to reach a 
profit of three per cent of revenue. However focus is 
on keeping all other costs down to pass on the 
highest possible milk price to the owners through 

the milk price and supplementary payment. In 
general the costs have risen due to increased 
activities after the mergers with MUH and Milk Link 
in 2012. However, the cost per kg milk processed 
has decreased due to economies of scale.

The total inflow of raw milk has increased by  
2,266m kg. milk, which is mainly delivered by our 
owners. The greater volume and prepaid price has 
increased costs by 34 per cent. 

Substantial efficiency programmes have been 
launched to help us keep costs down and thereby 
support earnings. 

66

2013

2012

219
 -   
 60 
28
 92 
186
585

-31
 -44 
 -   
-172
-247

 64 
 78 
 59 
 34 
-
 167 
 402 

 -30 
 -42 
 -46 
 -67 
 -185 

67

Consolidated finanCial statements/notesnote 2. Working Capital

UNDERLYING IMPROVEMENTS IN 
PROGRAMME ZERO (DKKm)

note 2.1.a. primary net working capital
(DKKm)

2013

2012

,

+
1
4
7
5

,

-
1
1
2
5

+
5
1
9

,

+
6
7
6
0

Inventories
Trade receivables
Trade payables
total primary net working capital
Payables relating to cooperative owner milk
total primary net working capital excl. cooperative owner milk

Working capital is one of the measures, which in the last couple of years have contributed to  
financing growth and reducing leverage, and it remains high on our financial agenda. In 2013,  
as a part of Programme Zero, we intensified our focus on reducing inventories by optimising internal  
planning and forecasting accuracy. At Arla we focus on reducing funds tied up in the primary  
working capital, i.e. inventories and trade receivables less trade payables. This is a continuous focus 
as the business grows.

This note shows the development of the primary working capital components used to ensure the 
company’s business performance. 

,

+
5
8
9
1

1

J

a
n
u
a
r
y
2
0
1
3

P
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a
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1
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)

nOte 2.1. net wOrking CapitaL

  accounting policies

Inventories
Inventories are measured at the lower of cost or net 
realisable value, calculated on a first-in, first-out 
basis. The net realisable value is established taking 
into account the inventories’ negotiability, 
marketability and estimate of the selling price, less 
completion costs and costs incurred to execute the 
sale.

The cost of raw materials, consumables as well as 
commercial goods includes the purchase price plus 
delivery costs. The prepaid price to Arla Foods 
amba’s cooperative owners is used as the purchase 
price for cooperative owner milk. 

The cost of goods in progress and manufactured 
goods also includes an appropriate share of 
production overheads, including depreciation, based 
on the normal operating capacity of the production 
facilities.

Trade receivables
Trade receivables are recognised at the invoiced 
amount less write-downs for amounts considered 
irrecoverable (at amortised cost).  Write-downs are 
measured as the difference between the carrying 
amount and the present value of anticipated cash 
flows. Write-downs are assessed on major individual 
receivables or in groups at portfolio level based on 
the receivables’ age and maturity profile as well as 
historical record of losses. 

Trade payables
Trade payables are measured at amortised cost, 
which usually corresponds to the invoiced amounts.

  uncertainties and estimates

Inventories
The entities in the Group that use standard costs for 
calculating inventory revise their indirect production 
costs at least once a year. Standard costs are also 
revised if they deviate materially from the actual cost 

of the individual product. Indirect production costs 
are calculated based on relevant assumptions with 
respect to capacity utilisation, production time and 
other factors characterising the individual product.

The assessment of the net realisable value requires 
judgement, particularly in relation to the estimate of 
the selling price of discounted products and bulk 
products to be sold in the world market.

Receivables
Receivables are written down based on an individual 
assessment of signs of impairment in connection 
with customers’ insolvency, anticipated insolvency 
and a mathematical computation based on 
grouping receivables by the number of days to 
maturity. Additional write-downs may be necessary 
in future reporting periods if customers’ financial 
conditions worsen and customers are no longer 
able to meet their payment obligations. Movements 
for the year relating to write-down of receivables 
pertaining to sales and services are shown below.

note 2.1.b. inventory
(DKKm)

Inventory, gross
Write-downs
total inventory

Raw materials and consumables
Work in progress
Finished goods and goods for resale
total inventory

note 2.1.c. trade receivables
(DKKm)

trade receivables
Trade receivables before provision for bad debts
Provision for bad debts
total trade receivables, net

Write-down for bad debts, 1 January
Foreign currency translation adjustments
Addition
Additions regarding Mergers and Acquisitions
Write-downs used
write-down for bad debts, 31 December

 7,562 
 6,762 
-7,564
6,760
 2,018 
8,778

7,728
-166
 7,562 

 1,665 
 684 
 5,213 
 7,562 

 6,853 
 -91 
 6,762 

 82 
 1 
 11 
 -   
 -3 
 91 

 6,034 
 6,723 
 -6,866 
 5,891 
 1,677 
 7,568 

 6,115 
 -81 
 6,034 

 1,464 
 534 
 4,036 
 6,034 

 6,805 
 -82 
 6,723 

82
-
-
1
-1
 82 

  Financial review

Reduced funds tied up in working capital has in 
recent years contributed to financing growth and 
reducing leverage and it remains high on Arla’s 
financial agenda under the project Programme Zero.

Processes across the group have been optimised-
with focus on terms of payment to both customers 
and suppliers. In 2013, we intensified our focus on 
reducing inventory by optimising internal planning 
and forecasting accuracy. Despite these initiatives, 
inventory has increased DKK 1,528m. The main 
reason relates to increased activity including large 

amounts of stock volumes being held in order to 
secure supply for new contracts starting in 2014. 
Inventory is further influenced by the increase in the 
prepaid milk price. All Programme Zero initiatives 
had an estimated effect of approx. DKK 1,100m in 
2013. 

68

69

Consolidated finanCial statements/notes 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
note 3. Other operating assets and  
other operating liabilities

DEVELOPMENT TANGIBLE AND 
INTANGGIBLE ASSETS (DKKm)

note 3.1.a. intangible assets (continued)
(DKKm)

GOODWILL

 LICENCES AND 
TRADEMARKS ETC. 

IT DEVELOPMENT

TOTAL

In 2013, Arla invested just over DKK 3,9bn in capacity increases, efficiency and environmental  
improvements, quality and innovation. The aim is to contribute to increasing the profitability of Arla’s 
business globally, thereby improving long-term earnings for Arla’s cooperative members. At the 
same time, we want to make production more efficient and environment-friendly.

In this note, both the Group’s intangible assets and property, plant and equipment are specified as 
well as their development and any depreciation/amortisation. Intangible assets and property, plant 
and equipment represent the majority of the Group’s non-current assets. 

Additionally, the note specifies impairment tests about which there is a high degree of uncertainty, 
and therefore a sensitivity analysis has also been carried out. 

,

2
1
0
8
6

2
0
1
2

-
1
2
6

-
3
8
9

-
3
2
2

,

2
2
4
2
0

,

+
4
3
6
0

,

-
2
1
8
9

Aylesbury, UK
DP, DK
Pronsfeld, GE
Nr Vium, DK
Westbury, UK
Taulov, DK

I

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s
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m
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n
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s

D
e
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nOte 3.1. intangiBLe aSSetS

  accounting policies

Goodwill
Goodwill represents the premium paid by the Group 
above the fair value of the net assets of an acquired 
company.  

On initial recognition, goodwill is recognised at cost 
as described under ‘Business combinations’. 
Goodwill is subsequently measured at cost less any 
accumulated impairment. The carrying amount of 
goodwill is allocated to the Group’s cash-generating 
entities that follow the management structure and 
internal financial management. Cash-generating  

entities are the smallest group of assets which is 
able to generate independent cash inflows.

Licences and trademarks
Licences and trademarks are initially recognised at 
cost. The cost is subsequently amortised on a 
straight-line basis over their expected useful lives, 
however, with a maximum period of 20 years.

IT development
Costs incurred during the research phase in carrying 
out general assessments of the Group’s IT needs 
and available technologies are expensed as incurred.
Directly attributable costs incurred during the 

IT development stage relating to the design, 
programming, installation and testing of projects 
before they are ready for commercial use are 
capitalised as intangible assets. Such costs are only 
capitalised provided the expenditure can be 
measured reliably, the project is technically and 
commercially viable, future economic benefits are 
probable and the Group intends to and has sufficient 
resources to complete and use the asset.  IT 
development is amortised on a straight-line basis 
over five to eight years.

note 3.1.a. intangible assets
(DKKm)

GOODWILL

 LICENCES AND 
TRADEMARKS ETC. 

IT DEVELOPMENT

TOTAL

2013
Cost at 1 January
Exchange rate adjustments
Additions
Reclassification
Disposals
Cost at 31 December
Amortisation and impairments at 1 January
Exchange rate adjustments
Amortisation for the year
Reclassification
Amortisation of disposals
amortisation and impairment at 31 December
Carrying amount at 31 December

 4,622 
 -74 
 63 
 -   
 -   
 4,611 
 -   
 -   
 -   
 -   
 -   
 -   
 4,611 

 781 
 -29 
 27 
 -3 
 -   
 776 
 -392 
 25 
 -63 
 3 
 -   
 -427 
 349 

 1,397 
 -7 
 226 
 116 
 -261 
 1,471 
 -966 
 2 
 -156 
 -3 
 261 
 -862 
 609 

 6,800 
 -110 
 316 
 113 
 -261 
 6,858 
 -1,358 
 27 
 -219 
 -   
 261 
 -1,289 
 5,569 

2012
Cost at 1 January
Exchange rate adjustments
Additions
Mergers and acquisitions
Reclassification
Disposals
Cost at 31 December
Amortisation and impairment at 1 January
Exchane rate adjustments
Amortisation for the year
Reclassification
Amortisation of disposals
amortisation and impairment at 31 December
Carrying amount at 31 December

 3,904 
 62 
 -   
 656 
 -   
 -   
 4,622 
 -   
 -   
 -   
 -   
 -   
 -   
 4,622 

 770 
 7 
 18 
 4 
 5 
 -23 
 781 
 -322 
 -4 
 -63 
 -5 
 2 
 -392 
 389 

 1,260 
 1 
 118 
 22 
 11 
 -15 
 1,397 
 -859 
 -1 
 -113 
 -5 
 12 
 -966 
 431 

 5,934 
 70 
 136 
 682 
 16 
 -38 
 6,800 
 -1,181 
 -5 
 -176 
 -10 
 14 
 -1,358 
 5,442 

INTANGIBLE ASSETS
2013

INTANGIBLE ASSETS
2012

Goodwill DKKm 4,611

Licenses and  
trademarks etc. DKKm 349

IT-development DKKm 609 

Goodwill DKKm 4,622

Licenses and  
trademarks etc. DKKm 389

IT-development DKKm 431

  Financial review

Intangible assets were DKK 5,569m compared with  
DKK 5,442m last year. Amortisation was DKK -219m. 
There was no impairment in 2013. 

Goodwill
Opening balances for goodwill primarily related to 
Arla Foods UK, Arla Ingman in Finland and Milko in 
Sweden. Impairment testing did not indicate a need 
for impairment of goodwill in 2013. Goodwill related 
to Finland has been monitored closely due to the 
challenging competitive situation in previous

years. However impairment testing showed no need 
for impairment in 2013 as the expected profit was 
delivered. The investment continues to be subject to 
a certain risk. Total goodwill related to Finland 
amounts to DKK 298m.

Licences and trademarks.
The opening balances for licences and trademarks 
primarily includes Cocio®, Anchor®, God Morgon®, 
Hansano® and import licenses in Canada. 

IT development
Arla continues to invest in the development of IT. 
Investments are part of normal business operations. 
In 2013 focus has been on our transition of the IT 
infrastructure and support to NNIT, and on the 
integration of MUH and Milk Link into Arla’s IT 
platform. 

70

71

Consolidated finanCial statements/notes 
 
 
 
 
 
nOte 3.2. iMpairMent teStS

  accounting policies

Impairment
Impairment is indicated where the carrying amount 
of an asset is greater than its recoverable amount 
through either use or sale. For impairment testing, 
assets are grouped together into the smallest group of 
assets that generates cash inflows from continuing use 
(cash-generating unit) that are largely independent of 
the cash inflows of other assets or cash-generating units.

Goodwill is subjected to an impairment test at least 
once a year. The carrying amount is tested for 
impairment together with the other non-current 
assets in the cash-generating unit to which the 
goodwill is allocated. The recoverable amount of 
goodwill is recognised as the present value of the 
expected future net cash flows from the cash-gener-
ating unit to which the goodwill is linked, discounted 
using a pre-tax discount rate that reflects the current 
market assessments of the time value of money and 
risks specific to the asset or cash-generating unit. 

Impairment of goodwill is recognised on a separate 
line in the income statement and is not reversed.

note 3.2.a. impairment tests
(DKKm)

2013
Finland
UK
Sweden
Other
total carrying amount as at 31 December

2012
Finland
UK
Sweden
Other
total carrying amount as at 31 December

The carrying amount of other non-current assets is 
assessed annually to determine whether there is any 
indication of impairment. The assets are measured 
on the balance sheet at the lower value of the 
recoverable amount and the carrying amount. 
The recoverable amount of other non-current 
assets is the higher value of the asset’s value in use 
and the market value (fair value), less expected 
disposal costs. The value in use is calculated as the 
present value of the estimated future net cash flows 
from the use of the asset or the cash-generating 
unit of which the asset is part of. 

An impairment loss on other non-current assets is 
recognised in the income statement under 
production, sales and distribution costs or 
administration costs, respectively. Impairment made 
is reversed to the extent that the assumptions and 
estimates that led to the impairment have changed. 
An impairment loss is reversed only to the extent 
that the asset’s carrying amount does not exceed 
the carrying amount that would have been 
determined, net of depreciation or amortisation, if 
no impairment loss had been recognised.

  uncertainties and estimates

The estimated useful lives of amortised and 
depreciated intangible assets and property, plant 
and equipment are reviewed regularly. Impairment 
tests for goodwill are performed every year and for 
other intangible assets when there are indications of 
impairment. An estimate is made as to whether the 
parts of the cash-generating unit to which the asset 
belongs will have the capacity to generate 
sufficiently positive net cash flows in the future 
(value in use) to support the carrying value of the 
asset and other net assets for the relevant part of 
the business. 

Because of the nature of the company, significant 
estimates are made of anticipated cash flows 
together with an assessment of the long-term 
growth rate as well as an assessment of a 
reasonable discount rate reflecting the risks 
inherent in the asset or cash-generating unit, which 
naturally results in a certain degree of uncertainty. 
Changes in the future cash flow or discount rate 
estimates used may result in materially different 
values.

CARRYING AMOUNT, 
GOODWILL
 298 
 3,702 
 132 
479
4,611

appLieD key aSSuMptiOnS

DISCOUNT RATE, 
NET OF TAX
7.3%
7.5%
7.7%
7.4%

DISCOUNT RATE, 
BEFORE TAX
9.0%
8.3%
9,9%
7.8%

 298 
 3,744 
132
448
 4,622 

7.6%
7.8%
7.7%
7.6%

10.1%
10.2%
9.9%
8.4%

  Financial review

Procedure for impairment tests
Arla performs goodwill impairment testing annually 
and testing on general intangible assets when there 
is indication of impairment. Impairment testing is 
performed for each business area, since these 
represent the lowest level for cash-generating units 
(CGU’s) to which the carrying amount of intangible 
assets can be allocated and monitored with reasonable 
certainty. This level of allocation and monitoring of 
intangible assets should be seen in the context of the 
Group’s efforts to integrate acquired enterprises as 
rapidly as possible to be able to realise synergies.

The Group’s goodwill for the business area 
Consumer UK was generated in connection with the 
purchase of the British Express Dairies in 2003 and 
2007, the acquisition of full ownership of AFF in 
2009 and the 2012 Milk Link merger. In Consumer 

Finland, the goodwill arose in connection with the 
2007 purchase of Ingman. The remaining goodwill 
arose from the 2006 purchase of Tholstrup and the 
2011 merger with Milko. The combined business 
areas Consumer DK and Consumer SE support the 
export business of Consumer International. This 
means that these earnings contribute to support 
the value of the assets here. That is the reason these 
goodwill amounts are tested together. There is no 
goodwill related to the business areas Consumer 
Germany & Netherlands and Arla Foods Ingredients.

