The DMK Group convened a significant dialogue event in Berlin titled “All at One Table,” gathering stakeholders from various sectors to discuss the future of the dairy industry. With a focus on climate change and sustainable nutrition, the event featured keynotes and panel discussions led by industry leaders and academics. CEO Ingo Müller emphasized the importance of collaboration in achieving meaningful change and outlined the cooperative’s ongoing sustainability initiatives, including the introduction of vegan products and efforts to reduce waste and emissions in their operations.
The DMK Group, Germany’s largest dairy cooperative and a key player in the agricultural sector, recently convened a significant event in Berlin titled “All at One Table.” This gathering brought together 60 influential guests from politics, business, science, media, and non-governmental organizations to discuss the future of the dairy industry and the transformations necessary to address pressing challenges like climate change and sustainable nutrition.
The evening commenced with an opening address by DMK CEO Ingo Müller, who emphasized the importance of open dialogue and fact-based discussions in an era often dominated by fear and polarization. He stated, “Change can only be achieved together,” reflecting the cooperative’s commitment to collaborative solutions in sustainability.
The event featured a keynote speech by Prof. Dr. Franz-Theo Gottwald from Humboldt University Berlin, who spoke on the challenges and opportunities facing the agricultural sector. Following this, a panel discussion moderated by Henrike Schirmacher, editor-in-chief of Agrifood.Table, included notable participants such as Stefan Wenzel, Parliamentary State Secretary at the Federal Ministry of Education, Science and Research, and Dr. Robert Kecskes, senior insights director at GfK. The discussion allowed for an engaging exchange of ideas on the transformation of the dairy industry.
Guests were also treated to a unique culinary experience, enjoying a creative snack made with milk ingredients prepared by chef and flavor artist Heiko Antoniewicz. This setting fostered an environment for informal dialogue and networking among attendees.
As the leading supplier to German food retail, the DMK Group is dedicated to shaping a sustainable future for the dairy industry. The company is already taking significant steps, such as expanding its portfolio to include vegan products, reducing packaging and food waste, and enhancing energy and water efficiency in its operations. Additionally, the DMK Group is transitioning its milk collection fleet to climate-friendly bio-LNG fuel and exploring emission reduction strategies on four pilot farms.
CEO Müller acknowledged the complexity of achieving sustainable change, stating that while the DMK Group has not yet reached its goals, the journey involves learning and innovating to tackle the big questions surrounding climate protection, biodiversity, and nutrition.
With initiatives like “All at One Table,” the DMK Group is actively seeking to collaborate across the dairy industry and beyond, aiming for a future that prioritizes sustainability and responsible agricultural practices.
