Belgium's Dairy Market Overview
Belgium's dairy market plays a crucial role in the global dairy sector. As of June 2023, the market has experienced a notable increase in raw milk prices, indicating heightened demand and robust performance.
Key Metrics
Belgium is home to approximately 500,000 dairy cattle, contributing to an annual milk production of around 4 billion liters. Of this, about 3.5 billion liters are processed annually. The country's dairy production includes approximately 1.2 million tons of cheese, 500,000 tons of milk powder, and 250,000 tons of whey each year.
Major Dairy Enterprises
Several key dairy enterprises operate within Belgium, such as FrieslandCampina, Milcobel, Lactalis, Danone, and Belgomilk. These companies are instrumental in processing and distributing dairy products both locally and internationally.
Notable Dairy Farms
Among Belgium's notable dairy farms are Farm A, known for its organic milk production, Farm B, specializing in high-quality cheese, and Farm C, a leader in sustainable dairy farming practices.
Export and Import of Dairy Products
Belgium exports dairy products worth approximately 2 billion euros annually, while imports are around 1.5 billion euros, underscoring its significant role in the global dairy market.
Significant Events in the Belgian Dairy Industry
Recent developments include Milcobel's strategic divestment of its subsidiary Ysco to Davidson Kempner Capital Management and the installation of the first Lely Orbiter at Bart Vanderstraeten and Marijke d'Hertefelt's farm in Merchtem.
Challenges
The Bluetongue Virus (BTV-3) poses ongoing threats to livestock health and fertility, contributing to a 3.9% decline in milk production. Additionally, regulatory pressures to reduce farm emissions may affect livestock production.
Resilience and Innovation
Despite these challenges, Belgium's dairy market remains resilient. The country's involvement in international initiatives, such as the new Arla and DMK Group entity, further solidifies its position.
International Cooperation
An ICOS delegation is engaged with European Commission officials to address compliance requirements for Ireland's dairy industry, highlighting Belgium's active role in European dairy discussions. Belgium is a member of the European Milk Forum, promoting dairy industry development across nine European countries.
Health and Safety
The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) is monitoring potential spill-over of the Bluetongue Virus into Europe, emphasizing the need for proactive measures. Additionally, EFSA has set a guideline for the weekly intake of certain PFAS at 4.4 nanograms per kilogram of body weight.
Innovation in Packaging
Belgium is at the forefront of innovation in the dairy packaging market and participates in the European Dairy Futures contracts.
Sustainability Initiatives
Milcobel, a major Belgian dairy cooperative, is collaborating on transforming dairy byproducts into sustainable palm oil alternatives. A new center focusing on mid-sized farms is planned to open in Belgium in 2025 in partnership with Wageningen University.
Production Growth
Belgium has experienced nearly 7% growth in dairy production. Recent data indicates that Belgium, along with the Netherlands, has seen a significant increase in dairy production compared to Ireland.
Economic Context
Belgium's economic stabilization may not translate into increased consumer spending. The EU, which includes Belgium, announced retaliatory trade measures against the US worth €26 billion, including agricultural products from poultry to dairy.
Product Innovation
The Alpro Meal To Go drinks are available in Belgium. Danone has introduced a new range of plant-based meal-replacement drinks under its Alpro brand in select European markets, including Belgium. Arla Foods took over distribution in Belgium, contributing to its success. Belgian start-up Those Vegan Cowboys raised €2.5 million in one day through crowdfunding, aiming to commercialize animal-free casein.
International Relations
Part of Minister Andrew Muir's trip to Belgium and the Netherlands included discussions on sustainable farming practices and trade issues to enhance relationships between Northern Ireland and Belgium. Belgium is among the six EU member states proposing a temporary European program to reduce milk production.
European Initiatives
Minister Hristanov spoke at the EU Agriculture and Fisheries Council session in Brussels, highlighting the difficulties faced by small farms and producers and emphasizing the need for Europe to utilize all available tools, including reserve funds, to stabilize the market.
Amul's Expansion
Amul introduced fresh milk in Europe, including Belgium, as part of its global expansion strategy.
Innovative Products
Plaquette, a Belgian butter company, has gained recognition for its innovative 'candy' butters, available in both sweet and savory flavors, packaged in bite-sized portions resembling candies. Siggi’s is present in several markets, including Belgium. Siggi’s, acquired by Lactalis in 2018, is already present in several markets, including France, Belgium, the US, Canada, and Australia.
Vrije Universiteit Brussel's Initiative
In Belgium, the student council of Vrije Universiteit Brussel has voted to transition 80% of on-campus menus to plant-based options by 2032.
Sustained Protein Demand in Europe
This performance was largely driven by sustained protein demand in Europe. Protein Works has a presence in Belgium, offering its range of nutrition products.
Laiterie des Ardennes
Laiterie des Ardennes in Belgium raised prices by 1.25 euros due to strong competition for raw milk.
Cheese Production Surge
Belgium's cheese production surged by 24% in 2025, with Mozzarella leading the way. In 2025, Belgium's cheese and fresh dairy production saw substantial growth, as revealed by Statbel, the Belgian statistics office. Cheese production increased by 24% compared to the five-year average, reaching 144,000 tonnes. Mozzarella dominated this category, with production levels rising to 90,000 tonnes, making up 62% of Belgium's total cheese output. Fresh dairy products continued their upward trend, with total production hitting 731 million litres in 2025, 7% above the previous five-year average. Despite an overall decline in certain categories, drinking milk and milk-based beverages remained the largest segment in the Belgian dairy industry.
FrieslandCampina and Milcobel Merger
FrieslandCampina navigated numerous industry challenges and solidified its market position through a merger with the Belgian dairy cooperative Milcobel. The merger enhanced FrieslandCampina's competitive standing.
Modified: 2026/06/22