Global dairy cooperative Arla Foods has set its sights on expanding in Bangladesh with a focus on affordable nutrition, youth empowerment, and long-term sustainability. Speaking in an interview, Magnus Glennborn, vice-president and head of Southeast Asia at Arla, highlighted the company’s efforts to adapt to shifting consumer habits while investing in the country’s human capital.
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Arla, best known locally for its flagship brand Dano, has introduced smaller pack sizes and Tk 10 sachets to help families cope with rising inflation. At the same time, it continues to fortify products like Dano Daily Pushti with protein, calcium, and vitamins to address widespread malnutrition. Citing official data, Glennborn pointed out that around 26% of children under five in Bangladesh are stunted, while 22.6% are underweight, making access to affordable, nutritious dairy essential.
Beyond nutrition, Arla is investing in people. “In smaller markets, centralized control does not work. You need to empower people on the ground,” Glennborn said, noting that Bangladeshi professionals show ambition, adaptability, and openness to learning. The company runs leadership training and regional exchange programs, with many local employees now working across Arla’s global network.
On the sustainability front, Arla is driving the Green Dairy Partnership, a five-year project valued at Tk 254 million. Backed by the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the initiative brings together partners such as Pran Dairy, Solidaridad Network Asia, IDRN-Bangladesh Agricultural University, SEGES Innovation, and the Danish Agriculture & Food Council. The project aims to raise milk productivity and build infrastructure to enable local sourcing, reducing dependence on imports over time.
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Glennborn emphasized that Arla’s Gazipur factory already operates at European safety and hygiene standards and won a national award in 2022. But the next phase is about deeper integration with the local dairy sector, improving supply chains, and encouraging more foreign direct investment in Bangladesh.
“As a Danish cooperative, we are proud to act as a flagbearer for Danish business in the region,” Glennborn said. “Through innovation, local empowerment, and strategic collaboration, Arla is committed to supporting Bangladesh’s future while building a sustainable dairy sector for generations to come.”