Arla is investing approximately SEK 380 million (EUR 34.5 million) to build a new production line for quark at its dairy facility in Linköping.
The investment is part of the cooperative’s long-term strategy to strengthen Swedish food production and meet the growing demand for locally produced dairy products.
The new production line will focus on supplying quark to the Swedish market, where demand has surged in recent years. This trend is driven by increasing consumer interest in high-protein, low-fat foods. In 2024, quark was named Sweden’s trendiest food in a survey conducted by the Swedish Food Federation (Livsmedelsföretagen).
- We’re very pleased to announce this investment, which reflects our strong belief in Swedish milk, said Cecilia Kocken, CEO of Arla Sweden.
- Producing more dairy products in Sweden is not only good for the climate, agriculture, and jobs—it’s also a vital part of our collective ability to stay resilient in a changing world, Kocken continued.
The Linköping dairy employs around 290 people. Today, the facility produces more than 280 different dairy products, including yogurt, sour cream, crème fraîche, as well as lactose-free and organic options.
The new quark line is expected to go into operation in the first quarter of 2028. With this investment, Arla will expand its capacity to meet the rising demand for Swedish-made quark, complementing its existing production in Denmark, Finland, and Germany. The demand for quark – or skyr, as it is called in Europe – has increased by an average of 8 percent per year in Europe between 2022 and 2024 and is expected to continue growing at the same pace until 2030.
Read the full press release HERE.