The North-West Unites to Become a Top Ten Dairy Producer in Europe
Source: dairynews.today
The North-West of Spain, including Galicia, Asturias, and Castilla y León, has consolidated its position as one of the top ten milk-producing regions in Europe.
José Armando Tellado, the General Director of Central Lechera Asturiana (CLAS), emphasizes the significance of the North-West region in Spain's dairy industry, citing the area's traditional strengths and recent advancements. "The North-West united is in the top ten of milk production in Europe," he asserts.
Although Spain's per capita cheese consumption is significantly lower than the European average of 21.85 kg, Tellado sees growth opportunities through diversification into higher-value dairy products like cheese. Currently, Spain's per capita cheese consumption stands at just 7.5 kg. Reflecting on Spain's dairy sector, he notes improvements since the end of 2022, following setbacks such as the Ukrainian invasion. Despite industry challenges such as labor shortages and regulatory uncertainties, profitability across the value chain has improved. CLAS is the second-largest milk collector in Galicia and aims to expand its presence.
With ongoing investments in cheese production, Tellado is optimistic about reaching a revenue of 200 million euros in cheese over the next five years, aiming to better compensate dairy farmers. Moving forward, the focus is on increased product diversification and capturing consumer interest in the nutritional value of basic dairy products.
Although Spain's per capita cheese consumption is significantly lower than the European average of 21.85 kg, Tellado sees growth opportunities through diversification into higher-value dairy products like cheese. Currently, Spain's per capita cheese consumption stands at just 7.5 kg. Reflecting on Spain's dairy sector, he notes improvements since the end of 2022, following setbacks such as the Ukrainian invasion. Despite industry challenges such as labor shortages and regulatory uncertainties, profitability across the value chain has improved. CLAS is the second-largest milk collector in Galicia and aims to expand its presence.
With ongoing investments in cheese production, Tellado is optimistic about reaching a revenue of 200 million euros in cheese over the next five years, aiming to better compensate dairy farmers. Moving forward, the focus is on increased product diversification and capturing consumer interest in the nutritional value of basic dairy products.