Applied estimates
The recoverable amount for each cash-generating unit 
is determined based on its value in use. Calculations 
are based on forecasts that cover the following four 
fiscal years. The performed impairment tests do not 
include actual growth in the terminal value. In the 
applied forecasts, the milk is the most significant cost. 
The milk is recognised at a milk price that corresponds 
to the expected price at the time the test is performed. 

A discount rate (WACC) is applied for the specific 
business areas based on assumptions about interest 
rates, tax and risk premiums. 

Test results
No impairments were performed of intangible assets in 
2013. For goodwill in Finland, there was indication of an 
impairment loss because of the challenging 
competitive situation. Impairment testing showed that 
there was no need for impairments in 2013. In that 
regard, sensitivities to changes in milk prices and 
discount rates have been calculated. The discount rate 
may rise by 3.5 percentage points before the need for 
impairment arises. In 2013, underlying earnings 
improved over 2012. 

In our opinion, there are no significant risks to the 
Group’s general goodwill and there is no indication 
of impairment need for other intangible assets.

nOte 3.3. prOperty, pLant anD eQuipMent

  accounting policies

Property, plant and equipment are measured at cost 
less accumulated depreciation and impairment. 
Depreciation aims to allocate the cost of the asset, 
less any amounts estimated to be recovered at the 
end of its expected use, to the periods in which the 
Group obtains benefits from its use. Plant under 
construction, land and decommissioned plants are 
not depreciated.

Cost
Cost comprises the acquisition price as well as costs 
directly associated with the asset until such time as 
the asset is ready for its intended use. For 
self-constructed assets, cost comprises direct and 
indirect costs relating to materials, components, 
payroll etc. and the borrowing costs from specific 
and general borrowing that directly concerns the 
construction of assets. 

If significant parts of an item of property, plant and 
equipment have different useful lives, they are 
recognised as separate items (major components). 
When component parts are replaced, any remaining 
carrying value of replaced parts is removed from the 
balance sheet and recognised as an accelerated 
depreciation charge in the income statement. 
Subsequent expenditure items of property, plant 

and equipment are only recognised as an addition 
to the carrying amount of the item, when it is likely 
that incurring the cost will result in financial benefits 
for the Group. Other costs for e.g. general repair and 
maintenance are recognised in the income 
statement when incurred. 

Depreciation
Property, plant and equipment are depreciated on a 
straight-line basis from the time of acquisition, or 
when the asset is available for use based on an 
assessment of the anticipated useful life.
The estimated useful lives are as follows:
  Office buildings – 50 years
  Production buildings – 20 years
  Technical facilities and machinery – 5-20 years
  Other fixtures and fittings, tools and equipment 
– 3-7 years

The depreciation base is measured taking into 
account the residual value of the asset, being the 
estimated value the asset can generate through  
sale or scrappage at the end of its useful life, and 
reduced by the impairment made, if any.  
The residual value is determined at the date of 
acquisition and is reviewed annually. Depreciation 
ceases when the carrying value of an item is lower 
than the residual value. Changes during the 
depreciation period or in the residual value are 

treated as changes to the accounting estimates, the 
effective of which is adjusted only in the current and 
future periods. Depreciation, to the extent it does 
not form part of the cost of self-constructed assets, 
is recognised in the income statement as 
production, sales and distribution costs or 
administration costs. 

  uncertainties and estimates

Estimates are made in assessing the useful lives of 
items of property, plant and equipment that 
determine the period over which the depreciable 
amount of the asset is expensed to the income 
statement. The depreciable amount of an item of 
property, plant and equipment is a function of the 
asset’s cost or carrying amount and its residual 
value.  Estimates are made in assessing the amount 
that the Group can recover at the end of the useful 
life of an asset.  An annual review of the appropriate-
ness of the depreciation method, useful life and 
residual values of items of property, plant and 
equipment is undertaken.  

72

73

Consolidated finanCial statements/notesnote 3.3.a. property, plant and equipment
(DKKm)

2013
Cost at 1 January
Exchange rate adjustments
Additions
Transferred from assets in course of construction
Disposals
Cost at 31 December
Depreciation and impairments at 1 January
Exchange rate adjustments
Depreciation for the year
Impairment for the year
Depreciation on disposals
Depreciation and impairment at 31 December
Carrying amount at 31 December
Of which assets held under finance lease

2012
Cost at 1 January
Exchange rate adjustments
Additions
Mergers and acquisitions
Transferred from assets in course of construction
Disposals
Cost at 31 December
Depreciation and impairments at 1 January
Exchange rate adjustments
Depreciation for the year
Impairment for the year
Depreciation on disposals
Depreciation and impairment at 31 December
Carrying amount at 31 December
Of which assets held under finance lease

LAND AND 
BUILDINGS

 PLANT AND 
MACHINERY

 FIXTURES 
AND FITTING, 
TOOLS AND 
EQUIPMENT

ASSETS IN  
COURSE OF 
CONSTRUCTION

 8,234 
 -120 
327
1,277
 -390 
9,328
 -2,895 
 49 
 -438 
 -34 
 200 
 -3,118 
6,210
321

 7,448 
 123 
 30 
 632 
 244 
 -243 
 8,234 
 -2,597 
 -34 
 -331 
 -64 
 131 
 -2,895 
 5,339 
 41 

 14,165 
 -213 
732
1,530
-296
15,918
 -7,628 
 119 
 -1,304 
 -91 
 243 
-8,661
7,257
276

 12,537 
 191 
 170 
 602 
 1,168 
 -503 
 14,165 
 -6,849 
 -104 
 -1,126 
 -4 
 455 
 -7,628 
 6,537 
 319 

 3,052 
 -74 
228
233
 -144 
3,295
 -2,272 
 59 
 -228 
 -1 
 107 
 -2,335 
960
22

 2,799 
 74 
 100 
 70 
 142 
 -133 
 3,052 
 -2,132 
 -59 
 -197 
 -   
 116 
 -2,272 
 780 
 33 

 2,988 
 -59 
2,644
-3,040
-109
2,424
 -   
 -   
 -   
 -   
 -   
 -   
2,424
 -   

 1,270 
 36 
 3,019 
 233 
 -1,570 
 -   
 2,988 
 -   
 -   
 -   
 -   
 -   
 -   
 2,988 
 -   

TOTAL

 28,439 
 -466 
3,931
 -   
-939
30,965
 -12,795 
 227 
 -1,970 
 -126 
550
-14,114
16,851
619

 24,054 
 424 
 3,319 
 1,537 
 -16 
 -879 
 28,439 
 -11,578 
 -197 
 -1,654 
 -68 
 702 
 -12,795 
 15,644 
 393 

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
2013

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
2012

DK DKKm 6,150

SE DKKm 2,686

UK DKKm 5,144

GE DKKm 1,775

FI DKKm 370

NL DKKm 295

Other DKKm 431

DK DKKm 5,454

SE DKKm 3,082

UK DKKm 4,356

GE DKKm 1,681

FI DKKm 367

NL DKKm 328

Other DKKm 376

  Financial review

The item property, plant and equipment totalled  
DKK 16,851m compared with DKK 15,644m last 
year. The largest part of Arla’s tangible assets is 
located in its core markets in Denmark, Sweden, 
Germany and the UK. 

In 2013, Arla executed the biggest investment plan 
in the history of the company. Investments were 
primarily made in dairy structure and increased 
capacity. The year’s investments add a total of  
DKK 3,931m to property, plant and equipment, 
mainly from investments in Arla’s core markets. 

The construction of the new dairy in Aylesbury, UK, 
was completed in October 2013. Construction costs 
were realised within budget estimates at DKK 
1,400m. 

The restructuring of yellow cheese, which involves 
moving production from Klovborg and Hjørring, has 
resulted in a capacity expansion investment at the 
Danish Taulov dairy of DKK 358m. 

Arla has entered into an agreement with a Chinese 
food business operator to produce milk powder for 
the baby foods segment. That order will involve 
expanding Arla’s milk powder facility at Arinco in 
Videbæk, an investment of DKK 111m.

At Arla Foods Ingredients’ plant Danmark Protein in 
Nr. Vium, an investment of DKK 98m was made in a 
new drying tower, which will be used in the joint 
venture partnership with German DMK. The plants 
have not yet been completed and have been 
recognised in assets under construction. 

Arla continues to strive for efficiency improvements 
by investing in new facilities, which also means 
centralising production. In 2013, Arla announced 
the closure of the dairies in Ashby, UK and 
Göteborg/Skövde, Sweden. As a result of this Arla 
has recognised an impairment on assets of  
DKK 126m.

nOte 3.4. BuSineSS COMBinatiOnS

  accounting policies

Recognition date and considerations
Newly acquired companies are recognised in the 
consolidated financial statements at the date when 
Arla obtains control. The purchase consideration is 
generally measured at fair value. If an agreement 
relating to a business combination requires that the 
purchase consideration be adjusted in connection 
with future events or the performance of certain 
obligations (contingent consideration), this portion 
of the purchase consideration is recognised at fair 
value at the date of acquisition. Changes in 
estimates relating to a contingent consideration are 
recognised in the income statement.  Costs directly 
attributable to the acquisition are recognised in the 
income statement as incurred.

identifiable net assets of the acquired company.  
Any goodwill that arises, which is not amortised, is 
tested annually for impairment. 

The methodology outlined above also applies to 
mergers with other cooperatives, where the owners 
of the acquired company become owners of Arla 
Foods amba: The purchase consideration is 
calculated as the acquisition date fair values of the 
assets transferred and equity instruments issued. 
Positive differences between the consideration and 
fair value are recognised as goodwill.

Divestment
Changes in the Group’s interest in a subsidiary that 
do not result in a loss of control are recognised as 
equity transactions.

  uncertainties and estimates

For mergers and acquisitions where Arla acquires 
control of the company in question, the purchase 
method is applied. There can be uncertainty 
associated with the identification of assets, liabilities 
and contingent liabilities, and with measuring the 
fair value at the time of acquisition. Significant 
estimates are made in the measurement of the fair 
value of the consideration transferred by Arla in the 
acquisition of companies where the owners of the 
company acquired become owners of Arla. The 
measurement of the fair value of the company 
acquired is often used to determine the value of the 
consideration transferred by Arla, as this is a more 
reliable valuation basis considering that Arla’s equity 
is not based on a quoted price.

The acquired assets, liabilities and contingent 
liabilities are generally measured at their fair value at 
the date of acquisition. 

Goodwill arises when the aggregate of the fair value 
of consideration transferred, previously held interest 
and the value assigned to non-controlling interest 
(NCI) holders exceeds the fair value of the 

When the Group loses control of a subsidiary,  
the carrying amount of the assets (including 
allocated goodwill) and liabilities of the subsidiary, 
together with any related NCI and other  
components of equity, such as foreign currency 
reserves, are derecognised. Gains and losses arising 
from divestments are recognised in the income 
statement under other operating income and costs.

note 3.4.a. Business combinations

Mergers and acquisitions in 2013
Arla made no acquisitions during 2013.

74

75

Consolidated finanCial statements/notes 
 
 
 
 
note 3.4.a. Business combinations (continued)
(DKKm)

Mergers and acquisitions in 2012

Company
Milk Link Limited, UK
Milch-Union Hocheifel eG, Germany
Others

2012
Intangible assets (excl. goodwill)
Property, plant and equipment
Other assets
Liabilities
total net assets acquired
Goodwill
purchase price 
Cash in acquired company
Issued capital
Other payment
Cash payment during the year

INCOME STATEMENT 
CONSOLIDATED 
FROM

 HOLDING 
ACQUIRED

 REVENUE 
PER YEAR 

 NO. OF 
EMPLOYEES 

1 October
1 October
-

MILK LINK
 -   
 579 
 1,552 
 -1,902 
 229 
 629 
 858 
 -101 
 -396 
 -53 
 308 

100%
100%
100%

 MUH
 22 
 958 
 1,022 
 -1,679 
 323 
 -   
 323 
 -39 
 -291 
 -32 
 -39 

 4,743 
 5,330 
 34 

 OTHERS
 4 
 -   
 5 
 -9 
 -   
 27 
 27 
 -   
 -   
 -7 
 20 

 1,267 
 951 
 6 

TOTAL
 26 
 1,537 
 2,579 
 -3,590 
 552 
 656 
 1,208 
 -140 
 -687 
 -92 
 289 

  Financial review

Mergers and acquisitions in 2012:

Milk Link
On 1 October 2012, Arla merged with the British 
company Milk Link with an annual milk weighing-in 
of approx. 1.3bn kg. Milk Link primarily produces 
cheese both under its own brands and under retailer 
brands. Arla merged by paying DKK 409m. 
Furthermore, Arla issued DKK 396m in new 
contributed capital to Milk Link and – based on fair 
values of identified net assets – goodwill stood at 
DKK 629m. Goodwill could primarily be attributed to 
the premium paid for the capacity to establish a full 
dairy company as well as obtaining a market leading 
position in the British market.

The competition authorities stipulated that Arla was 
required to divest its UHT business in connection 
with the Crediton dairy as a condition for the 
executed merger. 

MUH
On 1 October 2012, Arla merged with the German 
company Milch-Union Hocheifel (MUH) with an 
annual milk weighing-in of approx. 1.3bn kg. MUH 
primarily produces UHT milk for the German market 
as well as for export. Arla merged by issuing DKK 
277m in new contributed capital as well as DKK 14m 
in non-distributed collective capital to MUH. 
Moreover, Arla assumed a liability of DKK 32m.

nOte 3.5. JOint ventureS anD aSSOCiateS

  accounting policies

Interests in joint ventures and associates
Interests in joint ventures and associates are 
recognised in the balance sheet using the equity 
method. The equity accounted investment is 

presented as a single line item and measured at the 
original cost, including any goodwill arising on acqui-
sition, together with the Group’s share of any 
post-acquisition profit or loss and OCI, prepared in 
accordance with the Group’s accounting policies. 

