Colombia's Dairy Industry

Colombia's dairy industry is a vital part of its agricultural sector, benefiting from favorable climatic conditions and a robust infrastructure. With around 8 million dairy cattle distributed across various climatic zones, the industry enjoys a stable and prolific milk supply.

Dairy Cattle in Colombia

The country boasts approximately 8 million dairy cattle. This diverse population ensures resilience and supports consistent dairy output across Colombia's varied regions.

Milk Production and Processing

Annually, Colombia produces around 7 billion liters of milk. Of this, approximately 4.5 billion liters are processed each year to meet both local and international market demands.

Cheese and Milk Powder Production

Cheese is a prominent product in the Colombian dairy sector, with an annual production volume reaching approximately 400,000 tons. Besides cheese, Colombia produces about 200,000 tons of milk powder and whey each year.

Key Dairy Enterprises

Leading enterprises in Colombia's dairy industry include Alquería, Colanta, Laude, Parmalat (part of Lactalis), and Alpina. These companies are crucial in maintaining a competitive market environment.

Prominent Dairy Farms

Influential dairy farms such as Hacienda San José, La Esperanza Farm, Granja La Margarita, El Rodeo Farm, and Finca San Rafael considerably contribute to national milk production.

Trade and Market Dynamics

Colombia's dairy exports approximate 150,000 tons annually, primarily targeted towards Latin American, European, and Asian markets. Imports stand at about 100,000 tons, focusing on meeting local demand for specialized dairy products.

Significant Events

Notable developments include Lactalis's expansion, enhancing processing capabilities and export potential. Government subsidies and technological advancements further bolster industry growth. Trade considerations, including tariff discussions on U.S. powdered milk and an increase in U.S. cheese exports, influence market dynamics.

Despite the strong national production, trade agreements challenge the market with ongoing milk powder imports. The sector anticipates the expiration of some tariffs to maximize Free Trade Agreement quota advantages.

Current Challenges and Future Outlook

In 2024, Colombia's food industry faced significant challenges, with declines in production, sales, and employment. However, with around 3.3 billion liters of raw milk collected that year, there are signs of improvement and optimism as the sector aims for further growth into 2025.

Modified: 2025/02/23

---