Dominican Republic: A Glimpse into Its Dairy Industry

The Dominican Republic, a vibrant Caribbean nation, boasts a dynamic dairy industry that significantly contributes to its economy. This industry is shaped by both local production and substantial imports, particularly from the United States.

Milk Production & Dairy Cattle

The Dominican Republic is home to approximately 500,000 dairy cattle. The annual milk production is estimated to be around 650 million liters. The sector thrives on numerous small to medium-sized farms, primarily located in regions favorable for cattle rearing.

Milk Processing and Production

The country processes about 400 million liters of milk annually to produce a variety of dairy products tailored to the domestic market's needs.

Cheese and Milk Powder Production

Cheese production in the Dominican Republic is noteworthy, with an annual output of roughly 30,000 metric tons. This figure is bolstered by cheese imports from the United States. Although specific data on milk powder and whey production is fragmented, imports play a crucial role in supplementing local production.

Key Dairy Enterprises

• Pasteurizadora Rica: A leading company in the milk processing industry, it also produces a range of dairy products and beverages, including juices and smoothies.
• Induveca: Known for its dairy and packaged food products, Induveca has a broad distribution network throughout the Dominican market.
• Grupo Simone: Engages in dairy processing with a focus on cheese products.

Dairy Farms

Farms in the Dominican Republic vary significantly, encompassing family-owned operations and larger agribusinesses that employ modern dairy farming techniques.

Trade: Export and Import

The Dominican Republic exports a small volume of its dairy products, primarily to neighboring Caribbean islands. However, it heavily depends on imports to satisfy domestic demand. The United States is a major exporter to the country, particularly in cheese, which has seen a robust growth trend.

Dairy Market Events

Recent developments in the market include increased investments in milk processing technology and the strengthening of trade agreements to ensure a steady supply from international markets. Additionally, there is an ongoing governmental push to enhance the productivity of local dairy farms with supportive programs.

References

Key insights are sourced from industry reports by the Dominican Ministry of Agriculture and trade data from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). The Central America-Dominican Republic Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA) plays a critical role in reducing tariffs and fostering trade between the U.S. and six Central American countries, including the Dominican Republic.

Modified: 2025/02/05

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