Several Dutch cooperatives among top 10 of European list

BREUKELEN – The Netherlands is well represented on the list of the top 100 European cooperatives, suggests a report compiled by the Nyenrode University. Headed by Brabant-based Vion, a meat processing conglomerate, the list contains twelve other Dutch cooperatives. Friesland Foods, sixth, and Campina, eighth on the list, are currently conducting merger talks and could become second if their plans succeed. Germany has 16 entries on the list, France 30, and Denmark 6. Dairy concerns make up the largest portion of the list, followed by meat processors and agricultural crop processors. Brabant-based Cosun, which acquired CSM Sugar, is a fast rising entry on the list as well.