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History of the Pur Natur group

MIK & PUR NATUR, KRUISEM

In 1902 the dairy operation St. Eligius was set up in the village of Kruishoutem in East Flanders. The raw milk was collected from farmers in the surrounding area, skimmed and brought back.

Shortly after the end of World War II this grew into a fully-functioning dairy company under the name Melkinrichting Kruishoutem (Kruishoutem Dairy), abbreviated to MIK.

MIK’s original operations were expanded and ...

MIK produced a broad range of dairy products: milk, butter, buttermilk and chocolate milk. Hundreds of milkmen were involved in distribution and schools and factories all over the region bought their dairy supplies from MIK. The company grew and eventually became a pioneer in the production of natural yoghurt.

This set yoghurt (yoghurt fermented in the pot) can still be found in supermarkets today. Its small pots with different flavours ended up being very successful and MIK left a permanent mark on the dairy sector. Today MIK stands for tasty products from us, made with milk from us. MIK is a strong regional player in dairy products with respect for its roots, but ambitious to keep going forward in the future.

MIK was taken over in 1988, marking a move away from classic dairy products towards a greater specialization in yoghurts, desserts and quark.

Our decision to bring out an organic yoghurt in 1990 was quite a risky move at the time. Consumers knew that organic foods were healthy, but they didn't look in the least bit appetizing.

As a brand, we at Pur Natur set out to revolutionize organic yoghurts, desserts and quark:

  • The very best taste - better than the classic top brands
  • Packaging that wasn't flashy – just authentic and stylish
  • 100% organic - with no compromises

Today Pur Natur supplies a large range of dairy products to Belgium and abroad.

The products are prepared with absolute attention for top quality and with respect for the earth, the plants and the animals.


PUR NATUR UK, LONDON

Commercial organization since 2006.


LACTIS PUR NATUR, SINT-PIETERS-LEEUW

In 2010, Pur Natur took over Vermeersch and changed its name to LACTIS Pur Natur. Both companies adhere to the same philosophy: creating quality products with respect for our planet, plants and animals. LACTIS Pur Natur produces unique, Belgian dairy products.

MIK and Pur Natur, strong brands with experience in yoghurt and fromage frais, are a perfect match for LACTIS Pur Natur’s cream and fresh milk. Throughout the years, the company continuously expanded.


BUTTEREI PUR NATUR, BÜLLINGEN

butterei Pur Natur is unique in Belgium for its production of real churned butter.

In October 2013, Pur Natur NV took over all of Butterei Büllingen’s trading activities under the name ‘butterei Pur Natur’. This has made Pur Natur one of Europe’s few remaining producers of buttermilk and unique in Belgium for its authentic churned butter, made by traditional methods using authentic churns.

In early 1899, a major dairy enterprise with 224 workers was established in Büllingen. An initiative by local farmers transformed this into the Coöperatieve Melkerij van Büllingen-St Vith in 1950. Its butter was awarded the label ‘Appellation d'Origine Protégée (AOP), Beurre d'Ardenne’ in 1996, making the company one of only three in Europe to qualify for protected designation of origin status.

Moreover, its products received organic certification in 2002.


PUR NATUR FRANCE, SELLES

Commercial organization since 2016.