The beginning
On 14 July 1887, 500 farmers from central Jutland came together to found Denmark's first farming cooperative. This is where our story starts. Land was purchased, construction was started, and equipment was set up. By 22 December 1887, they were ready to slaughter the first pigs.
Farmers came together to form cooperatives that could secure better prices and quality control for their cattle. This model was based on shared ownership and mutual benefit, laying the foundation for what we are today.
Growth and Development
In the early 1900s, the number of cooperative slaughterhouses grew rapidly, and we became an important player in both the Danish and international meat industries. Technological advancements and improved production methods helped us increase efficiency and the quality of our products. The cooperative model also ensured that farmers had a strong voice in the development of the industry.
A new area
The opening of the cooperative slaughterhouse heralded a new era in Danish agricultural history. It changed the way farmers worked and cooperative slaughterhouses sprang up all over the country. By 1962 there were 62 cooperative slaughterhouse companies in Denmark.
In the 1960s, a period of consolidation began. Many smaller slaughterhouses merged to form larger units that could meet the increasing demands of the market. It was during this period that several of the major entities that later became part of Danish Crown were created.
Establishment of Danish Crown
In 1998, several large cooperative slaughterhouses, including Vestjyske Slagterier and Danish Crown AmbA, merged to form Danish Crown as we know it today. This merger made us one of the largest meat producers in Europe and provided us with a strong platform for global expansion.
Global Expansion and Sustainability
In the early 2000s, we focused on expanding our markets and improving our production processes. We invested in innovative solutions that worked to reduce our environmental footprint. This included everything from energy-saving technologies to animal welfare programs.
Innovation and Future-Proofing
Today, we try to lead the industry with innovation and various sustainability initiatives, working closely with cooperative members to ensure high-quality, environmentally respectful products. We continuously seek new ways to improve from production to distribution.
