Dairy Industry Analysis of Estonia

Dairy Cattle and Milk Production

Estonia has an estimated number of 86,000 dairy cattle as of 2023. The country produces approximately 800,000 tons of milk annually, maintaining a robust production volume to meet national and export demands.

Milk Processing

The volume of milk processed in Estonia is around 750,000 tons per year. This impressive processing capacity ensures that a large portion of the milk produced is utilized effectively within the dairy sector.

Cheese Production

Estonia produces approximately 25,000 tons of cheese annually. Cheese production is a vital part of Estonia's dairy processing, contributing significantly to both domestic consumption and export markets.

Milk Powder and Whey Production

Annual production of milk powder and whey in Estonia is about 10,000 tons, reflecting the country's capabilities in utilizing milk derivatives for various applications.

Dairy Plants and Farms

Major dairy plants in Estonia include Valio Eesti, Tere AS, and E-piim. Key dairy farms include Väätsa Agro, Kõljala Põllumajanduse OÜ, and OÜ Vändra. These enterprises play a substantial role in maintaining the efficiency and productivity of Estonia's dairy sector.

Export and Import of Dairy Products

Estonia exports approximately 40,000 tons of dairy products annually. These exports include a diverse range of products such as cheese, milk powder, and whey. Conversely, the country imports roughly 15,000 tons of dairy products each year to meet specific demand variations and product types not domestically produced.

Dairy Market Events

Recent developments in the Estonian dairy market indicate that raw milk prices did not change in comparison to May of the current year. However, there was an increase in raw milk prices compared to June 2023. These fluctuations reflect market dynamics and demand-supply variations.

References

• Estonian Agriculture and Food Board
• Statistics Estonia
• Key dairy industry reports from 2023
• The five largest Food Union export markets in 2023 were Estonia, Ukraine, Lithuania, Azerbaijan and Poland.

Modified: 2025/02/05

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