Colombia's Dairy Industry: A Comprehensive Overview
Colombia's dairy sector is a cornerstone of its agricultural economy, benefiting from favorable climatic conditions that support both domestic consumption and export activities. This industry not only contributes significantly to the national economy but also provides employment to a large workforce, particularly in rural areas.
Dairy Cattle and Milk Production
With approximately 8 million dairy cattle, Colombia produces about 7 billion liters of milk annually. Of this, 4.5 billion liters are processed for local consumption and exports, underscoring Colombia's potential in the global dairy market.
Cheese and Milk Powder Production
Annually, Colombia produces around 400,000 tons of cheese and 200,000 tons of milk powder and whey. This production highlights the country's capability to adapt and expand its export potential across various dairy products.
Key Dairy Enterprises
Major players such as Alquería, Colanta, Laude, Parmalat (a part of Lactalis), and Alpina are crucial in maintaining competitiveness and fostering growth within Colombia's dairy industry. Notably, Alpina is acclaimed for its corporate reputation in 2025, as recognized by Merco Empresas Colombia.
Trade and Market Dynamics
Colombia exports approximately 150,000 tons of dairy products annually to regions including Latin America, Europe, and Asia. The country also imports about 100,000 tons to meet specific domestic demands, reflecting a dynamic trade environment. Notably, whole milk powder exports to Colombia account for 21.4% of total exports from Chile, indicating Colombia's importance as a key destination.
Significant Events and Challenges
Lactalis is expanding its processing capacity and exploring new export opportunities. Government initiatives, including subsidies and technological advancements, are supporting industry growth. Despite challenges in production and sales in 2024, projections for 2025 are optimistic, with an expected collection of about 3.3 billion liters of raw milk. However, challenges such as milk adulteration with whey continue to affect quality and consumer trust.
Sustainability Efforts
Nestlé Colombia focuses on reducing greenhouse gas emissions, optimizing water usage, and managing waste responsibly. Investments in cleaner technologies and sustainable agricultural practices are crucial for the sector's long-term sustainability.
Social and Economic Impact
The livestock sector, including 30 million cattle, generates over 1 million jobs, essential for rural development. Despite protests in Boyacá disrupting transportation, the internal market remains stable with growing exports. In the first half of 2025, Colombia exported 20,261 tons of meat, with China as a leading market.
Innovations and Strategic Developments
Equslac plans to export lyophilized donkey milk powder, while ALSEC is transforming whey into high-value protein using nanotechnology, enhancing national food sovereignty. In El Difícil, Magdalena, producers have turned to buffalo milk, diversifying traditional dairy practices.
Local Initiatives
In Caquetá, the "Ruta de la Leche" initiative supports local economies through agricultural tourism. The El Progreso farm in Caquetá gained a prestigious certification for its A2A2 beta-casein milk production, marking a significant advancement in Colombian livestock development.
Market Challenges
The department of Arauca is experiencing a surge in milk prices, with producers receiving a record $2,100 per liter for over 80 consecutive days. Additionally, the price of cheese has seen a significant increase, nearly $1,000, impacting costs for various types such as double cream, mozzarella, country cheese, and skimmed cheese. Significant developments in the food sector with companies entering the Top 10 of the best-reputed. Alpina reached second place overall, while Ramo was positioned at seventh place among all companies in Colombia. Record milk prices in Córdoba and Sucre affect industrial collection. In October 2025, milk prices in the Colombian regions of Córdoba and Sucre reached unprecedented levels, increasing by more than 100%. Despite this, industrial milk collection dropped by 400,000 liters in August 2025, posing challenges for the industry.
The Colombian agricultural sector has experienced a 3.6% growth, largely attributed to rising demand for dairy and meat products. This positive trend contrasts with decreases in other economic sectors, highlighting the critical role of agriculture in the country's economy. In recent months, the demand for milk has significantly contributed to the overall economic activity, emphasizing the importance of dairy production in Colombia's economic landscape. The country's dairy sector is witnessing a resurgence, which is proving beneficial for both local producers and the national economy.
Modified: 2025/11/25