France: A Powerhouse in the Global Dairy Industry

Milk Production and Dairy Cattle

France is home to approximately 3.8 million dairy cows, contributing to an impressive annual milk yield of around 25 billion liters. This positions France among the top dairy producers both in Europe and worldwide, reflecting its agricultural strength and commitment to dairy farming.

Milk Processing and Key Enterprises

With an extensive milk processing framework, France handles about 23 billion liters annually. Key enterprises such as Danone and Lactalis are pivotal in this sector. Danone has invested €70 million to enhance its production facilities, while Lactalis has expanded its international footprint through strategic acquisitions, including purchasing General Mills' US yogurt business and Queijos Tavares in Portugal.

Cheese Production

Known globally for its cheese, France produces about 1.9 million tonnes annually, solidifying its reputation in both domestic and export markets. French cheese remains a symbol of culinary excellence and is a significant contributor to the country’s export economy.

Milk Powder and Whey Production

Annually, France manufactures approximately 1.4 million tonnes of milk powder and whey, supporting diverse industries within the dairy supply chain and contributing to its robust export capabilities.

Dairy Farms

Ferme des Peupliers
La Ferme du Sart
Ferme de Viltain

Exports and Imports

The French dairy industry excels in exports, valued at around €8 billion per year, with cheese being a key product. Imports are approximately €3 billion, primarily sourced 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 projects 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.
The World Dairy Summit in Paris highlighted sustainable dairy practices.
Challenges such as Bluetongue and EHD outbreaks affected Northern French dairy operations.
FNSEA organized protests concerning EU-Mercosur trade talks.
Danone enhances trade between China and the EU and collaborates with Maersk for sustainable shipping.
Lactalis aims to reduce milk intake in France by 450 million liters in response to market changes.
The Nutri-Score initiative positions France at the forefront of the dairy sector.
Record-high farmgate prices are part of evolving market trends.
Growth is anticipated in the poultry feed sector.
Dairy giants Danone and Savencia experienced significant stock gains.

French dairy enterprises continue to innovate and expand, underscoring the country's pivotal role and adaptability in the ever-evolving dairy industry landscape. France has implemented written contracts with fixed prices and is part of pilot projects implementing tripartite contracts between farmers, processors, and retailers, including fixed pricing formulas and commitments to quality standards.

Historical Insights

The first ice cream parlour is traced back to 17th-century France. In 1686, Sicilian entrepreneur Francesco Procopio del Coltelli opened Café Procope in Paris, introducing gelato to the French public.

Upcoming Events

SPACE 2025 will take place at the Rennes Exhibition Centre in Western France, gathering exhibitors and visitors from 120 countries. Danone, the French dairy giant, is expanding in Kazakhstan, reflecting its intent to solidify its presence in competitive markets. Danone is a French group focusing on sustainable yogurt production and is enhancing its supply chain with eco-friendly practices to create the world's healthiest and most sustainable yogurt.

French farmers are raising alarms about upcoming European Union trade agreements. They have been pressuring Macron to gather opposition against the agreement, arguing for equitable trade rules, traceability, and transparent labeling practices.

Modified: 2025/05/18