Agrial’s 2024 financial statements were approved by the Co-operative’s farmer members during the General assembly held on 3 June in Mamers (Pays de la Loire French region). Despite a drop in finished product volumes in France, due to inflation and geopolitical instability, Agrial’s performance remains solid, with stable revenue at €7.1 billion and a record EBITDA of €272 million. This enables a return of €21.5 million to the 12,000 farmer members for the 2024 financial year and positions the Co-operative to enter 2025 with confidence.
2025 represents a turning point for Agrial, with the launch of its strategic plan, Horizon 2035, an ambitious roadmap to tackle future agricultural challenges, as well as a transition in executive leadership mid-year. As of 1 July, Julien Heillaut will take over from Ludovic Spiers, who has served as the Co-operative’s Chief Executive Officer for the past 15 years. Read the press release.
A strong foundation in 2024 to build on in 2025
In upstream operations, the Agricultural division adapted to highly unpredictable weather and a historically poor harvest – down by 30% – while maintaining a high level of service for farmer members. After several years of inflation, while input prices have fallen, service prices have continued to rise. Agronomy supplies, rural retail, and agricultural equipment activities have stabilised at high levels.
The Dairy division had a favourable year. Yoghurts and dairy desserts stood out with record performance, the best in nearly three years. Investments are ongoing, including the final phase of works at the Bellevigny and Herbignac (both in Pays de la Loire French region) plants, and a project to build a new goat milk processing facility in La Crèche (New Aquitaine). On farms, producer prices have stabilised at levels that cover costs, enabling milk collection to grow.
In the Fresh Produce division, results were mixed. The Dutch fresh vegetable business Primeale United was sold at the end of 2024 due to market difficulties. In both France and Spain, 1st and 4th range operations performed very well. Brands gained prominence — for example, Florette extended its range by branding purées and soups previously sold under Créaline. Priméale France also had a strong year, thanks to high prices for key crops and healthy volumes of the Farmer Organisation. Conversely, conditions in the UK were more challenging due to record summer rainfall.
In the Meat division, the year was marked by a difficult charcuterie market. Inflation and wet weather have not helped the recovery in meat consumption, and cooked meat volumes declined, impacted by persistently high raw material and resources prices. However, market conditions for livestock farming are more favourable, ensuring decent prices for producers.
2024 was also a pivotal year for the Apple & Beverage division, marked by the reorganisation of its cider-making activities due to a very difficult market in France. Internationally, a key development was the planned relocation of the Manzana plant in the US to the state of Washington. In the UK, Aston Manor demonstrated resilience despite adverse weather conditions. A notable success in 2024 was the strong growth of the La Mordue hard cider brand, which surpassed one million litres sold, which bodes well for the future of producers.
Since its founding, Agrial has consistently engaged elected members and employees to shape its collective strategic vision. These committed individuals, proud of their work and open to innovation, drive the Co-operative’s growth and share a common purpose. Discussions have focused on the evolution of member farms, market trends, consumer behaviour, and innovation.