‘The Group’s share of the net profit or loss for the 
year for joint ventures and associates is recognised 
in the Group’s income statement.

note 3.5.a. Joint ventures
(DKKm)

2013
Revenue
Results after tax
Total assets
Total liabilities
Ownership share
Group share
Results after tax
recognised value, total

2012
Revenue
Results after tax
Total assets
Total liabilities
Ownership share
Group share
Results after tax
recognised value, total

ARNOCO GMBH, 
GERMANY

ARLA FOODS 
INGREDIENTS SA, 
ARGENTINA

BIOLAC GMBH, 
GERMANY

DAN VIGOR 
LTDA., BRAZIL

TOTAL 
INVESTMENTS IN 
JOINT VENTURES

 -   
 -3 
 273 
 79 

50%
 -1 
 78 

 512 
 41 
 609 
 327 

50%
 12 
 128 

 581 
 49 
 309 
 56 

50%
 30 
 127 

242
23
131
30

50%
 10 
 64 

1,335
110
1,322
492

 51 
 397 

ARNOCO GMBH, 
GERMANY

ARLA FOODS 
INGREDIENTS SA, 
ARGENTINA

ARLA FOODS UK 
FARMERS, UK

BIOLAC GMBH, 
GERMANY

DAN VIGOR 
LTDA., BRAZIL

TOTAL 
INVESTMENTS IN 
JOINT VENTURES

OTHERS

 -   
 -1 
 97 
 -   

50%
 1 
 45 

 449 
 40 
 559 
 310 

50%
 20 
 121 

 -   
 -   
 270 
 -   

50%
 -   
 88 

 555 
 75 
 315 
 66 

50%
 37 
 125 

 242 
 23 
 131 
 30 

50%
 16 
 65 

 -   
 -   
 -   
 -   

40-50%
 -45 
 -   

 1,246 
 137 
 1,372 
 406 

 29 
 444 

76

77

Consolidated finanCial statements/notes 
 
 
note 3.5.b. transactions with joint ventures
(DKKm)

Sale of goods to Joint Ventures
Purchase of goods from Joint Ventures
Trade receivables
Trade payables

note 3.5.c. associates
(DKKm)

2013
Revenue
Results after tax
Total assets
Total liabilities
Arla group share: 
Ownership interest
Net profit for the year
recognised value, total

2012
Revenue
Results after tax
Total assets
Total liabilities
Arla group share: 
Ownership interest
Net profit for the year
recognised value, total

note 3.5.d. transactions with associates
(DKKm)

Sale of goods to associates
Purchase of goods from associates
Trade receivables
Trade payables

2013 

2012

nOte 3.6. aSSetS HeLD FOr SaLe

CHINA COFCO DAIRY 
HOLDING LIMITED

SVENSK 
MJöLK 

 -   
50
4,296
 -   

5.7%
71
 1,770 

 81 
 38 
298
 120 

73%
11
 104 

CHINA COFCO DAIRY 
HOLDING LIMITED

SVENSK 
MJöLK

 -   
 661 
 4,468 
 -   

5.9%
 39 
 1,732 

 147 
 3 
 236 
 50 

51%
 5 
 90 

 129 
 2 
 41 
 2 

OTHERS

 75 
 3 
 996 
 743 

30-50%
7
 82 

OTHERS

 75 
 3 
 996 
 743 

30-50%
 -   
 84 

 112 
 -   
 83 
 -   

TOTAL 
INVESTMENTS IN 
ASSOCIATES

 142 
 697 
 5,597 
 808 

89
 1,956 

TOTAL 
INVESTMENTS IN 
ASSOCIATES

 222 
 667 
 5,700 
 793 

 44 
 1,906 

2013

2012

 205 
 204 
 34 
 9 

 247 
 165 
 25 
 15 

  accounting policies

Assets held for sale are non-current assets and 
divestment groups whose value will highly probable 
to be recovered through a sale within 12 months 
rather than ongoing use within the Group’s 
operations. Assets held for sale and divestment 
groups are measured at the lower of their carrying 
amount at the classification date as ‘held for sale’ 

and their fair value, less cost to sell. Property, plant 
and equipment and intangible assets are not 
depreciated or amortised from the time they are 
classified as ‘held for sale.’ Any impairment loss on a 
divestment group is allocated first to goodwill, and 
then to the remaining assets and liabilities on a pro 
rata basis, except that no loss is allocated to items 
that continue to be measured in accordance with 
the Group’s other accounting policies, such as 

inventories, financial assets and deferred tax assets. 
Impairment that arises at the initial classification as 
‘held for sale’, and any profit or loss in connection 
with subsequent remeasurement is recognised in 
the income statement under the items to which it 
relates. 

note 3.6.a. assets 
(DKKm)

assets held for sale comprise the following individual assets:
Fixed assets
Current assets
Carrying amount assets

note 3.6.b. Liabilities
(DKKm)

Liabilities associated with assets held for sale:
Current liabilities
Carrying amount, liabilities

  Financial review

Assets classified as held for sale in 2012 primarily 
concerned the UHT business relating to the dairy in 
Crediton, UK. In connection with the merger with 
Milk Link, the competition authorities required this 
part of the business to be sold. This took place in 
2013. 

Assets and liabilities classified as held for sale 
moreover relate to land and buildings, which are 
expected to be sold off within the next 12 months. 
In 2013 the assets held for sale amounts to DKK 
200m, which consist of land in the UK.

2013 

2012 

 200 
 -   
 200 

 262 
 94 
 356 

2013

2012

 -   
 -   

 49 
 49 

  Financial review

During 2013, Arla’s owners and AFMP farmers in the 
UK decided on a merger. As a consequence, Arla 
acquired the remaining 50 per cent ownership share 
of Arla Foods UK Farmers J.V. Company Limited, UK, 
and hereby bought the minority share of the Arla UK 
business. 

In 2012, Arla invested DKK 1,8bn in an equity 
interest in COFCO Dairy Holdings Limited, which 
makes Arla an indirect co-owner of the largest 
Chinese dairy business, China Mengniu Dairy 
Company Limited that is registered at the Hong 
Kong Stock Exchange. Mengniu publishes its annual 
report in March 2014.

The computation of Arla’s share of profit of the year 
and share of equity is based on the latest published 
financial information from the company, other 
publicly available information on the company’s 
financial development and the effect of re-assessed 
net assets. Fair value of shares 31 December 2013 
equals DKK 2,706m

78

79

Consolidated finanCial statements/notes 
nOte 3.7. prOviSiOnS

  accounting policies

reporting date for the persons affected by the plan. 
No provision is made for future operating losses. 

  uncertainties and estimates

Provisions
The provisions in the balance sheet represent the 
best estimate of the amount that will be required to 
settle either a present legal or constructive 
obligation arising from a past event, and it is 
probable that the Group will be required to pay an 
amount that can be reliably estimated. The 
obligation arises as a result of present legal or 
constructive obligations. 

Restructuring provisions
Costs relating to restructurings are recognised as 
liabilities when a detailed, formal plan for the restruc-
turing is published no later than at the 

Onerous contracts
A provision for onerous contracts is recognised 
when the expected benefits to be derived by the 
Group from a contract are lower than the 
unavoidable cost of meeting its obligations under 
the contract. 

Insurance provisions
Insurance provisions are recognised on the basis of 
the risk relating to future payment of losses, injuries 
or damages that have already occurred. Insurance 
provisions primarily cover provisions relating to 
occupational injuries.

Provisions are particularly associated with estimates 
on restructurings and insurance provisions. The 
scope and size of onerous contracts as well as 
employee and other liabilities related to the 
restructuring are also estimated. Insurance 
provisions are assessed based on historical records 
of, among other things, the number of insurance 
events and related costs. 

note 3.7.a. provisions
(DKKm)

2013
Provisions at 1 January
Exchange rate adjustments
New provisions during the year
Reversals
Used during the year
provisions at 31 December
Current provisions
Other non-current provisions
total provisions

2012
Provisions at 1 January
Exchange rate adjustments
New provisions during the year
Reversals
Used during the year
provisions at 31 December
Current provisions
Non-current provisions
total provisions

INSURANCE 
PROVISIONS

RESTRUCTURING 
PROVISIONS

OTHER 
PROVISIONS

 130 
 -   
 48 
 -37 
 -26 
 115 
 49 
 66 
 115 

 128 
 -   
 33 
 -13 
 -18 
 130 
 53 
 77 
 130 

 81 
 -1 
 167 
 -   
 -81 
 166 
 166 
 -   
 166 

 117 
 3 
 59 

 -98 
 81 
 81 

 81 

 54 
 -2 
81
 -1 
 -33 
99
99
 -   
99

 78 
 1 
 33 
 -8 
 -50 
 54 
 54 

 54 

  Financial review

Provisions totalled DKK 380m as at 31st December 
2013, which represents an increase of DKK 115m 
compared to last year. Provisions primarily pertain to 
insurance provisions (occurred but not reported) 
and restructuring provisions. 

Insurance provisions primarily concern occupational 
injuries. Payment relating to these totalled 

DKK 26m in 2013 (2012: DKK 18m). New provisions 
of DKK 48m were recognised. 

Restructuring provisions pertained to the 
decommissioning of facilities related to restructuring; 
Ashby in UK and Göteborg in Sweden will be closed. 
Minor new provisions were made for redundancies 
in connection with the efficiency programmes. 

Restructuring provisions were reduced over the 
course of the year in line with disbursements of 
termination benefits, etc. Other provisions include 
such charges as onerous contracts. 

With the exception of occupational injuries, all 
provisions are expected to be exercised within one 
year. 

80

note 4. Financial Matters

This note describes the Group’s capital structure, financing, liquidity and related items. Arla’s investments are financed with both equity 
and with external funding. The balance between the two is expressed in the equity ratio.

The Group’s net interest-bearing debt (NIBD) consists of current and non-current liabilities to banks and credit institutions, less 
interest-bearing assets. Arla’s definition of leverage is the ratio between Net interest bearing debt including pensions and EBITDA and 
expresses the Group capacity to service its debt. Arla’s long-term target range for leverage is between 2.8–3.4. The Group’s policy is to 
retain a credible balance between debt, equity and earnings resulting in a robust credit rating at investment grade level.

Financial risks are managed by the Corporate Treasury and Finance Department in accordance with the Treasury and Funding Policy 
approved by the Board of Directors. Arla’s ambition is to reduce its refinancing risk by ensuring a reasonable spread in its repayment 
profile for its interest bearing debt. Risks related to interest and foreign ex-changes rates are managed by use of derivatives. 

Hedging the volatility in milk prices is not within the scope of financial risk management, but an inherent component of the Arla  
business model.

NET INTEREST BEARING DEBT
(DKKm)

21,000

18,000

15,000

12,000

9,000

6,000

3,000

0

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

4.0

NIBD 
incl. Pensions

Leverage

Target range 
- leverage
2.8-3.4

3.5

3.0

2.5

2.0

nOte 4.1. FinanCiaL iteMS

  accounting policies

Financial income and financial costs
Interest income and costs as well as capital gains 
and losses etc. are recognised in the income 
statement at the amounts that can be attributed to 
the period. Additionally, financial items comprise 
realised and unrealised value adjustments of 

note 4.1.a. Financial income
(DKKm)

Interest, cash and cash equivalents
Interest, securities
Fair value adjustments etc.
Other financial income
Total financial income

securities and currency adjustments on financial 
assets and financial liabilities, depreciation of 
financial assets and liabilities as well as the interest 
portion of finance lease payment. Additionally, 
realised and unrealised gains and losses on financial 
derivative instruments not classified as hedging 
contracts are included. Borrowing costs from 
general borrowing or loans that directly relate to the 

acquisition, construction or development of 
qualified assets are attributed to the cost of such 
assets, and are therefore not included in financial 
costs.

Financial income and costs relating to financial 
assets and financial liabilities are recognised using 
the effective interest method. 

2013 

2012

 8 
 18 
 7 
 4 
 37 

 10 
 48 
 38 
 5 
 101 

81

Consolidated finanCial statements/notes 
note 4.1.b. Financial costs
(DKKm)

Financial costs on financial instruments measured at amortised cost
Foreign exchange losses (net)
Fair value adjustments 
Interest, pension obligations
Interest transferred to property, plant and equipment
Other financial cost
Total financial costs

  Financial review

Finance income and costs totalled a net DKK 660
million in 2013 against DKK 518 million in 2012.
The increase primarily relates  to foreign
exchange adjustments , fair value adjustments and 
increasing interest expense due to higher net 
interest bearing debt.

As a result of increasing borrowing activities, the
Group’s finance costs increased compared with
last year. Average net interest cost, excluding 
pensions, totalled 3.1% compared with 2.9% in 
2012.

2013 

2012

-434
 -165 
 -3 
-112
 30 
-13
 -697 

 -440 
 -131 
 -   
-46
 11 
-13
 -619 

note 4.2.a. Borrowings
(DKKm)

Long-term borrowings:
Issued bonds
Mortgage credit institutions
Bank borrowings
Finance lease liabilities
Other payables
total

Short-term borrowings:
Mortgage credit institutions
Bank borrowings
Commercial papers
Finance lease liabilities
Other payables
total

2013 

2012

 2,508 
6,143
 4,265 
 430 
 54 
13,400

 77 
5,221
 1,155 
 147 
 16 
6,616

 1,309 
 5,943 
 4,245 
 411 
 78 
 11,986 

 56 
 6,529 
 549 
 135 
 -   
 7,269 

nOte 4.2 net intereSt-Bearing DeBt

  accounting policies

Financial instruments
Financial instruments are recognised at the date of 
trade.

Arla ceases recognising financial assets when the 
contractual rights to the underlying cash flows 
either cease to exist or are transferred to the 
purchaser of the financial asset and substantially all 
risks and rewards related to ownership are also 
transferred to the purchaser.

Financial assets and liabilities are offset and the net 
amount presented in the balance sheet when and 
only when the Group obtains a legal right of 
offsetting and either intends to offset or settle the 
financial asset and the liability simultaneously.

Available-for-sale financial assets
Financial assets classified as available for sale consist 
of mortgage credit bonds, which correspond in part 
to raised mortgage debt.

Available-for-sale financial assets are measured on 
first-time recognition at fair value plus transaction 
costs. The financial assets are subsequently 
measured at fair value with adjustments made in 
other comprehensive income and accumulated in 
the reserve. Interest income, impairment as well as 
foreign currency translation adjustments of debt 
instruments are recognised in the income 
statement on a continuous basis under financial 
income and financial expenses.

For sales of financial assets classified as available for 
sale, realised gains or losses are recognised under 
financial income and financial expenses. 

Financial assets measured at fair value 
Securities classified at fair value consist primarily of 
listed securities, which are monitored, measured and 
reported continuously in accordance with the 
Group’s Treasury and Finance policy. Changes in the 
fair value are recognised in the income statement 
under financial income and financial expenses.

Liabilities
Debts to mortgage and credit institutions etc. as well 
as issued bonds are measured at the trade date 
upon first recognition at fair value plus transaction 
costs. Subsequently, liabilities are measured at 
amortised cost with the difference between the loan 
proceeds and the nominal value recognised in the 
income statement over the expected life of the loan.

Capitalised residual lease obligations relating to 
finance lease agreements are recognised under 
liabilities, measured at amortised cost. 

Other financial liabilities are measured at amortised 
cost.

Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents consist of readily 
available cash at bank and deposits together with 
exchange listed debt securities with an original 
maturity of three months or less, which have only an 
insignificant risk of changes in value and can be 
readily converted to cash or cash equivalents. 

total long-term and short-term borrowings

 20,016 

 19,255 

note 4.2.b. net interest-bearing debt
(DKKm)

Securities, cash and cash equivalents
Other interest-bearing assets
Current liabilities
Non-current liabilities
net interest-bearing debt excl. pension liabilities
Pension liabilities
net interest-bearing debt incl. pension liabilities

 -4,560 
-190
 6,616 
13,400
 15,266 
 2,593 
 17,859 

 -5,093 
 -146 
 7,318 
 11,937 
 14,016 
 3,129 
 17,145 

82

83

Consolidated finanCial statements/notesnote 4.2.c. net interest-bearing debt excl. pension obligations, maturity
(DKKm)

31 December 2013
DKK
EUR
GBP
SEK
Other
total 

31 December 2012
DKK
EUR
GBP
SEK
Other
total 

total
 5,632 
 3,373 
 2,212 
 3,745 
 304 
 15,266 

total
 6,643 
 1,943 
 2,797 
 2,100 
 533 
 14,016 

2014
 -304 
 842 
 261 
 1,217 
 16 
 2,032 

2013
 437 
 375 
 500 
 784 
 217 
 2,313 

2015
 102 
 536 
 545 
 8 
 285 
 1,476 

2014
 5 
 587 
 1.349 
 9 
 314 
 2,264 

2016
 157 
 162 
 96 
 1,259 
 -   
 1,674 

2015
 249 
 303 
 575 
 -   
 -   
 1,127 

2017
 172 
 577 
 1,195 
 -   
-
 1,944 

2016
 148 
 290 
 -   
 1,307 
 -   
 1,745 

2018
 188 
 309 
 67 
 1,249 
-
 1,813 

2017
 298 
 22 
 366 
 -   
 -   
 686 

2019
 392 
 553 
 12 
-
-
 957 

2018
 376 
 358 
 -   
 -   
 -   
 734 

2020 2021-2023 After 2023
 3,369 
 1,149 
 407 
 140 
 51 
 203 
-
 24 
 12 
-
 12 
-
 2 
 1 
-
 3,511 
 1,237 
 622 

2019 2020-2022 After 2022
 4,204 
 551 
 375 
 -   
 1 
 7 
 7 
 -   
 -   
 -   
 -   
 -   
 2 
 -   
 -   
 4,213 
 552 
 382 

MATURITY OF NET INTEREST BEARING DEBT, 2013 PERSPECTIVE, 
(DKKm)

MATURITY OF NET INTEREST BEARING DEBT, 2012 PERSPECTIVE, 
(DKKm)

