Chilean Dairy Industry Sees Growth Through Investments and Exports
The Chilean dairy industry is undergoing a period of expansion, marked by substantial investments and a rise in export volumes. A notable development is the corporate restructuring of Soprole, a company controlled by the Grupo Gloria, aimed at simplifying its business structure in Chile.
Colun, one of the leading players in the industry, is advancing on a major project with the construction of a new cheese plant in La Unión. This investment, valued at approximately $140 million, is intended to enhance its processing capacity. Additionally, there is growing interest from international investors in agricultural and dairy assets in the southern regions of Chile.
The industry is also witnessing a trend towards consolidation, with the number of milk producers decreasing but the average size of dairy farms increasing. This shift is accompanied by the adoption of new technologies aimed at improving production efficiency. Currently, there are about 2,300 milk producers, mainly concentrated in the Los Lagos and Los Ríos regions.
Price stability has played a crucial role in the sector's recovery. Although there have been fluctuations, the average price paid to producers has remained relatively stable over recent years. Fedeleche, however, emphasizes the need for clearer signals from dairy processors to encourage further investments and sustain growth.
Trade figures show that between January and May 2026, dairy imports grew by 15.8%, reaching an equivalent of 344.5 million liters, with Argentina being the primary supplier. Conversely, exports increased by 13.1%, totaling 206.8 million liters and generating revenues of $135 million. The main export products include condensed milk, powdered milk, and Gouda cheese, with the United States, Colombia, and Mexico as the top destinations.
According to data from Odepa, Colun maintains its position as the leading processor of milk in Chile, having processed 332 million liters between January and May, accounting for more than a third of the national intake. Other significant players include Soprole, Nestlé, Watt’s (Loncoleche), and Quillayes-Surlat.
