France: A Powerhouse in the Global Dairy Industry

France stands out as a formidable force in the global dairy industry, marked by its substantial production capacity and influence in international markets. Supported by a vast array of dairy products, France's dairy sector plays a crucial role both domestically and globally.

Milk Production and Dairy Cattle

Boasting around 3.8 million dairy cows, France yields approximately 25 billion liters of milk annually, ranking among the top producers in Europe and worldwide.

Milk Processing and Key Enterprises

With an annual milk processing volume of about 23 billion liters, France hosts leading dairy enterprises like Danone and Lactalis. Danone has committed a €70 million investment to enhance domestic production, focusing on medical nutrition, while Lactalis is expanding its operations with acquisitions in Colombia and Germany.

Cheese Production

Renowned for its cheese, France produces about 1.9 million tonnes annually, maintaining a strong presence in both domestic and export markets.

Milk Powder and Whey Production

In the sectors of milk powder and whey, France manufactures approximately 1.4 million tonnes per year, essential to the broader dairy supply chain.

Dairy Farms

• Ferme des Peupliers
• La Ferme du Sart
• Ferme de Viltain

Exports and Imports

France's dairy exports are valued at around €8 billion annually, with cheese being a major component. Imports stand at roughly €3 billion, primarily from EU nations.

Recent Dairy Market Events

• Danone received approval to sell its Russian assets, refocusing on domestic growth.
• Lactalis extended its reach to Colombia and acquired BMI Dairy Assets in Germany.
• The EU anticipates a 0.4% increase in French milk deliveries by 2024, driven by rising raw milk prices, currently at about 45.89 euro cents/kg.
• Ysco manages up to 190 million liters of ice cream annually in France and Belgium.
• Lactalis expanded by purchasing General Mills' US yogurt business.
• The World Dairy Summit in Paris highlighted sustainable dairy practices.
• Bluetongue and EHD outbreaks challenged Northern French dairy operations.
• FNSEA organized protests concerning EU-Mercosur trade talks.
• Danone enhances trade between China and the EU and partners with Maersk for sustainable shipping.
• Lactalis aims to reduce milk intake in France by 450 million liters in response to market changes.
• Danone proposed buying more shares in Lifeway Foods.
• The Nutri-Score initiative positions France at the forefront of the dairy sector.
• Record high farmgate prices reflect evolving market trends.
• Challenges persist from EU-Mercosur trade negotiations.
• Growth is anticipated in the poultry feed sector.
• Artisan chefs, like Arnaud Delmontel, innovate amid rising butter costs.
• Danone revealed a €100 million investment strategy in Mexico.
• France maintains strict food safety checks against avian flu.
• Sodiaal announced new production improvements.
• Roquefort cheese celebrates its centennial PDO status, epitomizing France's dairy legacy.
• Interest in Skyr yogurt is growing in France, reports Danone.
• In January, milk prices in France approached 50.97 ct/kg.
• Agriculture Minister Annie Genevard opposes new Nutri-Score labeling.
• Agricultural holding 'Steppe' acquired full control of 'RZ Agro' from Louis-Dreyfus family.
• Lactalis increased investments in Brazil, focusing on cheese and butter production in Minas Gerais.
• Dairy giants Danone and Savencia experienced significant stock gains.
• France remains a major butter supplier to China, illustrating its expansive trade reach.

French dairy enterprises like Danone and Lactalis maintain focus on collaborations and expansions to secure a competitive global market stance. The array of strategic moves underscores France's pivotal role and adaptability in the continually changing dairy industry landscape. The French food and drink giant, Danone, has reported a positive start to 2025, demonstrating strong performance in the first quarter. Organic milk producers in France are experiencing a decline to the levels last seen in 2020 as the market seeks stabilization. France withdraws several batches of Nestlé baby food due to excessive levels of ochratoxin A.

Modified: 2025/05/03

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