4,500

4,000

3,500

3,000

2,500

2,000

1,500

1,000

500

0

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

2021-
2023

After
2023

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020-
2022

After
2022

Maturity profile

Unutilised committed facilities

Maturity profile

Unutilised committed facilities

4,500

4,000

3,500

3,000

2,500

2,000

1,500

1,000

500

0

84

note 4.2.d. interest rate risk as at 31 December
(DKKm)
2013
Issued bonds:
SEK 350m maturing 22.06.2016
SEK 1.000m maturing 04.06.2018
SEK 1,150m maturing 22.06.2016
SEK 500m maturing 04.06.2018
Total issued bonds

Mortgages credit institutions: 
Floating-rate
Fixed-rate
Total mortgages credit institutions

Bank borrowings:
Fixed rate
Floating-rate
Total bank borrowings

Commercial papers:
Fixed-rate
Total commercial papers

Finance lease liabilities:
Fixed-rate
Floating-rate
Total finance lease liabilities

2012
Issued bonds:
SEK 350m maturing 22.06.2016
SEK 1,150m maturing 22.06.2016
Total bonds issued

Mortgages credit institutions: 
Floating-rate
Fixed-rate
Total mortgages credit institutions

Bank borrowings:
Fixed rate
Floating-rate
Total bank borrowings

Commercial papers:
Fixed-rate
Total commercial papers

Finance lease liabilities:
Fixed-rate
Floating-rate
Total finance lease liabilities

INTEREST
 RATE

AVERAGE 
INTEREST RATE

FIXED 
FOR

CARRYING 
AMOUNT

INTEREST  
RATE RISK

Fixed
Fixed
Floating
Floating

Floating
Fixed

Fixed
Floating

Fixed

Fixed
Floating

Fixed
Floating

Floating
Fixed

Fixed
Floating

Fixed

Fixed
Floating

5.00%
3.25%
2.73%
2.78%
3.18%

1.24%
2.96%
1.24%

0.44%
1.59%
1.16%

1.72%
1.72%

5.03%
2.85%
3.48%

5.00%
3.10%
3.54%

1.20%
2.96%
1.20%

0.56%
1.65%
1.26%

2.35%
2.35%

5.05%
2.85%
4.59%

2-3 years
4-5 years
0-1 year
0-1 year

0-1 year
3-4 years

0-1 year
0-1 year

0-1 year

0-4 years
0-1 year

3-4 years
0-1 year

0-1 year
3-4 year

0-1 year
0-1 year

0-1 year

0-5 year
0-1 year

292
837
961
418
2,508

6,208
12
6,220

3,521
6,042
9,563

1,155
1,155

168
409
577

306
1,003
1,309

5,982
17
5,999

3,882
6,963
10,845

549
549

229
317
546

Fair value
Fair value
Cash flow
Cash flow

Cash flow
Fair value

Fair value
Cash flow

Fair value

Fair value
Cash flow

Fair value
Cash flow

Cash flow
Fair value

Fair value
Cash flow

Fair value

Fair value
Cash flow

85

Consolidated finanCial statements/notes 
 
The table below discloses the interest profile of Net Interest Bearing Debt at 31 December.

INTEREST PROFIL - NET INTEREST BEARING DEBT 2013

INTEREST PROFIL - NET INTEREST BEARING DEBT 2012

m
K
K
D
D
B
N

I

16,000

14,000

12,000

10,000

8,000

6,000

4,000

2,000

0

m
K
K
D
D
B
N

I

15,000

12,000

9,000

6,000

3,000

0

1Y

2Y

3Y

4Y

5Y

6Y

7Y

10Y

15Y

25Y

1Y

2Y

3Y

4Y

5Y

6Y

7Y

10Y

15Y

25Y

Fixed debt

Fixed via Swap

Fixed via options (delta)

Floating debt

Note 4.2.e. Currency profile of borrowings
(DKKm)

Currency profile of borrowings before and after derivative financial instruments 
2013
(DKKm) 
DKK 
EUR 
GBP 
SEK 
Other 
total

2012
DKK 
EUR 
GBP 
SEK 
Other 
total

 ORIGINAL PRINCIPAL
 5,632 
 3,373 
 2,212 
 3,745 
 304 
 15,266 

 6,643 
 1,943 
 2,797 
 2,100 
 533 
 14,016 

 EFFECT OF SWAP
 -830 
 1,253 
 1,666 
 -2,089 

 -   

 -830 
 871 
 1,266 
 -1,307 

 -   

 AFTER SWAP
 4,802 
 4,626 
 3,878 
 1,656 
 304 
 15,266 

 5,813 
 2,814 
 4,063 
 793 
 533 
 14,016 

  Financial review

The Group’s net interest-bearing debt, including 
pensions, increased from DKK 17,145 million  
at 31 December 2012 to DKK 17,859 million at  
31 December 2013.

Net interest-bearing debt, excluding pension
obligations, increased by DKK 1,250 million to
DKK 15,266 million at 31 December 2013,
primarily relating to investments in 

Property, plant and equipment, higher accounts 
receivable and stocks due to higher milk price. 

The Group’s leverage ratio decreased and totalled 
3.2 at 31 December 2013 (31 December 2012: 3.9). 
This is within the Group’s long-term objective of 
2.8-3.4, and the Group constantly focuses on 
reaching its objective.

The solvency ratio represented 28% at  
31 December 2013 compared with 25% at  
31 December 2012.

nOte 4.3. FinanCiaL riSkS

Financial risk management

Financial risks are an inherent part of Arla’s 
operating activities and Arla’s profit is therefore 
impacted by the developments in currencies, 
interest rates and certain types of commodities. The 
global financial markets are volatile and, thus, it is 
critical for Arla to have a well implemented financial 
risk management approach in order to mitigate 
short-term market volatilities while at the same time 
achieving the highest possible milk price.

Arla’s comprehensive financial risk management 
strategy and system builds on a thorough 
understanding of the interaction between Arla’s 
operating activities and the financial risks. The 
overall framework for managing financial risks (the 
Treasury and Funding Policy) is approved by the 
Board of Directors and managed centrally by the 
Corporate Treasury & Finance department. The 
Treasury and Funding Policy states risk limits for 
each type of financial risk, permitted financial 
instruments and counterparties.

Hedging the volatility of milk prices is not within the 
scope of financial risk management, but an inherent 
component of the Arla business model. 

Each month, the Board of Directors receives a report 
on Arla’s financial risk exposures from the Corporate 
Treasury & Finance department which manages the 
financial risks on a continuous basis. 

note 4.3.a. Liquidity risk

Related business activity
Liquidity is vital for Arla to be able to pay its financial 
liabilities as they become due.

Risk impact
Insufficient liquidity will hinder Arla in meeting its 
financial liabilities on a timely basis. This could cause 
breaches of loan covenants, reduce the ability to pay 
for cooperative owner milk and in the extreme 
impact Arla’s ability to continue as a going concern.

Mitigation process
Arla seeks to have diversified funding with a 
balanced mix in maturity and counterparties. Arla 
has centralised its cash management in order to 
optimise the cash position within the Group.

Performance indicator
Level of unutilised credit facilities and available cash 
and securities.

Policies and systems
The Treasury and Funding Policy states the 
threshold for minimum average maturity for net 

interest bearing debt and limitations on debt 
maturing within the next 12 and 24 months. 

Activities in 2013
In the 2013 acquired businesses has been included 
in the central cash management setup where after 
more than 90% are handled centrally. Credit  
facilities and free cash have during 2013 been on  
a comfortable level.

Liquidity reserves 
(DKKm)

Cash refunds
Securities (free cash flow)
Unutilised committed loan facilities
Other unutilised loan facilities
total

  Financial review

Arla manages liquidity risk by ensuring the 
availability of sufficient operating liquidity and credit 
facilities for operations. Any major acquisitions or 
investments are funded separately.

The management of the day-to-day liquidity flow
is, representing more than 90% of the net
revenue of the Group, conducted by Arla Foods
Finance A/S, via cash pool arrangements with the
Group’s banks. This secures a scalable and
efficient operating model.

Within Arla, the companies with excess liquidity
finance the companies with liquidity deficits. As a
result, the Group achieves a cost-efficient
utilising of credit facilities.

The credit facilities contains relaxed financial
covenants on Equity/Total Assets and minimum
Equity as well as standard non-financial
covenants. Arla did not in 2013 nor in 2012
default on or fail to fulfil any loan agreements.
Further information on net interest bearing debt
is provided in note 4.2.

2013

2012

 566 
 92 
1,858
 3,513 
6,029

 734 
 123 
 2,777 
 3,939 
 7,573 

The Group’s cash resources decreased from  
DKK 7,573 million at 31 December 2012 to  
DKK 6,029 million at 31 December 2013. The 
decrease was according to plan and  cash resources 
are continually managed at a comfortable level.

86

87

Consolidated finanCial statements/notes 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
note 4.3.b Funding activities

Access to funding is vital for Arla to be able to fulfil its 
strategy and ambitions.

Risk impact
Insufficient funding will hinder Arla in achieving its 
strategic ambitions.

Mitigation process
Arla seeks to have a diversified funding platform 
comprising bilateral bank financing, mortgage loans, 
supranationals, capital market bond issues, commer-
cial papers and financial leases. The funding of 
mergers, acquisitions and major investments is 

assessed separately. The funding strategy is 
supported by the members’ long-term commitment 
to invest in the company.

Performance indicator
Average maturity for interest-bearing debt. 
Diversified funding platform for both counterparties 
and markets. Counterparties’and investors’ 
perception of Arla as an investment grade credit.

Policies and systems
The Treasury and Funding Policy states the 
threshold for minimum average maturity for net 
interest bearing debt as well as a financing strategy 
approved by the Board of Directors. It is Arla’s 
objective to maintain its credit quality at a robust 
investment grade level.

Activities in 2013
During 2013 Arla has strengthened its funding 
platform by establishing an EMTN bond program 
enabling a fast and cost efficient access to the 
European bond program markets.

Gross financial liabilities
(DKKm)

Non-discounted contractual cash flows

2013
Issued bonds
Mortgage  
credit institutions
Credit institutions
Finance lease liabilities
Other non-current 
borrowings
Interest expense  
- interest-bearing debt
Trade payables 
Derivative instruments
total

2012
Issued bonds
Mortgage  
credit institutions
Credit institutions
Finance lease liabilities
Interest expense  
- interest-bearing debt
Trade payables 
Derivative instruments
total

Carrying 
aMOunt
 2,508 

 6,220 
 10,640 
 577 

tOtaL
 2,508 

 6,390 
 10,640 
 576 

2014
-

 79 
 6,512 
 147 

2015
-

 79 
 1,067 
 135 

2016
 1,259 

 157 
 321 
 126 

2017
-

 156 
 1,999 
 160 

2018
 1,249 

 180 
 223 
 8 

2019
-

 406 
 221 
-

2020
-

 407 
 220 
-

2021- 
2023
-

 1,440 
 77 
-

aFter
 2023
-

 3,486 
 -   
-

 70 

 70 

 16 

 16 

 16 

 16 

 6 

-

-

-

-

 -   
7,575
 623 
28,213

 1,082 
7,575
 907 
29,748

 208 
7,575
 423 
14,960

 160 
 -   
 171 
 1,628 

 152 
-
 104 
 2,135 

 96 
-
 68 
 2,495 

 82 
-
 56 
 1,804 

 54 
-
 30 
 711 

 49 
-
 5 
 681 

Carrying 
aMOunt
 1,309 

 5,999 
11,323
 546 

-
 6,881 
 864 
 26,922 

tOtaL
 1,307 

 6,011 
 11,855 
 546 

 1,073 
 6,881 
 1,282 
 28,955 

2013
-

 55 
 7,206 
 134 

 157 
 6,881 
 215 
 14,648 

2014
-

 70 
 2,493 
 266 

 142 
 -   
 165 
 3,136 

2015
-

 70 
 1,158 
 74 

 139 
-
 153 
 1,594 

2016
 1,307 

 150 
 189 
 60 

 131 
-
 138 
 1,975 

2017
-

 149 
 795 
 12 

 65 
-
 114 
 1,135 

2018
-

2019
-

 148 
 8 
-

 74 
-
 110 
 340 

 383 
 6 
-

 58 
-
 92 
 539 

 118 
-
 8 
 1,643 

2020- 
2022
-

 1,555 
-
-

 142 
-
 64 
 1,761 

 163 
-
 42 
 3,691 

aFter
 2022
-

 3,431 
-
-

 165 
-
 231 
 3,827 

assumptions
The contractual cash flows are based on the following assumptions:
  The cash flows are based on the earliest possible date at which Arla can be required to settle the financial liability.
  The interest rate cash flows are based on the contractual interest rate. Floating interest rate payment have been determined using the current floating rate for each 
item at the reporting date.

  Financial review

Arla applies a diversified funding strategy in order to 
mitigate the liquidity and refinancing risk and given 
the balanced funding to achieve an attractive low 
financing cost.

During 2013 Arla has raised following kind of 
funding:
  Credit institutions: Arla uses bank loans as part 
of the daily liquidity management. 
  Mortgage credit intitutions: Arla raises long-term 
funding by obtaining mortgage loans under the 
Danish Mortgage Act with mandatory security in 
land and buildings.

  Issued bonds: Arla made one issue in 2013. The 
issue was split between a five year SEK 1.000 
million bond with a fixed coupon of 3.25% and a 
SEK 500 million bond with a floating interest 
coupon of Stibor 3 months + 1.7%.
  Commercial papers: Arla raises short-term funding 
by having a commercial paper program in Sweden 
denominated in SEK and EUR. Currently the 
commercial papers are issued in SEK. The average 
utilization in 2013 has been in the level of  
1,000 million SEK.
  Repo: Arla raises short-term funding by entering 
into sale and repurchase arrangement of its 
investment in listed Danish Mortgage Bonds. This 
sale and repurchase agreement has been 
described in further details in note 4.6.

note 4.3.c. Currency risks

Related business activity
Currency risks arise from Arla’s export activities, 
investments and financing activities.

Risk impact on balance sheet
Changes in currency rates could cause volatility in 
the balance sheet, equity and cash flow.

Risk impact on profit
Volatility in currency rates impacts Arla’s revenue, 
cost of sales and financial items with a potential 
adverse effect on milk prices and cash flow.

Mitigation process
The majority of local funding are obtained in local 
currencies. Investments in subsidiaries are normally 
not hedged.

Mitigation process
The currency exposure is continuously managed by 
the Corporate Treasury & Finance department. The 
individual currency exposures are hedged in 
accordance with the Treasury and Funding Policy.

Performance indicator
Realised foreign exchange gains and losses and 
predictability in short-term performance.

REVENUE BY CURRENCY
2013

REVENUE BY CURRENCY
2012

GBP 27%

EUR 31%

SEK 16%

DKK 12%

USD 10%

Others 4%

GBP 26%

EUR 26%

SEK 19%

DKK 14%

USD 10%

Others 5%

Policies and systems
The Treasury and Funding Policy and a profound 
understanding of Arla’s business combined with a 
deep knowledge of the financial markets.

Activities in 2013
During 2013, Arla continued to hedge its forecasted 
sales and purchases in foreign currencies,  
always taking the current market situation into 
consideration.

88

89

Consolidated finanCial statements/notesnote 4.3.c. Currency risks (continued)

Currency exposures
(DKKm)

2013
Financial liabilities
Financial assets
Derivatives
net external exposures 
Net internal exposure from financial activities 
net exposures 

The net exposure relates to:  
Hedging of expected commercial cash flow that qualify for hedge accounting 
Hedging of expected commercial cash flow where hedge accounting is not used 
Exposure not hedged 

Applied sensitivity
Impact on profit or loss
Impact on OCI

2012
Financial liabilities
Financial assets
Derivatives
net external exposures 
Net internal exposure from financial activities 
net exposures 

The net exposure relates to:  
Hedging of expected commercial cash flow that qualify for hedge accounting 
Hedging of expected commercial cash flow where hedge accounting is not used 
Exposure not hedged 

Applied sensitivity
Impact on profit or loss
Impact on OCI

*) Incl SAR and AED

EUR/DKK

USD/DKK*)

GBP/DKK

SEK/DKK

 -3,212 
 3,386 
 -1,248 
 -1,074 
 -4 
 -1,078 

-
 -1,078 
-

1%
-11
0

 -2,099 
  2,014 
 -1,350 
 -1,435 
 440 
 -995 

 -   
 -995 
-

1%
-14
-

 -119 
 1,195 
 -2,181 
 -1,105 
 -65 
 -1,170 

-957
-213
-

5%
-11
-48

 -158 
 992 
 -1,750 
 -916 
 -96 
 -1,012 

 -727 
 -285 
-

5%
-14
-36

 -1,743 
 903 
 -3,496 
 -4,336 
 3,716 
 -620 

-936
0
316

5%
16
-47

 -233 
 1,212 
 -1,315 
 -336 
 -82 
 -418 

 -676 
-
 176 

5%
9
-34

 -3,842 
 304 
 1,545 
 -1,993 
 1,713 
 -280 

-167
-113
-

5%
-6
-8

 -1,984 
 473 
 340 
 -1,171 
 1,015 
 -156 

 -   
 -156 
-

5%
8
-

assumptions for the sensitivity analysis
The sensitivity analysis only includes currency 
exposures arising from financial instruments and 
thus, the analysis does not include the hedged 
future commercial transactions. The applied change 
in the exchange rate is based on the historical 
currency fluctuations and the sensitivity analysis 
assumes unchanged interest rate levels.

