Spain's Dairy Market: A Comprehensive Overview

Spain is a prominent participant in the global dairy industry, with a well-developed infrastructure and sustained production capabilities that bolster its competitive edge. This comprehensive analysis of Spain's dairy sector highlights key figures, major companies, and dynamic market trends that shape the industry landscape.

Milk Production and Dairy Cattle

Spain boasts approximately 800,000 dairy cattle, which are pivotal to its dairy production capabilities. These cattle contribute to an estimated milk production volume of 7 million tonnes annually, solidifying Spain's substantial presence in the dairy sector.

Dairy Processing and Products

The Spanish dairy processing sector is advanced, effectively transforming raw milk into a diverse 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

Spain's dairy market is underpinned by several significant dairy plants and 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 is actively engaged in the 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: Expected to grow by 0.4% year-on-year in 2024, supported by higher yields and price stability (EU Short-Term Outlook).
• Raw Milk Prices: Maintained stability with no changes from May of the current year.
• Capsa Food Acquisition: Acquisition of a 40% stake in Innolact, indicating industry consolidation and growth.
• Curd Snacks Demand: Increasing interest across Europe, including Spain, projected for 2024.
• Danone's Strategy: Relocation of part of its yogurt production to Romania, impacting local farmers.
• Dairy Export Challenges: Detectable shifts in global demand, with EHD impacting exports.
• Lactalis Innovations: Introduction of sustainable packaging for the Puleva line.
• Protests: Edu H. Nualart's involvement highlights broader industry issues.
• Galicia's Role: Accounting 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.
• Roquefort Consumption: Spain emerged as a leading consumer, importing 1,212 tons in 2023.

Sources: EU Short-Term Outlook 2024, Local news, and industry reports. Spain’s support for the EU-Mercosur agreement, changes in milk prices, and EHD impacts are significant additional considerations. Furthermore, the closure of the LAR cooperative has prompted León-based dairy firms to offer support to affected farmers. Researchers from the Department of Animal Production at the University of León's Veterinary Faculty and the Mountain Livestock Institute (CSIC-ULE) have identified biomarkers for feed efficiency within the transcriptome found in sheep milk. Meanwhile, the price of cow's milk in Asturias, Spain, has decreased by 4.8% over the past year. A European research team, led by Ángel Gómez-Martín with the ProVaginBIO group from CEU Cardinal Herrera University in Spain, has unveiled an innovative approach to managing reproductive health in dairy sheep using high-concentration probiotics. The UCCL highlights the need for structural changes to prevent the sector from disappearing and causing irreversible damage to rural areas in Spain. Spain's milk deliveries in January dropped by 0.9% compared to the previous year, with prices remaining lower than the EU average.

Modified: 2025/03/10

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