With effect from March 1, Arla Foods has acquired 50 % of the share capital of Cocio Chokolademælk A/S in Esbjerg, Denmark, from the owners, Erik Bank Lauridsen and Steen R. Christensen. The two will continue in their present positions as Managing Director and Chairman respectively. Erik Bank Lauridsen and Steen R. Christensen bought Cocio from the American company, Borden. The company currently has an annual production of 9,300 tons.

Cocio recently celebrated the inauguration of a new factory in Esbjerg dedicated to sterilised chocolate milk production in bottles. Under the agreement between Arla Foods and Cocio, the current production of Matilde Café will be transferred from Laholm in Sweden to Cocio's plant in Esbjerg. Consequently, 15 employees in Laholm will be made redundant.

Cocio's current turnover totals DKK 97 million per annum.