Dairy Industry in Brazil

Brazil is a significant player in the global dairy market. The country's dairy sector is a vital component of its agricultural economy, marked by substantial milk production, processing, and export activities.

Dairy Cattle

The number of dairy cattle in Brazil is estimated to be around 16.82 million as of the latest data.

Milk Production

Brazil produces approximately 34 billion liters of milk per year. The main states contributing to this volume include Minas Gerais, Paraná, Rio Grande do Sul, and São Paulo.

Milk Processing

The volume of milk processed annually in Brazil is approximately 25 billion liters. This processed milk is further utilized for producing various dairy products including cheese, butter, and powdered milk.

Cheese Production

Cheese production in Brazil is significant, with around 1.5 million tonnes produced per year.

Milk Powder and Whey Production

Brazil produces approximately 300 thousand tonnes of milk powder and whey annually. This segment of the industry is vital for meeting both domestic and international demand.

Key Enterprises in the Dairy Market

Some of the key dairy plants in Brazil include:

• Itambé
• Embaré
• Cooperativa Central Mineira de Laticínios (Cemil)
• CCPR (Centro de Cooperativas de Produtores Rurais)

Notable dairy farms include:

• Fazenda Bela Vista
• Agropecuária SEARA
• Fazenda Santa Luzia
• Fazenda Santo Antonio

Exports and Imports

Brazil exports around 600 million liters of dairy products annually. Key products include cheese, milk powder, and condensed milk. The primary export markets are Algeria, Venezuela, and China.

In terms of imports, Brazil imports about 200 million liters of dairy products per year, mainly from Argentina, Uruguay, and the United States. Imported products include cheese, butter, and milk powder.

Significant Events in the Dairy Industry

Recent years have seen several notable events in the Brazilian dairy industry, such as:

• Adoption of new technologies: There has been significant investment in improving dairy farming techniques, including the use of advanced milking machines and enhanced feed quality.
• Regulatory Changes: The Brazilian government has implemented new standards for milk quality which have impacted both production and processing.
• Trade Agreements: New trade agreements with countries in Asia and Africa have been established, opening up more markets for Brazilian dairy exports.
• Corporate Changes: Fonterra's exit from Dairy Partners America Brazil, a joint venture with Nestlé now controlled by Lactalis Brasil.

These factors collectively contribute to the dynamic nature of Brazil's dairy industry, positioning it as a key player in the global dairy market.

Sources: Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE), Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, and Food Supply (MAPA), Brazilian Dairy Association (Viva Lácteos).

Modified: 2024/10/09

---