EkoNiva Group, Russia’s largest dairy holding, has announced its operating results over January-June 2025 covering its core business areas: dairy farming, milk processing and crop production.

Dairy farming

In January-June 2025, EkoNiva’s total output exceeded 714,300 tonnes of raw milk in bulk, a growth of over 48,800 tonnes (7%) compared to the same period last year (665,500 tonnes).

The average daily milk yield for the first six months of the current year was 3,947 tonnes against 3,656 tonnes in 2024 (+7%). In June, this figure across the Group reached 4,059 tonnes. The output per dairy cow was 33.1 kg per day versus 31.7 kg for the same period in 2024. The average milk yield per dairy cow in June was 33.8 kg per day. EkoNiva’s specialists proceed with their work on boosting the dairy herd productivity.

In the first half of 2025, the total herd size averaged about 251,300 head of cattle, of which 119,300 were dairy cows (the first six months of 2024: 247,400 and 115,400 head, respectively).

Milk processing

In January-June 2025, more than 136,300 tonnes of finished dairy was manufactured at EkoNiva’s own and partner processing facilities (the same period last year: 162,900 tonnes, down by 16%). The production of drinking milk and conventional dairy items (cream, kefir, sour cream, curds, butter, etc.) amounted to 130,700 tonnes, the yoghurt and dessert group (including ice cream) – 4,100 tonnes, cheeses – 1,540 tonnes. The decrease in the output of the finished dairy resulted from reducing cooperation with co-packing partner plants, where the Group’s goods were turned out under the retail chains’ private labels. Currently, the company focuses on streamlining its business processes and strengthening the EKONIVA brand in the main regions of its presence.

In the first half of 2025, the Group expanded its product portfolio. March saw the launch of sales of lactose-free milk from the EKONIVA Professional Line. This product is primarily designed for the HoReCa sector and supplied to coffee shops. In April, a modern High Focus milk drink was added to the range, which contains EkoNiva’s own lactose-free milk, guarana extract, green tea extract with the L-theanine amino acid, B vitamins and glucose.

The Group is using new sales channels to market its branded products. During the reporting period, nine retail outlets were opened in Voronezh, Kaluga, Leningrad, Orenburg oblasts and the Republic of Tatarstan.

Crop production

In early May, EkoNiva’s farms started forage preparation, harvesting over 197,600 tonnes of feed in dry matter by June. The Group’s main task is to provide its growing herd with high-quality and nutritious fodder.

Plant breeding and seed growing

EkoNiva continues to develop the area of seed growing and its in-house plant breeding programme. In January 2025, EN Beluga lentil, EN Titan winter wheat varieties and the first Russian high-protein soya beans EN Proton were entered into the State Register of Plant Breeding Achievements. EN Beluga is the Group’s first lentil variety approved for use by the state. Currently, the company’s portfolio comprises 16 varieties of its own breeding: ten of winter wheat, five of soya beans and one of lentils. EkoNiva both grows these varieties on its farms and sells their seeds to third-party buyers.