  Financial review

Arla operates in many different countries and has 
significant investment in operations outside 
Denmark, of which UK, Germany and Sweden 
represent the largest part of the business by net 
revenue, profit, and assets. A major part of the 
currency risk from net revenue denominated in 
foreign currencies are offset by sourcing in the same 
currency.

The currency risks primarily arise from transaction 
risks in the form of future commercial and financial 
payment and translation risks relating to investments 
in foreign operations in the form of subsidiaries, joint 
ventures and associated companies.

The financial instruments used to hedge the currency 
exposures need not to qualify for hedge accounting 
and hence, some of the applied financial instruments 
(i.e., option strategies) are accounted for as at fair 
value through profit or loss.

The transaction risks arise out of sales or sourcing in 
currencies different from the functional currency in 
each subsidiary. Measured in nominal DKK the 
Group’s consolidated risk is largest in EUR, followed by 
USD, GBP and SEK.

According to the Treasury Policy the Corporate 
Treasury & Finance department can hedge: 
  Up to 15 months of the net forecasted cash receipts 
and payables. The level of hedging activity is 
affected by factors such as the underlying business, 
currency rates and the time until forecasted cash 
flow will occur.
  Up to 100% of net recognized trade receivables and 
trade payables.

The EMG has the discretion to decide if and when 
investment in foreign operation should be hedged 
(translation risks).

This aggregate group level currency exposure is 
composed of all assets and liabilities denominated in 
foreign currencies, and economic hedged projected 
cash flows for unrecognized firm commitments, and 
anticipated transactions. This analysis excludes net 
foreign currency investments in subsidiaries together 
with instruments hedging these investments. The 
hedging relationships are fully effective and hence, 
the net impact on profit or loss and other compre-
hensive income from the movements in currency 
rates are negligible.

note 4.3.d interest rate risk

Related business activity
Interest rate risks arise from Arla’s funding
activities and pension liabilities.

Risk impact
An increase in interest rates impacts Arla’s financial 
items with an adverse effect on milk prices but with 
a positive impact in OCI from revaluation of pension 
liabilities and interest hedges.

Mitigation process
The interest rate exposures are continuously 
managed by the Corporate Treasury & Finance 
department. The exposures are hedged in 
accordance with the Treasury and Funding Policy.

Performance indicator
Predictability of realised funding costs.

Policies and systems
The Treasury and Funding Policy and a profound 
understanding of Arla’s business combined with a 
deep knowledge of the financial markets.

Activities in 2013
The interest rate risk from refinancing was partly 
hedged by entering into interest rate swaps.

Sensitivity based on a 1 percentage point increase in interest rates
(DKKm)

CARRYING VALUE

SENSITIVITY

Potential accounting impact
OCI

P/L

2013
Financial assets
Derivatives
Financial liabilities
niBD excl. pensions
Pensions
niBD incl. pensions
Following year’s cash flow impact

2012
Financial assets
Derivatives
Financial liabilities
niBD excl. pensions
Pensions
niBD incl. pensions
Following year’s cash flow impact

-4,750
 -   
 20,016 
15,266
 2,593 
17,859

 -5,239 
 -   
 19,255 
 14,016 
 3,129 
 17,145 

1%
1%
1%

1%

1%
1%
1%

1%

 41 
 62 
 -164 

 -21 

 -82 

 46 
 53 
 -157 

-

 -58 

 13 
 364 
 -   

-

 13 
 383 
 -   

-

  Financial review

Arla is exposed to interest-rate risks on interest 
bearing borrowings, pension obligations, interest 
bearing assets and the impairment test of 
non-current assets. The risk is divided between 
profit and loss exposure and exposure to other 
comprehensive income. The profit and loss 
exposure relates to net interest paid , valuation of 
marketable securities and potential impairments of 
fixed assets. The exposure to other comprehensive 
income relates to revaluation of net pension 
liabilities and interest hedging instruments.

The interest rate risk from net borrowing is managed 
by having an appropriate split between fixed and 
floating interest rates.

The Corporate Treasury & Finance department 
actively uses derivative financial instruments to 

reduce the risks related to fluctuations in the 
interest-rate and to manage the re-pricing profile of 
Arla’s debt. According to the Treasury Policy the 
average duration of the net interest bearing debt 
should be between 1 and 7.

Fair value sensitivity
A change in interest rates will impact the fair value of 
Arla’s interest bearing assets, interest rate derivative 
instruments and debt instruments measured at 
either fair value through profit or loss, or through 
other comprehensive income. The table above 
shows the fair value sensitivity. The sensitivity is 
based on a 1%-point increase in interest rates. A 
decrease in the interest rate would have the reverse 
effect. 

The sensitivity on pensions can be calculated for the 
pension obligation, however a large part of the 
assets is invested in non interest bearing assets like 
stocks and property where the sensitivity can’t be 

calculated and therefore we haven’t stated a 
sensitivity on the net pension obligation. 

Cash flow sensitivity
A change in interest rates will impact the interest 
rate payment on Arla’s un-hedged floating rate debt. 
The table above shows the one year cash flow 
sensitivity from 1%-point increase in interest rates 
on the un-hedged floating rate instruments 
recognised as at 31 December. A decrease in the 
interest rate would have the reverse effect.

The average duration of the Group’s net inter-
est-bearing debt, excluding pensions, was reduced 
from 3.5 at 31 December 2012 to 2.9 at  
31 December 2013 as a result of the raising of new 
variable loans and the time lapsed. Part of the new 
variable-rate loans has been converted into fixed 
interest rate loans by means of interest swaps.

90

91

Consolidated finanCial statements/notes 
 
note 4.3.e. Commodities

Related business activity
Commodity risks arise from Arla’s operating 
activities of buying energy, but also to a minor 
extent the commodities used in production.

Risk impact
Increased commodity prices impacts the cost of 
production and cost of distribution negatively. This 
could have an adverse effect on the milk price to 
members.

Mitigation process
Commodity price risks are mainly hedged by 
entering into fixed price contracts with suppliers. 
However, certain commodities, such as energy, are 
hedged using derivative financial instruments.

Performance indicator
Realised commodity prices.

Policies and systems
The commodity price risks are managed by Arla’s 
Corporate Supply Chain department. When financial 
contracts are used, this takes place in close 
collaboration with the Corporate Treasury and 
Finance department.

Activities in 2013
The level of hedging activities was the same as in 
previous years. 

Hedged commodities
(DKKm)

2013
Oil/natural gas
Electricity

2012
Oil/natural gas
Electricity

SENSITIVITY

CONTRACT 
VALUE

POTENTIAL 
ACCOUNTING 
IMPACT OCI

5%
5%

5%
5%

9
-32

1
-15

21
23

4
8

  Financial review

Arla is exposed to commodity risk on future 
commodity purchases. The risk mainly concerns 
energy commodities. The risk is divided between 
profit and loss exposure and exposure to other 
comprehensive income. The exposure to other 
comprehensive income (OCI) relates to the 
revaluation of commodities hedges. The Corporate 
Supply Chain department uses derivatives financial 
instruments to reduce the risk of fluctuations in the 

prices of energy commodities. The financial impact 
from derivative hedging contracts has been 
insignificant in 2013.

Fair value sensitivity
A change in commodity prices will impact the fair value 
of Arla’s hedged commodity derivative instruments 
measured though other comprehensive income. The 
table shows the sensitivity from 5% increase in 
commodity prices for hedged commodity purchases . 
A decrease in commodity prices would have the 
reverse effect.

note 4.3.f. Credit risk

Related business activity
Credit risks arise from Arla’s operating activities and 
engagement with financial counterparties.

Risk impact
Losses arising from either customers, suppliers or 
financial counterparties defaulting on their 
obligations towards Arla. Furthermore, the weak 
credit quality of a counterparty can reduce the 
ability to support Arla going forward, thereby 
jeopardising the Group’s fulfilment of its strategy.

Mitigation process
Arla has an extensive credit risk policy and uses 
credit insurance and other trade finance products 
extensively in connection with export. If a customer 
payment is late, internal procedures are followed to 
mitigate losses. Arla uses a limited number of 
financial counterparties.

Performance indicator
Expected and realised credit losses on
customers.

Policies and systems
Financial counterparties must be approved by 
Managing directors and CFO and have a credit rating 
of at least A-/A-/A3 by S&P, Fitch or Moody’s. A 
credit assessment is performed of all new 
customers. In addition, existing customers are 
subject to an ongoing monitoring of their credit 
quality.

Activities in 2013
As in previous years, Arla has experienced a very low 
level of losses on customers. 

netting of credit risk
In order to manage counterparty risk Arla uses master netting agreements when entering into derivative contracts with counterparties.
The below tables show the counterparty exposure for those agreements covered by entering into netting agreement.

External rating of financial counterparties

2013
(DKKm)
AA-
A+
A-
total

 2012
(DKKm)
AA-
A+
A-
total

ASSETS

QUALIFING 
FOR NETTING

NET ASSETS

LIABILITIES

QUALIFING 
FOR NETTING

NET 
LIABILITIES

 81 
 16 
 59 
 156 

 142 
 12 
 21 
 175 

 81 
 12 
 59 
 152 

 137 
 9 
 21 
 167 

 -   
 4 
 -   
 4 

 5 
 3 
 -   
 8 

 176 
 147 
 229 
 552 

 573 
 204 
 36 
 813 

 81 
 12 
 59 
 152 

 137 
 9 
 21 
 167 

 95 
 135 
 170 
 400 

 436 
 195 
 15 
 646 

In addition, Arla has entered into sales and repurchase agreements on mortgage bonds.  
This sales and repurchase agreement has been decribed in futher details in note 4.6

  Financial review

Credit risk stems from the possibility that 
counterparties to transactions may default on their 
obligations, thereby causing losses for the Group.

For financial counterparties, Arla minimises the 
credit risk by only entering into transactions with 
those with a credit rating of least A-/A-/A3 from 
either S&P, Fitch or Moody’s. All financial counter- 

parties had a satisfactory credit rating at  
31 December 2013 or in one case a dispensation  
by the Board of Directors.

Other counterparties, customers and suppliers, are 
subject to an on-going monitoring of their fulfilment 
of their contractual obligations and their credit quality. 
Outside the Group’s core markets credit insurance 
and trade finance instruments are widely used to 
reduce the risks.

Further information on trade receivables is
provided in note 2.1.c.

The maximum exposure to credit risk is  
approximately equal to the carrying amount.

nOte 4.4. Derivative FinanCiaL inStruMentS

  accounting policies

Derivative financial instruments are recognised from 
the trade date and measured in the balance sheet at 
fair value. Positive and negative fair values of 
derivative financial instruments are recognised on 
separate lines in the balance sheet, and offsetting of 
positive and negative amounts only takes place 
once Arla has obtained the legal right and intends to 
settle several financial instruments net.

Fair value hedging
Changes in the fair value of derivative financial 
instruments, which meet the criteria for hedging of 
the fair value of recognised assets and liabilities, are 
recognised alongside changes in the value of the 
hedged asset or the hedged liability with respect to 
the portion that is hedged.

Cash flow hedging
Changes in the portion of the fair value of derivative 
financial instruments that are classified as and meet 
the conditions for hedging of future cash flows, and 

that effectively hedge changes in future cash flows, 
are recognised under other comprehensive income 
in a special reserve for hedging transactions under 
equity until the hedged cash flows affect the income 
statement. The cumulative gains or losses from such 
hedging transactions that are retained in equity are 
reclassified from and recognised under the same 
item as the hedged item (basic adjustment). 

If the hedging instrument no longer meets the 
criteria for hedge accounting, the hedge will cease 
from that point onward.

The accumulated change in value recognised in 
other comprehensive income is reclassified to the 
income statement once the hedged cash flows 
affect the income statement or are no longer likely.

If the hedged cash flows are no longer expected to 
be realised, the cumulative value change is 
immediately reclassified from equity to the income 
statement.

Hedging of net investments
Changes to the fair value of derivative financial 
instruments used to hedge net investments in 
foreign subsidiaries (the currency risk associated 
with the translation of foreign company’s net assets 
into DKK), and that effectively hedge against 
exchange rate changes in these companies, are 
recognised in the consolidated financial statements 
in other comprehensive income under a special 
reserve for foreign currency translation adjustments.

For derivative financial instruments that do not meet 
the conditions for treatment as hedging instru-
ments, changes in fair value are recognised on a 
continuous basis in the income statement under 
financial income and financial expenses.

92

93

Consolidated finanCial statements/notes 
2017
 -   
 -42 
 -   

2016
 -   
 -75 
 -   

LATER  
THAN 2017
 -   
 40 
 -   

LATER  
THAN 2016
 -   
 -282 
 -   

2013

2012

 14 
-10
 4 
-

 -   
 14 
 14 
-

Note 4.4.a. Hedging of future cash flows from highly probable forecast transactions 
(DKKm)

2013
Currency contracts
Interest rate contracts
Commodity Contracts

2012
Currency contracts
Interest rate contracts
Commodity Contracts

CARRYING 
VALUE
 15 
 -331 
-23

CARRYING 
VALUE
 25 
 -709 
 -14 

 FAIR VALUE 
RECOGNISED  
IN OCI
 15 
 -331 
 -14 

 FAIR VALUE 
RECOGNISED  
IN OCI
 25 
 -709 
 -14 

2014
 15 
 -151 
 -10 

2013
 25 
 -123 
 -13 

2015
 -   
 -113 
 -2 

2014
 -   
 -119 
 -1 

2016
 -   
 -65 
 -2 

2015
 -   
 -109 
 -   

note 4.4.b. net investment hedges
(DKKm)

Net investment hedges (OCI) at 1 January
Change in net investment hedges
Net investment hedges (OCI) at 31 December
Profit or loss

  Financial review

Fair value hedge
At 31 December 2013, Arla had no derivative 
financial instruments that qualified for the criteria for 
fair value hedge.

Hedging of future cash flows
The Group uses forward currency contracts to 
hedge currency risks regarding expected future net 
revenue and costs. Interest rate swaps are used to 
hedge risks regarding movement in expected future 
interest payment.

Hedging of net investments
As at 31 December 2013 (2012) Arla has hedged an 
insignificant part of currency exposures relating to 
its investments in subsidiaries, joint ventures and 
associated companies using loans and derivatives. 
The above table shows the change in fair value 
recognised in other comprehensive income and the 
ineffectiveness recognised in profit or loss.

not qualify for hedge accounting and hence, the fair 
value adjustment is recognised directly in profit or 
loss.

Currency swaps are used as part of the daily liquidity 
management. The objective of the currency swaps 
is to match the timing of in- and outflow of foreign 
currency cash flows.

Fair value of hedge instruments not qualifying
for hedge accounting (financial hedge)
Arla uses currency options which are hedging 
forecasted sales and purchases. These options do 

nOte 4.5. FinanCiaL inStruMent DiSCLOSureS

Note 4.5.a. Categories of financial instruments
(DKKm)

Available for sale financial assets
Loans and receivables
Financial assets measured at fair value through profit or loss
Financial liabilities measured at fair value through profit or loss
Financial liabilities measured at amortised cost

The fair value of financial assets and financial liabilities measured at amortised cost is approximately equal to the carrying amount.

