Germany's Dairy Industry: An Overview

Germany is renowned for its high production standards and diverse range of dairy products, playing a pivotal role in the international market. The dairy industry in Germany is critical to the national economy, significantly impacting both global exports and local consumption patterns.

Dairy Cattle and Milk Production

As of 2023, Germany boasts approximately 4 million head of dairy cattle. This substantial livestock base facilitates an annual production of around 32.2 billion liters of milk, highlighting the country’s efficient farming techniques.

Milk Processing and Production

Germany processes about 31.8 billion liters of milk annually, underscoring the robustness of its dairy processing sector. The country is notable for its cheese production, with an output of around 2.4 million metric tons per year. Additionally, Germany produces approximately 1.5 million metric tons of milk powder and whey annually, catering to both domestic and international markets.

Major Dairy Enterprises in Germany

Dairy Plants

• Molkerei Ammerland
• DMK Deutsches Milchkontor
• FrieslandCampina Germany
• Nordmilch
• Lactalis Germany (Including newly acquired BMI Dairy Assets)

Notable Dairy Farms

• Wiesenhof Dairy Farm
• Dairy GmbH Bauer
• Thuringian Dairy Farm

Exports and Imports

Germany's export of dairy products reached approximately 4.8 billion euros last year, reinforcing its status as a substantial European exporter. On the other hand, imports of dairy products were about 3.2 billion euros, reflecting a balanced trade approach and significant local market demand.

Significant Events in the Dairy Market

• In June 2023, raw milk prices increased compared to the previous month but remained steady since May, indicating a controlled yet potentially volatile pricing environment.
• The acquisition of BMI dairy assets by Lactalis strengthens its influence in Germany, particularly in the Southern regions.
• Increasing demand for curd snacks across various European countries, including Finland, Denmark, Italy, Spain, Germany, and Cyprus.
• The German Economy Minister, Robert Habeck, has suggested omitting agriculture from ongoing trade negotiations with India to expedite the talks.
• Ten FrieslandCampina member dairy farmers in Germany are participating in pilot projects.
• Germany leads the world in whey exports.
• Declining milk fat levels are influencing butter prices nationwide.
• Amid growing regulatory pressure, Germany may need to adapt its livestock production processes to meet reduced farm emissions mandates.
• The country is addressing outbreaks of BTV-3, affecting milk yields.
• Ekosem-Agrar AG has sold its assets to the EkoNiva Group.
• Germany faces severe restrictions on agricultural exports beyond the EU due to a foot-and-mouth outbreak, affecting trade with countries such as Argentina and the UK. It is expected to suffer a €1 billion loss due to this outbreak.
• An outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease was recorded at a farm in Brandenburg, attracting both domestic and international attention.
• Germany is committed to organic farming, with 1.8 million hectares allocated to organic produce. The country remains a key cheese supplier to South Korea.
• Edeka, Germany’s largest supermarket chain, has announced the acquisition of Uckermärker Milch, a well-established dairy producer.
• Malaysia has lifted its ban on German dairy imports after an FMD outbreak, renewing trade with one of Germany's largest non-EU markets.
• Danone announces the closure of its dairy plant in Ochsenfurt, Germany, due to high production costs and inefficiencies, affecting approximately 230 jobs.
• Germany continues to excel as a global leader in the dairy sector, driven by its strong production capacity and strategic engagements in the global market. It remains vigilant in monitoring and managing isolated cases of foot-and-mouth and blue tongue diseases, maintaining its position as a major player in dairy exports. Germany regained its foot-and-mouth disease-free status.
• Danone to shut Ochsenfurt dairy plant by 2026 amid German restructuring.
• Arla announced plans to merge with German dairy cooperative DMK Group.
• FrieslandCampina has dairy farms in Germany.
• Germany’s DMK announced a deal with Denmark-based Arla Foods to create the "largest dairy cooperative in Europe".
• Danone plans to discontinue its organic alt-milk brand Provamel in Germany from August, focusing instead on launching the Alpro Bio range.
• Recent foot and mouth disease outbreaks in Germany.

Modified: 2025/05/04

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