EMP Milchhof Prenzlau

EMP Milchhof Prenzlau GmbH is a German dairy processing company based in Prenzlau, Brandenburg. Its origins trace back to a dairy cooperative founded in Prenzlau in 1889, and for most of its modern history it operated as Uckermärker Milch GmbH. The plant processes up to 1,000,000 kg of raw milk per day, making it one of the larger dairy processing sites in eastern Germany. Its product range includes butter, buttermilk, milk powder and quark, and it also repacks block butter imported from Ireland into consumer packaging. Sales channels include food retail, the food industry and wholesale. The company holds kosher and halal certifications for its dried milk powder production. Since 1 March 2025, the dairy has been owned by EDEKA Zentrale Stiftung & Co. KG, following approval by the German Federal Cartel Office. The business was renamed EMP Milchhof Prenzlau GmbH, while the former Uckermärker Milch GmbH is being wound up. The plant's veterinary control number changed from DE BB 006 EG to DE BB 73301 EG. The company has received quality awards, including a milk quality prize in 2009 and multiple DLG medals in 2012 and 2013. It has also faced public criticism, notably in 2012 over its exemption from the German renewable energy levy (EEG-Umlage).

The history of the Prenzlau dairy begins in 1889, when a dairy cooperative was founded in the town. This cooperative later evolved into Uckermärker Milch GmbH. On 27 June 1991, Uckermärker Milch GmbH moved its headquarters to Brüssower Allee in Prenzlau. In 1992, a new company was founded with main shareholders Meierei-Zentrale GmbH Berlin and Milchhof Eiskrem GmbH + Co. KG Mettmann. As part of a restructuring, the dairy created technical conditions for ice cream production in part of a new building. At the end of 1993, the production of quark was added, and the quark range was expanded in subsequent years. In 2000, the milk and ice cream business fields were separated. Uckermärker Milch GmbH was integrated into Tuffi Campina Emzett, while Nestlé took over the ice cream division. From 1 January 2009, the operation again carried its old name Uckermärker Milch GmbH. In 2014, the company celebrated its 125th anniversary. In September 2014, the Swiss Hochdorf Holding announced the acquisition of a 60% stake in Uckermärker Milch GmbH, which was completed at the beginning of 2015. It also acquired 26% (blocking minority) in Ostmilch Handels GmbH, the marketer of Uckermärker Milch products, and in two associated fresh-food service companies. At the end of February 2020, Hochdorf Holding sold its 60% stake in Uckermärker Milch to Ostmilch Handels GmbH, in which Hochdorf retained a 26% stake. Uckermärker Milch GmbH was the landlord of the ice cream plant operated in Prenzlau by Rosen Eiskrem Süd GmbH, a subsidiary of DMK Eis GmbH. In September 2021, it became known that the lease had been terminated effective 31 December 2022. Shortly afterwards, the contract was extended by one year until 31 December 2023. On 31 August 2023, ice cream production in Prenzlau was completely stopped, the production facilities were dismantled and moved to a DMK Eis plant in Everswinkel. On 3 February 2025, Uckermärker Milch GmbH announced that the Prenzlau dairy would be sold to EDEKA Zentrale. After approval by the Bundeskartellamt on 24 February, the takeover took place on 1 March 2025. The dairy has since been operated under the name EMP Milchhof Prenzlau GmbH, while Uckermärker Milch GmbH is being wound up.

• 2025

  On 3 February, sale to EDEKA Zentrale announced; approved by Bundeskartellamt on 24 February; takeover completed on 1 March, renamed EMP Milchhof Prenzlau GmbH.

• 2023

  On 31 August, ice cream production in Prenzlau was completely stopped and equipment moved to Everswinkel.

• 2020

  At the end of February, Hochdorf Holding sold its 60% stake to Ostmilch Handels GmbH, retaining 26%.

• 2015

  Hochdorf Holding completed acquisition of 60% of Uckermärker Milch GmbH at the beginning of the year.

• 2014

  Company celebrated its 125th anniversary; Hochdorf Holding announced acquisition of a 60% stake in September.

• 2009

  From 1 January, the operation again carried the name Uckermärker Milch GmbH.

• 2000

  Milk and ice cream business fields were separated; Uckermärker Milch integrated into Tuffi Campina Emzett, Nestlé took over ice cream.

• 1993

  Production of quark was added at the end of the year.

• 1992

  A new company was founded with Meierei-Zentrale GmbH Berlin and Milchhof Eiskrem GmbH + Co. KG Mettmann as main shareholders.

• 1991

  Uckermärker Milch GmbH moved its headquarters to Brüssower Allee in Prenzlau on 27 June.

• 1889

  Dairy cooperative founded in Prenzlau, later becoming Uckermärker Milch GmbH.

A large-scale dairy processor in eastern Germany supplying retail, industry and wholesale channels, now integrated into the EDEKA retail group.

• Butter

  Produced from raw milk; also repacks block butter imported from Ireland.

• Buttermilk

  Produced from raw milk.

• Milk powder

  Dried milk powder produced according to kosher and halal standards.

• Quark

  Quark production added in 1993 and range expanded in subsequent years.

1. 1EMP Milchhof Prenzlaude.wikipedia.org
2. 2EMP Milchhof Prenzlauwikidata.org
3. 3Official websiteuckermarkmilch.de