German co-op Bayerische Milchindustrie eG (BMI) is set to join Global Dairy Trade (GDT) trading events from next month.

GDT confirmed today (Thursday, February 20) that BMI will offer lactose to buyers worldwide.

Founded in 1952, BMI has grown from a local cooperative into a key player in the global dairy industry.

Headquartered in Landshut, Germany, the co-op represents 1,200 dairy farmers across Bavaria, Thuringia, and Saxony-Anhalt.

With seven state-of-the-art production sites, BMI delivers a diverse portfolio of premium dairy products, including dry, fresh, and cheese varieties.

BMI has invested in modernised production facilities, enhancements to cheese dairies, and a reusable bottle station to promote eco-friendly practices.

BMI will offer food-grade lactose on GDT events, meeting the highest industry standards and carrying vegetarian, kosher, and halal certifications.

"Joining GDT marks an exciting milestone for BMI as we expand our global reach," Hendryk Muhlack, BMI commercial director, said.

"We look forward to building strong partnerships through this platform," he added.

Shaun McCauley, managing director GDT Europe, welcomed BMI to the platform.

"BMI’s partnership enhances our global offerings and reinforces GDT’s role in transparent, efficient dairy trade, " he said.

Meanwhile, the average GDT price index fell by 0.6% after the latest auction on Tuesday (February 18).

There were a total of 165 bidders in the event which saw 22,651 metric ton (MT) of product sold.

The average selling price was €4,172 per metric ton in the auction, which lasted for just over two hours, during which there were 120 winning bidders.

The GDT Price Index now stands at 1,257, compared to the previous index figure on February 4 which was 1,264.

GDT is owned and managed as a strategic partnership between the European Energy Exchange (EEX), Fonterra Cooperative Group, and New Zealand's Exchange (NZX).