94

2013

2012

 3,994 
 6,940 
 478 
 623 
27,471

 4,021 
 6,946 
 685 
 864 
 26,058 

note 4.5.b. Fair value Hierarchy – accounting value

Methods and assumptions applied  
when measuring the fair values of financial 
instruments:

Bonds and shares
The fair value is determined using the quoted prices 
in an active market.

Non-option derivatives
The fair value is calculated using discounted cash 
flow models and observable market data. The fair 
value is determined as a termination price, and 
consequently the value is not adjusted for credit 
risks.

Option instruments
The fair value is calculated using option models and 
observable market data, such as option volatilities. 
The fair value is determined as a termination price, 
and consequently the value is not adjusted for credit 
risks.

Fair value hierarchy
Level 1: Fair values measured using unadjusted 
quoted prices in an active market
Level 2: Fair values measured using valuation 
methods and observable market data.
Level 3: Fair values measured using valuation 
methods and observable as well as significant 
non-observable market data.

Fair value Hierarchy – accounting value
(DKKm)

2013
Financial assets
Bonds
Shares
Derivatives
total assets

Financial liabilities
Issued bonds
Mortgage credit institutions
Derivatives
total liabilities

2012
Financial assets
Bonds
Shares
Derivatives
total assets

Financial liabilities
Issued bonds
Mortgage credit institutions
Derivatives
total liabilities

LEVEL 1

LEVEL 2

LEVEL 3

 4,144 
 73 

 4,217 

 6,220 

 6,220 

 208 
 208 

 2,508 

 623 
 3,131 

 -   

LEVEL 1

LEVEL 2

LEVEL 3

 4,322 
 90 
 -   
 4,412 

 5,999 
 -   
 5,999 

 -   
 -   
 251 
 251 

 1,309 

 864 
 2,173 

 -   
 -   
 -   
 -   

-
-

TOTAL

 4,144 
 73 
 208 
 4,425 

 2,508 
 6,220 
 623 
 9,351 

TOTAL

 4,322 
 90 
 251 
 4,663 

 1,309 
 5,999 
 864 
 8,172 

95

Consolidated finanCial statements/notes 
nOte 4.6. tranSFer OF FinanCiaL aSSetS
(DKKm)

CARRYING 
VALUE

NOTIONAL 
AMOUNT

FAIR VALUE

note 4.7.a. pension obligations recognised in the balance sheet
(DKKm)

2013
Mortgage bonds
Repurchase liability
net position

2012
Mortgage bonds
Repurchase liability
net position

 3,581 
 -3,521 
 60 

3,904
-3,882
22

 3,715 
 -3,715 
 -   

4,102
-4,102
 -   

 3,581 
 -3,521 
 60 

3,904
-3,882
22

  Financial review

As at 31 December 2013 Arla has invested in the 
mortgage bonds underlying its mortgage debt. The 
reason for investing in the mortgage bonds is that 
Arla is able to achieve a lower interest rate than the 
current market interest rate on mortgage debt by 
entering into a sale and repurchase agreement on 

the listed Danish mortgage bonds. The net interest 
rate payable by Arla, by raising financing through 
this kind of sale and repurchase, is the interest rate 
inherent in the sale and repurchase agreement and 
the contribution to the mortgage institute.

Due to the repurchase agreement the risks and 
rewards arising from the ownership of the 

transferred mortgage bonds have been retained by 
Arla. These mortgage bonds have been classified as 
available for sale with value adjustments over other 
comprehensive income.

The received proceeds creates a repurchase 
obligation which has been recognised as short term 
bank loans and overdrafts.

The Group provides both funded and unfunded 
defined benefit plans to certain employees. Funded 
plan are where the Group pays cash contributions 
into a separately administered fund, which invests 
the contributions into various assets with the aim of 
generating returns to meet present and future 
pension obligations.  Unfunded plans are where no 
cash or other assets are set aside from the Group’s 
assets used for operations to cover future pension 
obligations.

The Group’s net obligation is the amount presented 
on the balance sheet as pension obligations.

The net obligation is calculated separately for each 
defined benefit plan and comprises:
  The amount of future pension benefits that 
employees have earned in current and prior 
periods (i.e. the obligation for pension payment for 
the portion of the employees’ estimated final 
salary earned at the balance sheet date) 
discounted to a present value (the defined benefit 
obligation), less
  The fair value of assets held separately from the 
Group in a plan fund.

The Group uses qualified actuaries to annually 
calculate the defined benefit obligation using a 
projected unit credit method.

The balance sheet amount of the net obligation is 
impacted by remeasurements, which comprise the 
effect of changes in assumptions used to calculate 
the future obligation (actuarial gains and losses) and 
the return generated on plan assets (excluding 
interest).  Remeasurements are recognised in OCI.

Interest costs for the period are calculated using the 
discount rate used to measure the defined benefit 
obligation at the start of the reporting period to the 
then carrying amount of the net obligation, taking 
into account changes arising from contributions and 
benefit payment. The net interest costs and other 
costs relating to defined benefit plans are 
recognised in the income statement.

The provision covers defined benefit plans primarily 
in the UK, Germany and Sweden.

  uncertainties and estimates

The costs relating to defined benefit plans and their 
carrying amount are assessed based on a number of 
assumptions, including discount rates, inflation rates, 
salary growth and mortality.  
A small difference in actual experience compared 
with assumptions and any changes in assumptions 
can have a significant impact on the carrying 
amount of the net obligation.

nOte 4.7. penSiOn OBLigatiOnS

  accounting policies

Pension obligations and  
similar non-current liabilities
The Group has entered into post-employment 
pension plan agreements with a significant number 
of its employees. The post-employment pension 
plan agreements take the form of defined benefit 
plans and defined contribution plan agreements.

Defined contribution plans
For defined contribution plans, the Group pays fixed 
contributions to independent pension companies. 
The Group has no obligation to make supplementa-
ry payment beyond those fixed payment, and the 
risks and rewards of the value of the pension plan 
therefore rest with the plan member and not the 
Group. Amounts payable for contributions to 
defined contribution plans are expensed in the 
income statement as incurred.

Defined benefit plans
Defined benefit plans are characterised by the 
Group’s obligation to make a specific payment from 
the date and during the period the plan member is 
pensioned, depending on, for example, the 
member’s seniority and final salary.  The Group is 
subject to the risks and rewards associated with the 
uncertainty that the returns generated by the assets 
are able to meet the pension obligations, which are 
affected by assumptions concerning mortality and 
inflation.  

96

Present value of funded obligations
Fair value of plan assets
Deficit of funded plans
Present value of unfunded obligations
net pension obligations recognised in the balance sheet

Specification of total obligations:
Present value of funded obligations
Present value of unfunded obligations
total obligations

Note 4.7.b. Development in defined benefit pension obligations
(DKKm)

Present value of pension obligation at 1 January
Additions from mergers and acquisitions
Current service cost
Interest cost
Actuarial (gains)/losses from changes in financial assumptions
Actuarial (gains)/losses from change in demographic assumptions
Benefits paid
Curtailments and settlements
Exchange rate adjustments
present value of pension obligation at 31 December

note 4.7.c. Development in fair value of plan assets
(DKKm)

Fair value of plan assets at 1 January
Additions from mergers and acquisitions
Interest income
Return on plan assets excl. interest income
Contributions to plans
Benefits paid
Administration costs
Exchange rate adjustments
Fair value of plan assets at 31 December

The Arla Group expects to contribute DKK 260m (2013: DKK 358m) to the plan assets in 2014. 

Actual return on plan assets:
Calculated interest income
Return excl. calculated interests
actual return 

2013

2012

 9,874 
 -7,281 
 2,593 
 -   
 2,593 

 9,874 
 -   
 9,874 

 8,173 
 -6,915 
 1,258 
 1,871 
 3,129 

 8,173 
 1,871 
 10,044 

2013

2012

 10,044 
 -   
 25 
 408 
59
-17
 -392 
 -   
-253
 9,874 

 6,915 
 -   
296
211
 358 
 -336 
 -15 
 -148 
 7,281 

 296 
 211 
 507 

 7,859 
 1,131 
 27 
 385 
781
-
 -364 
 -1 
 226 
 10,044 

 5,635 
 719 
338
127
 264 
 -309 
-
 141 
 6,915 

 338 
 127 
 465 

97

Consolidated finanCial statements/notesNote 4.7.d. Sensitivity of defined benefit obligation to key assumptioms
(DKKm)

Impact on defined benefit obligation at 31 December 2013
Discount rate +/- 10bps
Salary increases +/- 10bps
Life expectancy +/- 1 year

note 4.7.e. assets invested in pension funds
(DKKm)

Shares
Bonds
Properties
Other assets
total assets

 -159 
 11 
 294 

%

21%
53%
11%
15%
100%

 159 
 -24 
 -295 

2012

 1,472 
 3,682 
 739 
 1,022 
 6,915

%

21%
19%
9%
51%
100%

2013

 1,547 
 1,375 
 655 
 3,704 
 7,281 

note 4.7.f. recognised in the income statement for the year
(DKKm)

2013

2012

Current service cost
Administration cost
Curtailments and settlements
Recognised as staff costs

Interest cost on obligations
Interest income on plan assets
Recognised as financial (gains)/losses

total amount recognised in the income statement

note 4.7.g. recognised in other comprehensive income
(DKKm)

Accumulated actuarial gains/(losses) 1 January 
Actuarial gains/(losses) for the year
accumulated actuarial gains/(losses) 31 December  

 25 
15
 -   
40

 408 
 -296 
 112 

152

 27 
 -   
 -1 
 26 

 384 
 -338 
 46 

 72 

 -1,091 
169
-922

 -437 
 -654 
 -1,091 

note 4.7.h. assumptions for the actuarial calculations at the balance sheet date are:
(DKKm)

Discount rate, Sweden
Discount rate, UK
Expected payroll increase, Sweden
Expected payroll increase, UK

2013

2012

4.5%
4.6%
3.0%
4.8%

3.5%
4.5%
3.0%
4.2%

  Financial review

Net pension liabilities have been recognised at DKK 
2,593 million compared with DKK 3,129 million. The 
present value of defined benefit plans declined 
because of the Group’s payment to these plans and 
an increased discounting rate in Sweden. The 
provision consists primarily of defined benefit plans 
in the United Kingdom and Sweden. The defined 
benefit plans secure pension disbursements to 
participating employees based on seniority and final 
salary.

United Kingdom:
The defined benefit plans in the United Kingdom are 
administered of independent pension funds that 
invest deposited amounts to cover pension 

obligations. All schemes are closed to future 
accruals. The actuarial present value of the 
obligations totalled DKK 8,226 million at  
31 December 2013 compared with DKK 8,173 
million at 31 December 2012. Recognised net 
liabilities – less the fair value of the assets of  
DKK 7,188 million at 31 December 2013 compared 
with DKK 6,915 million at 31 December 2012  
– stood at DKK 1,037 million (2012: DKK 1,257 
million). The decline is primarily due to payment to 
scheme assets at plan of DKK 271 million.

Sweden:
The defined benefit plan in Sweden is not covered 
by ongoing deposits paid into the fund. Arla paid an 
extraordinary payment to scheme assets at DKK 86 
million during 2013. The recognised liability stood at 
DKK 1,357 million compared with DKK 1,687 million

in 2012. The decrease is primarily due to actuarial 
gain  of DKK 207 million resulting from an increase 
in the discounting rate, a foreign exchange rate 
adjustment of DKK 64 million as well as the 
extraordinary payment of DKK 86 million. 

Implementation of IAS 19:
IAS 19 on personal benefits was amended effective 
1 January 2013. The most significant change 
pertains to calculating the return component based 
on net liability. Thus, expected returns are calculated 
neither on pension assets nor on pension liabilities. 
The impact on the result was DKK -57 million in 
2013.

98

99

Consolidated finanCial statements/notesnote 5. Other areas

Arla’s tax platform has changed from local to global in step with the development of our business. However, Arla is a cooperative  
company headquartered in Denmark. Our activities are therefore covered by Danish tax rules for cooperatives, which take account of 
the basic principles of such a company. When the owner of a company is also a supplier to the company, earnings end up with the owner 
in the form of the price paid for the commodity. That is why the farmer is in this case the primary source of taxation. Our goal is to  
manage our tax affairs in a proactive manner that seeks to maximise our milk price, while operating in accordance with the law at all times.

This note specifies taxes, which are divided into tax in the income statement and deferred tax in the balance sheet. The effective tax rate 
is calculated, and deferred tax assets not included in the balance sheet are listed. 

The note also contains other statutory disclosures, such as the remuneration paid to members of the Board of Directors and the  
Executive Board as well as auditors elected by the Board of Representatives. Furthermore, the note contains disclosures about  
contractual obligations and related parties. 

nOte 5.1. tax

  accounting policies

Tax in the income statement
Taxable income is assessed according to the 
national rules and regulations that apply to the 
companies. Tax is assessed on the basis of 
cooperation or income tax.  

Tax in the income statement comprises current tax 
and adjustments to deferred tax. Tax is recognised in 
the income statement, except to the extent that it 
relates to a business combination or items (earnings 
and costs) recognised directly in equity or in OCI.

Current tax
Current tax is assessed on the basis of cooperation 
or income tax. Cooperative taxation is based on 
capital, while income tax is based on the company’s 
income for the year.

Current tax payable and receivable are recognised in 
the balance sheet as tax calculated on the taxable 
income for the year, adjusted for any tax from 
previous years’ taxable income as well as prepaid 
on-account taxes. The amount is calculated using 
tax rates enacted or substantively enacted at the 
balance sheet date.

Deferred tax
Deferred tax and related adjustments for the year 
are calculated applying the balance sheet liability 
method as the tax base of temporary differences 
between carrying amounts and the tax base of 
assets and liabilities. 

Deferred tax is not recognised on temporary 
differences relating to goodwill, which is not 
deductible for tax purposes or arising at the 
acquisition date of items without affecting either the 
profit or loss for the year or taxable income, with the 
exception of those arising from business combina-
tions.  

Deferred tax assets, including the value of tax loss 
carry-forwards, are recognised under other 
non-current assets at the value at which they are 
expected to be used, either by elimination in the tax 
of future earnings or by offsetting against deferred 
tax payable in companies within the same legal tax 
entity or jurisdiction. 

