Argentina: A Comprehensive Look at Its Dairy Industry

Argentina is a significant contributor to the global dairy market, characterized by robust milk production, a substantial number of dairy cattle, and an extensive network of dairy farms and processing plants.

Milk Production and Livestock

As of the current year, Argentina has approximately 1.6 million dairy cattle. The annual milk production stands at around 10.5 billion liters, reflecting the country's strong dairy farming practices and favorable climatic conditions.

Milk Processing and Cheese Production

Argentina processes about 9 billion liters of milk annually. The country is also known for its cheese production, with an annual output of approximately 500,000 metric tons. This highlights Argentina's capacity to add value to raw milk through the production of high-quality dairy products.

Milk Powder and Whey Production

In addition to liquid milk and cheese, Argentina produces around 150,000 metric tons of milk powder and whey each year. These products are crucial for both domestic consumption and export markets.

Key Enterprises

• La Serenísima (Mastellone Hermanos S.A.): A leading dairy company in Argentina, known for a wide range of dairy products.
• Saputo Inc.: A global dairy leader with significant operations in Argentina.
• Williner: A notable player in the Argentine dairy market, specializing in cheese and other dairy products.

Dairy Farms

• Tambos La Unión: A prominent dairy farm known for its large-scale milk production.
• Estancia La Nueva: Another key dairy farm contributing to the country's milk supply.

Exports and Imports

Argentina exports about 3.5 billion liters of milk annually in various forms, including liquid milk, cheese, and milk powder. The country's imports of dairy products are relatively low, given its substantial domestic production.

Significant Events

• Saputo Inc. Board of Directors Election: Saputo Inc., a global leader in dairy production and distribution, has recently announced the election of its board of directors. This event underscores the ongoing corporate governance and strategic planning within key players in Argentina's dairy industry.
• Decline in Dairy Consumption: The Argentine dairy sector is facing significant challenges as a recent report from the Argentine Institute for Agricultural and Industrial Development (IDAA) reveals a steep decline in dairy consumption during the first half of 2024. Argentina's dairy consumption is poised to hit a historic low by year-end.
• Saputo’s Performance in Latin America: Saputo Inc. was impacted by economic instability, contributing approximately $1.5 billion to the company’s total revenue in 2023.

Argentina has demonstrated an impressive 50% increase in dairy exports, highlighting its growing influence in the global dairy market.

Modified: 2024/10/09

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