History of the Pur Natur group
MIK & Pur Natur, Kruisem
The History of MIK and Pur Natur: From Dairy Collection to Organic Pioneer
In 1902, Sint-Eligius in Kruishoutem, East Flanders, began collecting raw milk from farmers in the surrounding communities. The milk was skimmed and then returned to the farmers.
After World War II, a modern dairy infrastructure was established under the name Melkinrichting Kruishoutem (abbreviated as MIK). The company grew into a key player in dairy production, offering a wide range of products: milk, butter, buttermilk, and chocolate milk. Hundreds of milkmen distributed these products, while schools and factories in the region sourced their supplies from MIK.
In the following years, MIK became a pioneer in producing natural yoghurt. This set yoghurt matures in the pot itself, resulting in a uniquely firm and scoopable texture. The small packages in various flavors became a great success, leaving a lasting mark on the dairy market.
In 1988, MIK was acquired, and the company shifted its focus to yoghurt, desserts, and fresh cheese, further solidifying its name in the dairy sector.
In 1990, MIK introduced organic yoghurt to the market under the new brand Pur Natur. At the time, organic products were considered healthy but not always tasty. Pur Natur changed that with a clear vision:
- The best taste, even surpassing traditional A-brands.
- A simple, honest, and flavorful packaging design.
- 100% organic ingredients, without compromise.
Today, Pur Natur offers a wide range of organic dairy products, including yoghurt, desserts, and fresh cheese, available both domestically and internationally. These products are crafted with the utmost care, respecting the earth, plants, and animals, and with a strong emphasis on top quality.
In January 2025, MIK will cease the production of yoghurts for supermarkets. The traditional MIK yoghurt has evolved into the organic variants under the Pur Natur brand. These yoghurts are produced with the same care and passion, at the same location.
MIK now focuses on professional users, offering products such as fresh milk, full-fat and low-fat yogurt (in tubs), and fresh cheese (in tubs).
With this new direction, MIK reaffirms its role as an authentic dairy specialist and a reliable partner in the food service sector while staying true to its roots.
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.