Deferred tax is measured on the basis of the tax 
rules and tax rates in the respective countries 
effective under the legislation at the reporting date 
when the deferred tax is expected to be realised. 
Changes in deferred tax assets and liabilities as a 
result of changes in the tax rate are recognised in 
the comprehensive income for the year.

  uncertainties and estimates

Deferred tax:
Deferred tax reflects assessments of the actual 
future tax due for items in the financial statements, 
taking into account timing and probability. These 
estimates also reflect expectations about future 
taxable profits and the Group’s tax planning. Actual 
future taxes may deviate from these estimates as a 
result of changes to expectations relating to future 
taxable income, future statutory changes in income 
taxation or the outcome of the tax authorities’ final 
review of the Group’s tax returns. Recognition of 
deferred tax asset also depends on an assessment 
of the future use of the asset.

note 5.1.a. tax in the income statement
(DKKm)

Cooperative tax
Current tax
Deferred tax
Change in deferred tax resulting from a change in the tax rate
Adjustment regarding previous years, actual tax
Adjustment regarding previous years, deferred tax
total tax in the income statement

100

2013

2012

 -67
-131
-18
 -38
 2 
 -22
 -274

 -46
 -39
 -34
 15 
 -11
 26 
 -89

Note 5.1.b. Calculation of effective tax rate
(DKKm)

Statutory corporate income tax rate in Denmark
Deviation in foreign subsidiaries' tax rates compared with the Danish tax rate (net)
Adjustment for cooperative tax
Non-taxable income less non-tax-deductible costs (net)
Change in tax percentage
Regulation regarding previous years
Other adjustments
Effective tax rate

2013

2012

25%
0%
-15%
0%
2%
0%
0%
12%

25%
0%
-22%
5%
-1%
-2%
-1%
4%

INTANGIBLE 
ASSETS

PROPERTY, 
PLANT AND 
EQUIPMENT

FINANCIAL 
ASSETS

CURRENT 
ASSETS

PROVISIONS

OTHER 
LIABILITIES

TAX LOSS  
CARRY- 
FORWARDS

 OTHER 
CATEGORY 

 TOTAL 

note 5.1.c. Deferred tax

(DKKm)

2013
Net deferred tax asset/liability at 1 January
Income/charge to the income statement
Income/charge to other comprehensive income
Change in tax rate
Exchange rate adjustment
Other adjustments
net deferred tax asset/liability at 31 December

Specified as follows:
Deferred tax asset at 31 December
Deferred tax liability at 31 December

2012
Net deferred tax asset/liability at 1 January
Income/charge to the income statement
Income/charge to other comprehensive income
Change in tax rate
Mergers and acquisitions 
Exchange rate adjustment
Other adjustments
net deferred tax asset/liability at 31 December

Specified as follows:
Deferred tax asset at 31 December
Deferred tax liability at 31 December

-15
-8
0
0
1
3
-19

-23
4

-7
-11
0
3
0
0
0
-15

-15
0

-136
167
0
1
3
-15
20

53
-33

-173
-30
-1
22
49
-3
0
-136

-105
-31

80
-13
-17
0
-2
4
52

87
-35

53
14
0
-1
12
1
1
80

115
-35

5
0
0
0
1
-9
-3

-3
0

-18
1
0
4
20
-2
0
5

5
0

357
15
43
0
-3
-72
340

348
-8

269
-5
101
-1
-16
10
-1
357

368
-11

3
-2
-25
-2
-3
-44
-73

-73
0

-5
10
27
-1
-28
1
-1
3

-1
4

94
-47
0
-26
-1
13
33

24
9

111
0
0
-11
-8
2
0
94

94
0

-46
-152
-96
-11
-5
121
-189

14
-203

-83
13
0
0
26
-2
0
-46

-26
-20

  Financial review

Tax in the income statement
Generally tax cost has increased – specifically in 
Sweden and Finland as the tax profits in the legal 
entities in these countries have risen. 

Deferred tax
The tax rate changed in the UK from 23 per cent to 
21 per cent, which is in effect for 2014. On 1st 

January 2014 the tax rate changed in Finland from 
24,5 per cent to 20 per cent, which reduces the 
value of the recognised deferred tax asset and 
thereby creates a cost in the income statement. 

Deferred tax assets are primarily based on pension 
obligations while deferred tax liabilities mainly relate 
to property, plant and equipment. A deferred tax 
asset of DKK 269m (2012: DKK 232m) has not been 
recognised, as we do not expect to be able to use it 
within a limited time range.  

342
-40
-95
-38
-9
1
161

427
-266

147
-8
127
15
55
7
-1
342

435
-93

101

Consolidated finanCial statements/notesnOte 5.2. FeeS tO auDitOrS appOinteD By tHe BOarD OF repreSentativeS
(DKKm)

2013

2012

nOte 5.4. COntraCtuaL COMMitMentS anD COntingent LiaBiLitieS

Statutory audit
Other assurance engagements
Tax assistance
Other services
total fees to auditors

KPMG has been appointed as auditors by the Board of Representatives. 

nOte 5.3. ManageMent reMuneratiOn anD tranSaCtiOnS

The remuneration of the Executive Board is 
proposed by the Chairmanship and approved by the 
Board of Directors. Remuneration for the Board of 
Directors is approved by the Board of Representatives. 
Remuneration is negotiated on an annual basis.

The Board of Directors and Executive Board is 
exercising significant influence. 
Members of the Board of Directors are paid for milk 
supplies to Arla Foods amba on equal terms with 
other owners of the company.

note 5.3.a. Management remuneration
(DKKm)

Board of Directors 
Wages, salaries and remuneration etc.
Pensions
total

Executive Board 
Wages, salaries and remuneration etc.
Pensions
total

note 5.3.b. transactions with the Board of Directors
(DKKm)

Purchase of goods
Supplementary payment received regarding previous years
Trade payables
Owner accounts

102

 12 
 2 
 8 
 9 
 31 

 11 
 2 
 8 
 17 
 38 

  uncertainties and estimates

The Group has entered into a number of lease
agreements. In executing such agreements,
Management assesses the substance of the
agreements for the purpose of classifying the

leasing agreements as either financial or
operational leasing. The Group has mainly
entered into lease agreements for standardised
assets that are short-term in relation to the
assets’ useful lives, which is why the lease
agreements are classified as operational leasing.

note 5.4.a. Contractual commitments and contingent liabilities
(DKKm)

2013

2012

2013

2012

-8
 - 
-8

-18
 -1 
-19

 89 
 4 
 9 
 8 

 -6 
 -   
 -6 

 -16 
 -1 
 -17 

 85 
 2 
 7 
 8 

Surety and guarantee commitments

Operating rent commitments
0-1 year
1-5 years

Over 5 years

Operating lease commitments
0-1 year
1-5 years
Over 5 years

Commitments in relation to agreements on the purchase of intangible assets
Commitments in relation to agreements on the purchase of property, plant and equipment

  Financial review

The Group is party to a small number of lawsuits, 
disputes etc. with no significant impact on the 
financial position beyond what is recognised in the 
balance sheet and/or disclosed in the annual report. 

nOte 5.5. eventS aFter tHe BaLanCe SHeet Date
No events with a significant effect on the business 
has happened after the balance sheet date.

nOte 5.6. Future StanDarDS - earLy aDOptiOn OF new Or aMenDeD iFrS

Arla has incorporated the new accounting 
standards, IFRS 10, IFRS 11 and IFRS 12 and 
amendments to accounting standards IAS 19, IAS 
27 and IAS 28 with an effective date on or after  
1 January 2014. Furthermore Arla has incorporated 

amendments to IAS 36 endorsed by EU in May 2013 
with an effective date of 1 January 2014. None of 
the other new or revised accounting standards have 
a material impact on the recognition or measurement 
of profit and financial position in 2013.

99

 666 
 145 
 301 

 220 

 733 
 272 
 418 
 43 

 53 
1,430

72

 508 
 115 
 214 

 178 

 1,045 
 225 
 746 
 73 

 115 
 954 

103

Consolidated finanCial statements/notesGroup chart

COMPANY NAME 

arla Foods amba   

Arla Foods Ingredients Group P/S 

Arla Foods Ingredients Energy A/S 
Arla Foods Ingredients KK 
Arla Foods Ingredients Inc. 
Arla Foods Ingredients Korea, Co. Ltd 
Arla Foods Ingredients Trading (Beijing) Co. Ltd. 
Arla Foods Ingredients S.A.* 
Arla Foods Ingredients Singapore Pte. Ltd 
Arla Foods Ingredients S.A. de C.V. 

AFI Partner Aps 
Cocio Chokolademælk A/S 
Cocio Beverage International P/S 
CBI GP ApS 
Andelssmør A.m.b.a.   
Aktieselskabet J. Hansen 

J.P. Hansen Inc 

Mejeriforeningen 
Arla Foods Holding A/S 

Medlemsartikler ApS   
Arla Foods Distribution A/S 
Økomælk A/S  
Danmark Protein A/S  

Cocio Chokolademælk A/S 

Arla Foods International A/S   

Arla Foods UK Holding Ltd 

Arla Foods UK Farmers JV Company Limited *** 
Arla Foods UK plc 

Arla Foods Finance Ltd 
Arla Foods Holding Co. Ltd 

Arla Foods UK Investments Limited 
Arla Foods UK Services Ltd 

Arla Foods Naim Limited 
Healds Foods Limited 

Arla Foods Limited 

Milk Link Holdings Ltd.  

Milk Link Processing Ltd. 

Milk Link (Crediton No 2) Limited 

Milk Link Investments Ltd. 

The Cheese Company Holdings Ltd. 

The Cheese Company Ltd. 
MV Ingredients Ltd. 
Cornish Country Larder Ltd. 

The Cheese Company Investments Ltd. 

Westbury Dairies Ltd 
Arla Foods (Westbury) Ltd 
Arla Creamery Ltd. 
Arla Foods UK Property Co. Ltd 

Arla Foods B.V.  
Arla Foods Ltda 
Dan-Vigor Ltda* 
Danya Foods Ltd 

AF A/S  

Thisted Dairy Foods ApS 
Arla Foods Finance A/S 

Danske Immobilien ApS** 
K/S Danske Immobilien** 
A/S af 05.06.92 
Kingdom Food Products ApS  
Ejendomsanpartsselskabet St. Ravnsbjerg 

Arla Insurance Company (Guernsey) Ltd 
Rynkeby Foods A/S 

Krogab Sverige AB 

Arla Foods Energy A/S 
Arla Foods Trading A/S 
Mejerianpartsselskabet 

Danapak Holding A/S  
Danapak A/S   

Danapak Flexibles A/S 
Danapak Plast A/S 
Danapak WP A/S 

COUNTRY 

CURRENCY 

GROUP 
EQUITY INTEREST (%)

COMPANY NAME 

COUNTRY 

CURRENCY 

GROUP 
EQUITY INTEREST (%)

Denmark 
Denmark 
Denmark 
Japan 
USA 
Korea 
China 
Argentina 
Singapore 
Mexico 
Denmark 
Denmark 
Denmark 
Denmark 
Denmark 
Denmark 
USA 
Denmark 
Denmark 
Denmark 
Denmark 
Denmark 
Denmark 
Denmark 
Denmark 
UK 
UK 
UK 
UK 
UK 
UK 
UK 
UK 
UK 
UK 
UK 
UK 
UK 
UK 
UK 
UK 
UK 
UK 
UK 
UK 
UK 
UK 
UK 
Netherlands 
Brazil 
Brazil 
Saudi Arabia 
Denmark 
Denmark 
Denmark 
Denmark 
Denmark 
Denmark 
Denmark 
Denmark 
Guernsey 
Denmark 
Sweden 
Denmark 
Denmark 
Denmark 
Denmark 
Denmark 
Denmark 
Denmark 
Denmark 

Dkk 
DKK 
DKK 
JPY 
USD 
KRW 
CNY 
USD 
SGD 
MZN 
DKK 
DKK 
DKK 
DKK 
DKK 
DKK 
USD 
DKK 
DKK 
DKK 
DKK 
DKK 
DKK 
DKK 
DKK 
GBP 
GBP 
GBP 
GBP 
GBP 
GBP 
GBP 
GBP 
GBP 
GBP 
GBP 
GBP 
GBP 
GBP 
GBP 
GBP 
GBP 
GBP 
GBP 
GBP 
GBP 
GBP 
GBP 
EURO 
BRL 
BRL 
SAR 
DKK 
DKK 
DKK 
DKK 
DKK 
DKK 
DKK 
DKK 
DKK 
DKK 
SEK 
DKK 
DKK 
DKK< 
DKK 
DKK 
DKK 
DKK 
DKK 

100
100
100
100
100
100
100
50
100
100
100
50
100
100
98
100
100
91
100
100
100
100
100
50
100
86
50
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
50
100
100
11
100
100
100
100
100
50
75
100
100
100
35
35
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100

Fidan A/S 

Dairy Fruit A/S  
Tholstrup International B.V. 

Tholstrup Cheese Holding A/S 
Tholstrup Cheese A/S,  

Tholstrup Cheese TC Sverige AB,  
Arla Foods GmbH,  
Tholstrup Cheese USA Inc., 

Tholstrup Taulov A/S,  

Arla Foods Ingredients GmbH,  

Arla Tagatose Holding GmbH, 
Arla CoAr Holding GmbH 

ArNoCo GmbH & Co. KG* 

Arla Biolac Holding GmbH 

Biolac GmbH & Co. KG* 

Arla Foods Kuwait Company LLC 
Arla Kallassi Foods Lebanon S.A.L. 
Arla Foods Qatar WLL  
AFIQ, WLL 

Arla Foods AB   

Boxholm Mejeri AB 
HB Grådö Produktion   
Rynkeby Foods Förvaltning AB 
Rynkeby Foods HB 
Arla Ingman Oy Ab 

Ranuan Meijeri Oy 
Kiteen Meijeri Oy 
Halkivahan Meijeri Oy  
Massby Facility & Services Oy 

Arla Foods UK Holding Ltd 
Restaurang akademien Aktiebolag** 
Arla Foods Russia Holding AB 

Arla Foods Artis Ltd 
L&L International Bolag AB 
Arla Foods Specialost AB 
Silvadden AB   
Milko Sverige AB 

Videbæk Biogas A/S   
Arla Foods Holding AB 
Arla Foods Inc  

Arla Foods Production LLC 
Arla Foods Transport LLC 

Arla Foods SA   
COFCO Dairy Holdings Limited 
Arla Foods Inc.  
Arla Global Financial Services Centre Sp. Z.o.o. 
Arla National Foods Products LLC 
Arla Foods Deutschland GmbH 

Arla Foods Käsereinen GmbH 

Allgäuland Frische GmbH 
Bergland Naturkäse GmbH** 
Molkerei-Zentrale Südwest eG 

Sengale SAS 
Team-Pack GmbH 

MUH France, S.a.r.l 
Milch-Union Hocheifel, Luxemburg GmbH 

Milch-Union Hocheifel, Belgium AG   

Hansa Verwaltungs und Vertriebs GmbH 
Hansa Logistik eG 
Arla Foods Srl   
Arla Foods S.a.r.l. 
Arla Foods AS   
Arla Foods S.A.  
Arla Foods Hellas S.A.  
Svensk Mjölk Ekonomisk förening**  

Denmark 
Denmark 
Netherlands 
Denmark 
Denmark 
Sweden 
Germany 
USA 
Denmark 
Germany 
Germany 
Germany 
Germany 
Germany 
Germany 
Kuwait 
Lebanon 
Qatar 
Bahrain 
Sweden 
Sweden 
Sweden 
Sweden 
Sweden 
Finland 
Finland 
Finland 
Finland 
Finland 
UK 
Sweden 
Sweden 
Russia 
Sweden 
Sweden 
Sweden 
Sweden 
Denmark 
Sweden 
USA 
USA 
USA 
Poland 
Hong Kong 
Canada 
Poland 
UAE 
Germany 
Germany 
Germany 
Germany 
Germany 
France 
Germany 
France 
Luxemburg 
Belgium 
Germany 
Germany 
Italy 
France 
Norway 
Spain 
Greece 
Sweden 

DKK 
DKK 
EURO 
DKK 
DKK 
SEK 
EURO 
USD 
DKK 
EURO 
EURO 
EURO 
EURO 
EURO 
EURO 
KWD 
USD 
QAR 
BHD 
SEK 
SEK 
SEK 
SEK 
SEK 
EURO 
EURO 
EURO 
EURO 
EURO 
GBP 
SEK 
SEK 
RUB 
SEK 
SEK 
SEK 
SEK 
DKK 
SEK 
USD 
USD 
USD 
PLN 
HKD 
CAD 
PLN 
AED 
EURO 
EURO 
EURO 
EURO 
EURO 
EURO 
EURO 
EURO 
EURO 
EURO 
EURO 
EURO 
EURO 
EURO 
NOK 
EURO 
EURO 
SEK 

100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
50
100
50
49
50
40
25
100
100
100
100
100
100
99
99
97
60
14
50
100
100
100
100
100
100
50
100
100
100
100
100
30
100
100
40
100
100
100
50
99
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
73 

* Joint ventures       ** Associates       *** Arla Foods amba owns at 31 December 2013 the remaining 50 per cent
The Group also owns a number of companies without material commercial activities.

104

105

Consolidated finanCial statements/notes 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
ENDORSEMENTS

Consolidated Annual Report: Under section 149 of the Danish 
Financial Statements Act, the present consolidated annual 
report represents an extract of the Company’s complete annual 
report. In order to make this report more manageable and 
user-friendly, the Arla Foods Group has decided to publish a 
consolidated annual report without the financial statements for 
the parent company, Arla Foods amba. 

The annual report for the parent company is an integrated  
part of the full annual report and is available in Danish at  
www.arlafoods.dk. Profit sharing and supplementary payment 
from the parent company are set out in the equity section of 
the consolidated annual report. 

