Albert de Groot, CEO of Vreugdenhil Dairy Foods, has been appointed President of the European Dairy Association (EDA), the official voice of Europe’s milk and dairy processors. The announcement was made during the EDA Dairy Policy Conference held on March 26 in Brussels.
De Groot brings over a decade of executive leadership experience to his new role, having led Vreugdenhil Dairy Foods since 2014 and served as Chairman of the Dutch Dairy Organization (NZO) since mid-2023. Known for his strategic vision and international business acumen, he is widely regarded as a champion of sustainable dairy innovation and global market expansion.
A Leader for the Future of European Dairy
“Albert de Groot is a highly respected and forward-thinking leader within our sector,” said outgoing EDA President Giuseppe Ambrosi. “His track record—both at Vreugdenhil and during his tenure at NZO—demonstrates a deep commitment to the growth and resilience of the dairy industry in Europe and beyond.”
Under de Groot’s leadership, Vreugdenhil has significantly expanded its international footprint, now exporting high-quality dairy products to over 130 countries. His term as NZO chairman will now be handed over to Mireille Einwachter, Chief Sustainability Officer at Royal FrieslandCampina and NZO’s current vice-chair.
Strengthening Dairy’s Role in a Changing Europe
In his first statement as EDA President, de Groot emphasized the importance of collaboration and policy alignment within the EU.
“It is a true honour to lead the EDA during these transformative times,” said de Groot. “We face complex challenges—from sustainability demands to global market instability—but we also have great opportunity. Our success depends on strong cooperation across the dairy chain and strategic EU policies that support innovation, competitiveness, and food security.”
He also paid tribute to his predecessor:
“I am deeply grateful to Giuseppe Ambrosi for his outstanding leadership, which elevated EDA’s influence across Europe and globally.”
Looking Ahead: EDA Annual Convention in the Netherlands
The EDA’s next major event will be its Annual Convention, scheduled to take place from 12–14 November 2025 in Utrecht, the Netherlands. This gathering will provide a crucial platform for stakeholders to shape the dairy industry’s trajectory amid economic, environmental, and regulatory shifts.
For more details, visit: Annual Convention EDA 2025
