Australian Cheese Production Declines 5% in 2023/24, but SMP and Butter Output Rebound
Source: DairyNews.today
Australian cheese production saw a 5% year-over-year (YOY) decrease in the 2023/24 period, reflecting shifts across key dairy product categories, according to data from Dairy Australia.
This downturn included a 2.4% drop in cheddar production and a sharper 7.4% contraction in non-cheddar varieties, as changing demand patterns and operational adjustments influenced output.
Production of whole milk powder (WMP), including infant formula, and dry whey faced significant declines, falling 30.2% and 10.3% YOY, respectively. In contrast, skim milk powder (SMP) production surged to a five-season high of 154,705 tonnes, marking a 14.3% YOY increase. Butter production also rose, up 5.1% compared to the previous year, signaling a shift in production focus to meet market demands.
The data highlights fluctuating dynamics within Australia’s dairy sector as producers respond to evolving consumer preferences and market conditions across both domestic and international markets.
Production of whole milk powder (WMP), including infant formula, and dry whey faced significant declines, falling 30.2% and 10.3% YOY, respectively. In contrast, skim milk powder (SMP) production surged to a five-season high of 154,705 tonnes, marking a 14.3% YOY increase. Butter production also rose, up 5.1% compared to the previous year, signaling a shift in production focus to meet market demands.
The data highlights fluctuating dynamics within Australia’s dairy sector as producers respond to evolving consumer preferences and market conditions across both domestic and international markets.
