While many traditional dairy processors are primarily focused on their own production operations, Farmel has deliberately chosen a different role within the dairy supply chain. Based in Emmeloord, the company does not operate its own processing facility but works with its own dairy farmers and a network of dedicated customers.
“We are the link that continuously aligns supply and demand, ensuring that our customers always have access to the milk they need,” says Jehannes Miedema of Farmel.
One of Farmel’s long-standing customers is dairy company Özgazi, located in Etten-Leur. This family-owned business was founded in 1992 and originally started with the production of soft white cheese. Over the years, it has grown into a diversified dairy company. Today, the factory produces white cheese, ayran, kefir, Greek-style yogurt, and Turkish-style yogurt.
“Soon, kashkaval cheese and sliced cheese will be added to our product range as well,” says Numan Aktürk, who manages the company together with his brother Adem. The business was founded by their father, Serif Aktürk.
“At the moment, we process approximately 600 tons of milk per day on average, but we have ambitions to continue expanding.”
Özgazi products can be found in supermarkets throughout the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, Spain, and Portugal. Its white cheese is also exported to markets outside Europe, including the United States, Australia, Africa, and the Middle East.
According to Aktürk, this growth has been driven by continuous investments in technology, efficiency, and product development. Özgazi works with several different milk streams, including conventional milk, pasture-raised milk, organic milk, VLOG-certified milk, goat milk, and sheep milk.
Reliable and Flexible
These various milk streams require a reliable and flexible milk supply, which is where Farmel comes in. Miedema explains that Farmel specializes in organizing milk flows, connecting dairy farmers with processors, and trading dairy commodities such as milk powder, cream, concentrate, and butter.
“Our strength lies in organizing the right milk streams while combining flexibility with supply security. We work with long-term customers and ensure they always have access to the milk they need—both today and in the future. Because we can provide tailor-made solutions for producers, we are able to grow together.”
This goes beyond simply supplying milk. Farmel actively supports growth, flexibility, and risk diversification. A large portion of the milk demand is structurally supplied by dedicated dairy farmers, while still maintaining the flexibility to respond to market developments.
“We match the right farmer with the right demand. That makes it attractive for dairy farmers to adapt to changing market needs.”
Jehannes Miedema, Farmel
This approach also offers significant benefits for dairy farmers. Milk supplied by Farmel’s partner farmers is not traded on the spot market but is delivered exclusively to long-term partners. This creates stability and contributes to a solid milk price.
In addition, Farmel provides opportunities for sustainable concepts and specialized quality programs. These milk streams are not developed based on supply alone but are linked directly to concrete customer demand.
“We connect the right farmer to the right market demand. That makes it worthwhile for farmers to evolve alongside market developments.”
Growing Demand for Specialized Milk Streams
Dairy farmer Johan Vernooij from Delwijnen is one of Farmel’s suppliers. Together with his family, he operates a dairy farm with approximately 150 cows, producing around 1.5 million kilograms of milk annually, alongside 70 hectares of farmland.
He has been supplying milk to Farmel for about a year and a half. One of the key reasons for switching was the opportunity to supply On the Way to PlanetProof certified milk. Farmel’s way of working also appealed to him: short communication lines, direct contact, and a flat organizational structure.
“It’s not only about the milk price, but also about accessibility, clarity, and trust,” says Vernooij. “It’s easy to reach the field representatives, planning is straightforward, and transportation is handled professionally. That practical communication provides peace of mind.”
“It’s not only about the milk price, but also about accessibility, clarity, and trust.”
Johan Vernooij, Dairy Farmer in Delwijnen
According to Miedema, the dairy market is increasingly demanding more from dairy farmers.
“Sustainability requirements, certification programs, and specialized milk streams play a much larger role today than they did in the past. For the Dutch retail market, pasture-raised milk and On the Way to PlanetProof certification are important, while other markets may specifically require VLOG-certified milk.”
Although these developments require adjustments at farm level, Vernooij believes they can also contribute to the further professionalization of dairy businesses.
“Producing PlanetProof milk did not require a complete transformation for us, but it did encourage us to make several conscious improvements to our operation.”
Working Together
At the same time, the dairy sector faces significant challenges. The number of dairy farmers continues to decline, succession is not guaranteed everywhere, and pressure on the sector remains high. As a result, collaboration throughout the supply chain is becoming increasingly important.
For Özgazi, this cooperation is essential. Numan Aktürk believes the future of dairy lies in entrepreneurship, innovation, and professionalization. The company aims to continue growing but understands that this is only possible if the entire supply chain moves forward together.
“Ultimately, it starts with the farmer and ends with the consumer. If one link in the chain fails to function properly, the entire chain is affected.”
“It starts with the farmer and ends with the consumer. If one link in the chain fails to function properly, the rest of the chain will also come to a standstill.”
Numan Aktürk, Co-Owner of Özgazi Dairy
Miedema emphasizes that Farmel aims to be more than just a milk purchaser.
“We cannot exist without our dairy farmers, but we also want to create real added value. Not only through a fair milk price, but also through strong relationships, short communication lines, and a partnership where all parties truly understand one another.”
That is precisely where Farmel’s strength lies: connecting dairy farmers and dairy processors while ensuring that the supply chain continues to function efficiently. In a market that is constantly evolving, that may be more valuable than ever.
This article was created by our knowledge partner, Farmel.
