Spain's Dairy Industry: An In-depth Analysis
Milk Production and Dairy Cattle
Spain's dairy industry is supported by around 800,000 dairy cattle, leading to an annual milk production of approximately 7 million tonnes. This significant volume underscores Spain's critical role in the global dairy market.
Dairy Processing and Products
The Spanish dairy processing sector is highly developed, handling over 6 million tonnes of milk each year. The country produces about 320,000 tonnes of cheese and 100,000 tonnes of milk powder and whey annually.
Key Enterprises and Dairy Farms
Major companies such as Capsa Food, Innolact, Lactalis Iberia, Danone España, and Central Lechera Asturiana dominate the industry. Prominent dairy farms include Agropecuaria Jabugo, Torre de Núñez, and Granja Cantagrullas.
Export and Import Dynamics
Spain actively engages in the international dairy trade, exporting around 400,000 tonnes and importing approximately 300,000 tonnes of dairy products per year. This active trade reflects Spain's competitive stance in the global market.
Significant Events in the Dairy Industry
Several key events are shaping the Spanish dairy industry:
- Milk deliveries are anticipated to grow by 0.4% year-on-year in 2024 due to higher yields and stable prices.
- Capsa Food's acquisition of a 40% stake in Innolact highlights industry consolidation.
- Danone's decision to relocate part of its yogurt production to Romania impacts local farmers.
- Lactalis has introduced sustainable packaging for its Puleva line.
- Galicia contributes to 41.6% of Spain's total milk production in 2024.
- Ruiloba set a European record by creating a 150-kilo fresh cheese at the Feria de la Leche.
- Challenges such as production costs exceeding sale prices and declining sheep and goat milk deliveries threaten the sector's viability.
- Cantabria has introduced subsidies for local dairy farmers, supporting terrestrial-based production in 2025.
- Spain has implemented mechanisms like fixed-price contracts to address unfair trading practices.
- Nestlé contests a 6.8 million euro fine related to a milk price-fixing cartel case.
Modified: 2025/05/18