The full annual report contains the following statements from 
the Board of Directors and the Executive Board as  
well as the independent auditor.

independent 
auditor’s report

accounting estimates made by Management, 
as well as evaluating the overall presentation of 
the consolidated financial statements and the 
parent company financial statements.

We believe that the audit evidence we have 
obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide 
a basis for our opinion.

Our audit has not resulted in any qualification.

Opinion
In our opinion, the consolidated financial 
statements and the parent company financial 
statements give a true and fair view of the 
Group’s and the parent company’s financial 
position at 31 December 2013 and of the 
results of the Group’s and the parent company’s 
operations and cash flows for the financial year 
1 January – 31 December 2013 in accordance 
with International Financial Reporting 
Standards as adopted by the EU and additional 
disclosure requirements in the Danish Financial 
Statements Act.

Statement on the Management’s review
Pursuant to the Danish Financial Statements 
Act, we have read the Management’s review. 
We have not performed any further procedures 
in addition to the audit of the consolidated 
financial statements and the parent company 
financial statements. On this basis, it is our 
opinion that the information provided in the 
Management’s review is consistent with the 
consolidated financial statements and the 
parent company financial statements.

tO tHe OwnerS OF arLa FOODS aMBa

are free from material misstatement, whether 
due to fraud or error.

auditors’ responsibility 
Our responsibility is to express an opinion on 
the consolidated financial statements and the 
parent company financial statements based on 
our audit. We conducted our audit in accord-
ance with International Standards on Auditing 
and additional requirements under Danish audit 
regulation. This requires that we comply with 
ethical requirements and plan and perform the 
audit to obtain reasonable assurance as to 
whether the consolidated financial statements 
and the parent company financial statements 
are free from material misstatement.

An audit involves performing procedures to 
obtain audit evidence about the amounts and 
disclosures in the consolidated financial 
statements and the parent company financial 
statements. The procedures selected depend 
on the auditors’ judgement, including the 
assessment of the risks of material misstate-
ment of the consolidated financial statements 
and the parent company financial statements, 
whether due to fraud or error. In making those 
risk assessments, the auditors consider internal 
control relevant to the Company’s preparation 
of consolidated financial statements and parent 
company financial statements that give a true 
and fair view in order to design audit proce-
dures that are appropriate in the circumstances, 
but not for the purpose of expressing an 
opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s 
internal control. An audit also includes 
evaluating the appropriateness of accounting 
policies used and the reasonableness of 

independent auditors’ report on the 
consolidated financial statements and the 
parent company financial statements
We have audited the consolidated financial 
statements and the parent company financial 
statements of Arla Foods amba for the financial 
year 1 January – 31 December 2013. The 
consolidated financial statements and the 
parent company financial statements comprise 
income statement, statement of comprehen-
sive income, balance sheet, statement of 
changes in equity, cash flow statement and 
notes, including a summary of significant 
accounting policies for the Group as well as for 
the parent company. The consolidated financial 
statements and the parent company financial 
statements are prepared in accordance with 
International Financial Reporting Standards as 
adopted by the EU and additional disclosure 
requirements in the Danish Financial Statements 
Act.

Management’s responsibility for the 
consolidated financial statements and the 
parent company financial statements
Management is responsible for the preparation 
of consolidated financial statements and parent 
company financial statements that give a true 
and fair view in accordance with International 
Financial Reporting Standards as adopted by 
the EU and additional disclosure requirements 
in the Danish Financial Statements Act and  
for such internal control that Management 
determines is necessary to enable the 
preparation of consolidated financial statements 
and parent company financial statements that 

Aarhus, 18 February 2014 

KPMG
Statsautoriseret Revisionspartnerselskab

Jesper Ridder Olsen
State Authorised Public Accountant

Morten Friis
State Authorised Public Accountant

106

107

EndorsEmEntsENDORSEMENTS

Peder Tuborgh,  
CEo

Åke Hantoft,  
Chairman

Viggo Ø. Bloch

Oliver Brandes

Leif Eriksson

hélene Gunnarson

Thomas Johansen

Steen Nørgaard Madsen 

Ib Bjerglund Nielsen

Johnnie Russell

Manfred Sievers

Povl Krogsgaard,  
Vice CEO

Jan Toft Nørgaard,  
Vice Chairman

Palle Borgström

Jonas Carlgren

Manfred Graff

Bjørn Jepsen

Klaus land
Deceased December 2013

Torben Myrup

Jonathan Ovens

Harry Shaw

peter Winstone

Statement by the  
Board of Directors and  
the executive Board

Today, the Board of Directors and the Executive Board discussed and 
approved the annual report of Arla Foods amba for the financial year 
2013. The annual report has been prepared in accordance with  
International Financial Reporting Standards as adopted by the EU and 
additional disclosure requirements in the Danish Financial Statements 
Act.

In our opinion, the Management’s review on the annual report includes a 
true and fair view of the developments of the Group’s and the parent 
company’s financial position, activities and financial matters, results for 
the year and cash flows as well as a description of the most significant 
risks and uncertainties that may affect the Group and the parent 
company.

It is our opinion, that the consolidated financial statements and the parent 
company financial statements give a true and fair view of the Group’s and 
the parent company’s financial position at 31 December 2013 and of the 
results of the Group’s and the parent company’s activities and cash flows 
for the financial year 1 January-31 December 2013.

We hereby recommend the annual report for adoption by the Board of 
Representatives.

Aarhus, 18 February 2014

108
108

109
109

EndorsEmEntsexecutive 
Management Group

EXECUTIVE BOARD

OTHER EXECUTIVE MANAGEMENT GROUP

Peder Tuborgh
CEo

Povl Krogsgaard
Vice CEO

Frederik Lotz
CFO

Ola Arvidsson
ChRo

Jais Valeur
Executive Vice President,
Global Categories & Operations

peter lauritzen
Executive Vice President,
Consumer UK

Henri de Sauvage Nolting
Executive Vice President,
Consumer Sweden & Finland

Peter Giørtz-Carlsen
Executive Vice President,
Consumer Denmark

2005: CEO, Arla Foods
2002: Executive Group Director, 
Arla Foods, with responsibility  
for the Nordics
2000: Divisional Director, Den-
mark Division, Arla Foods
1994: Marketing Director, Den-
mark Division, Arla Foods
1990: Marketing Manager, 
Danya Foods (MD Foods in  
Saudi Arabia)
1987: Product Manager,  
MD Foods Germany

2004: Vice CEO, Arla Foods
2000: Executive Group Director, 
Arla Foods
1998: Executive Group Director, 
MD Foods
1994: CEO, Mejeriernes Produk-
tionsselskab, and Director, Home 
Market Division
1991: Director, Home Market 
Division, MD Foods
1989: Production Manager, of 
Yellow Cheese, MD Foods
1988: Head of Department, 
Home Market Division, MD 
Foods
1987: Head of Department, 
Mejeriselskabet Denmark, 
Company Secretariat
1979: Joined Danske Mejeriers 
Fællesorganisation, appointed 
Head of Department in 1983

2010: CFO,  
Arla Foods
2007: CFO, Danfoss A/S
2002: CFO, Ferrosan A/S
2001: Finance Director, ISS Asia 
1998: Finance Manager,  
A.P. Møller Maersk China 
1995: Economist,  
A.P. Møller Maersk

2007: CHRO, Arla Foods
2006: HR Director, Arla Foods
2005: Vice President HR, Unile-
ver Nordic, Helsingborg
2003: European HR Director, 
Unilever Home & Personal Care 
Europe, Brussels
2001: HR Director, Unilever, 
Sweden
2000: HR Director, Lever 
Faberge Nordic, Unilever 
Sweden
1998: HR Director  
DiversyeLever Nordic, Unilever 
Sweden and Denmark
1995: HR Manager, Unilever 
Sweden
1988: Officer, Royal Combat 
Engineering Corps,  
Swedish Army

2007: Executive Vice President, 
Global Categories & Operations, 
Arla Foods
2006: CEO, Mengniu Arla (China)
2000: Sales Director, Arla Foods 
Ingredients
1998: Export Director,  
Royal Unibrew
1994: General Manager, Fonter-
ra/NZDB (New Zealand)
1993: Director, Cremo Cheese, 
Arla Foods
1990: Sales and Marketing 
Manager, Denmark Protein/
Arla Foods
1986: Regional Sales Manager, 
Denmark Protein/Arla Foods

2011: Executive Vice President, 
Arla Foods, responsible for 
Consumer Denmark
2010: Vice CEO, Bestseller 
Fashion Group China
2008: Managing Director, Cocio 
Chokolademælk A/S 
2003: Vice President, Corporate 
Strategy, Arla Foods
2002: Business Development Di-
rector, Semco/Bravida Danmark
1999: Management Consultant, 
Accenture Strategy Practice

2007: Executive Vice President, 
Consumer UK, Arla Foods
2005: Group Executive Director, 
Arla Foods Global Ingredients
1994: Managing Director, Ingre-
dients Division, Arla Foods
1992: Director MD Foods, 
Copenhagen, Denmark
1985: Managing Director, Danya 
Foods Ltd Saudi Arabia
1977: General Export Manager, 
DOFO, Haderslev, Denmark
1975: Deputy General Manager, 
DOFO Italy S.r.l. Milano
1971: Deputy General Manager, 
DOFO Cheese Ltd. Nantwich, UK

2009-2013: Chairman of 
Unilever Nordic, member of the 
European Board, Unilever
2006-2009: Country Manager, 
Unilever Sweden  
2004-2007: Chairman of Ice 
Cream, Unilever Nordic 
1998-2004: Customer & 
Category Director, Lever Faberge 
Netherlands (Unilever)
1997-1998: Left the company 
to travel for one year with my 
wife through South America 
and Asia.
1996-1997: General Manager, 
Hefei Lever, Unilever China
1993-1995: Factory Manager, 
Lever Vlaardingen (Unilever 
Netherlands)
1991-1993: Operations Manag-
er, Lever Brothers Port Sunlight, 
UK (Unilever UK)
1989-1991: Technical Manager, 
Unilever de Fenix, Netherlands

Tim Ørting Jørgensen
Executive Vice President
Consumer Germany  
& the Netherlands

Finn S. Hansen
Executive Vice President,
Consumer International

2012: Executive Vice President, 
Consumer Germany and Nether-
lands, Arla Foods
2007: Executive Vice President, 
Consumer International,  
Arla Foods
2005: Divisional Director, Den-
mark Division, Arla Foods
2003: Sales Director, Denmark 
Division, Arla Foods
2001: Business Unit Director 
with responsibility for Dansk 
Supermarked, Arla Foods
1999: Group Project Manager, 
MD Foods
1996: Commercial Manager, MD 
Foods do Brasil/Dan Vigor, Brazil 
1993: Product Manager,  
Danya Foods, Saudi Arabia
1992: Trade Marketing Manager 
for France, MD Foods
1991: Trade Marketing Assistant, 
Cheese Division, MD Foods

2011: Executive Vice President, 
Consumer International,  
Arla Foods
2008: Senior Vice President, 
Middle East & North Africa, Arla 
Foods, Dubai
1998: Managing Director, 
Division Overseas, Arla Foods, 
Copenhagen
1994: Regional Director, 
Overseas Division, MD Foods, 
Copenhagen
1990: General Manager, Danya 
Foods, Riyadh,  
Saudi Arabia
1988: Branch Manager, Danya 
Foods, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
1986: Export Manager, Dofo 
Cheese, Haderslev, Denmark
1984: Area Manager, Dofo 
Cheese, Haderslev, Denmark
1981: Traffic Manager, Dofo 
Cheese Inc., Canada

110

111

EndorsEmEntsArla worldwide

production and Sales 
Denmark
UK
Sweden
Germany
Netherlands
Finland
France 
Saudi Arabia
USA
Canada
Brazil

112

Sales offices
Australia
Bangladesh (sub)
China
Dominican Rep.
Greece (sub)
Iraq
Italy (sub)
Kuwait (sub)
Mexico
Lebanon (sub)
Oman (sub)

Poland (sub)
Philippines
Qatar (sub)
Russian Fed. (sub)
Spain (sub)
Singapore
Utd. Arab Emir. (sub)
Norway (sub)

aFi
Denmark
USA
Japan
Korea
China
Argentina
Singapore
Mexico
Germany

Consolidated finanCial statements/Primary finanCial statementsBuSineSS gr OupS in arLa

gLOSSary

Global Categories & Operations, GCO, is responsible for global innovation, research, logistics,  
industrial sales, production and marketing in Arla. Moreover, GCO is in charge of sales of trading 
products in the global market. See page 14 and 30.

Consumer UK, CUK, is responsible for the UK market, a core market contributing 26% of Arla’s  
total revenue. See page 16.

Consumer Sweden & Finland, CSE, covers the Swedish market and has a strong position in this 
core market. CSE contributes 19% of Arla’s revenue. See page 18.

Consumer Denmark, CDK, focuses on developing a strong position in the Danish core market  
and contributes 9% of Arla’s revenue. See page 20.

Consumer Germany & the Netherlands, CGN, aims to realise the potential of the fast-growing 
German core market and generate synergies between Germany and the Netherlands. In 2013, 
18% of Arla’s revenue was generated by CGN. See page 22.

Consumer International, CIN, is a growth driver which handles Arla’s consumer sales within the  
six European core markets. CIN generates 13% of Arla’s revenue. See page 26.

Arla Foods Ingredients, AFI, is a subsidiary and global market leader within whey protein  
technology and one of Arla’s most profitable business units. AFI contributed 3% of Arla’s revenue 
in 2013. See page 28.

the performance price represents total profit per kg milk for a specified period (normally one year).  
It is calculated based on two key factors: The paid price for milk (average prepaid price standardised  
at 4.2 per cent fat and 3.4 per cent protein and supplementary payment) and total consolidation  
– calculated per kg of owner milk. That enables Arla and our owners to compare earnings with other 
dairy companies.

the arla quotation. Arla attempts to be as transparent as possible with regard to the milk price.  
The Arla quotation is published every month and specifies Arla’s present, highest milk price  
(based on the delivery of 5,000 tonnes of milk per year). In addition to the prepaid price, it includes 
supplementary payment and consolidation. The quotation is denominated in Danish kroner (DKK)  
per kg of milk (which is then translated into SEK, EUR and GBP). Arla’s milk price is specified for milk 
standardised at 4.2 per cent fat and 3.4 per cent protein. A seperate quotation is given for organic milk, 
which is priced with a premium. The Arla quotation covers a number of supplements that owners may 
receive in addition to the milk’s basic value.

the prepaid price is the cash payment farmers receive for the milk they have delivered during the 
settlement period. The amount is calculated based on the quality of the milk and its fat and protein 
content. This payment is made every other week to owners.

the supplementary payment is the share of profit paid out to owners at the end of the year.  
The supplementary payment is calculated as a percentage of every single owner’s supplementary 
payment-entitled value. This corresponds to the value of the raw milk as well as the quality settlement.

Consolidation is the share of the profit retained by Arla to finance the company’s growth and further 
development. May be both individual and common (see below).

Individual consolidation on owner certificates. Before 2010, individual consolidation was 
deposited into a delivery-based owner certificate representing the individual owner’s share of Arla’s 
equity – a share that would then be repaid annually over a period of three years with one payment a 
year, if the owner in question decided to leave the cooperative. (Subject to approval by the Board of 
Representatives.)

individual consolidation of contributed capital. The owner certificate has now been replaced by  
a new scheme, contributed capital, on which interest accrues according to the Copenhagen Interbank 
Offered Rate (CIBOR) + 1.5 per cent. If an owner decides to leave the cooperative, the contributed 
capital will be disbursed over a period of three years with one payment a year. (Subject to approval by 
the Board of Representatives.)

the common consolidation remains in the company to maintain sufficiently strong capital 
resources to finance future growth.

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006

arla Foods amba
Sønderhøj 14
DK-8260 Viby J. 
Denmark
CVR no.: 25 31 37 63

arla Foods uk plc 
4 Savannah Way
Leeds Valley Park
Leeds, LS10 1 AB
England

Phone +45 89 38 10 00
E-mail arla@arlafoods.com

Phone  +44 113 382 7000
E-mail: arla@arlafoods.com

www.arla.com

www.arlafoods.co.uk