Spain's Dairy Market: A Comprehensive Overview

Spain is a key player in the global dairy industry, renowned for its robust infrastructure and consistent production capabilities that ensure a competitive edge. This comprehensive analysis provides an in-depth look into Spain's dairy sector, highlighting crucial figures, major enterprises, and dynamic trends shaping the industry landscape.

Milk Production and Dairy Cattle

Spain boasts approximately 800,000 dairy cattle, pivotal to its dairy production credentials. These cattle contribute to an estimated milk production volume of 7 million tonnes annually, underscoring Spain's significant presence in the dairy sector.

Dairy Processing and Products

The Spanish dairy processing sector is highly advanced, effectively transforming raw milk into a wide array of products:

• Milk Processing Volume: Exceeds 6 million tonnes per year
• Cheese Production Volume: Approximately 320,000 tonnes per year
• Milk Powder and Whey Production: Estimated at 100,000 tonnes per year

Key Enterprises and Dairy Farms

Dairy Plants

• Capsa Food
• Innolact
• Lactalis Iberia
• Danone España
• Central Lechera Asturiana

Dairy Farms

• Agropecuaria Jabugo
• Torre de Núñez
• Granja Cantagrullas

Export and Import Dynamics

Spain participates actively in international dairy trade:

• Export of Dairy Products: Around 400,000 tonnes per year
• Import of Dairy Products: Approximately 300,000 tonnes per year

Significant Events in the Dairy Industry

• Milk Deliveries: Anticipated to grow by 0.4% year-on-year in 2024, supported by higher yields and price stability (EU Short-Term Outlook).
• Capsa Food Acquisition: Acquired a 40% stake in Innolact, indicating industry consolidation and growth.
• Danone’s Strategy: Relocation of part of its yogurt production to Romania, impacting local farmers.
• Lactalis Innovations: Launch of sustainable packaging for the Puleva line.
• Galicia’s Role: Accounts for 41.6% of Spain’s total milk production in 2024.
• Ruiloba’s Achievement: Set a European record by creating a 150-kilo fresh cheese at the Feria de la Leche.
• Dairy Export Challenges: Notable shifts in global demand with EHD impacting exports.
• Roquefort Consumption: Spain emerged as a leading consumer, importing 1,212 tons in 2023.

Sources include the EU Short-Term Outlook 2024, local news, and industry reports. These references emphasize Spain’s participation in the EU-Mercosur agreement, adjustments in milk prices, and challenges such as the impacts of EHD. Spain is one of the participating countries in the inaugural World Cup of Dulce de Leche. Nestlé España has reduced water consumption in its factories by 23%, saving nearly one million cubic meters. Pedro Schuler, Vice President of Danone in Spain, has asserted a clear intention to counter private label competition by emphasizing innovation with 40 new product launches annually. Lactalis made significant strides in the Spanish market with over 25 product innovations, reaching over 60% of households. Sheep milk prices in Spain have plummeted by 18.7% despite a notable decrease in production. In recent years, there has been a noticeable shift in the milk consumption preferences of Spanish households. Leche Pascual, a prominent player in the dairy industry based in Aranda de Duero, Spain, has announced a significant shift in its business strategy.

Modified: 2025/05/05

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