The Dairy Industry in Greece

Greece is renowned for its vibrant dairy industry, holding a significant position in the Mediterranean region. The country's dairy sector is characterized by traditional practices and a high demand for quality dairy products.

Raw Milk Prices

Traditionally, Greece has some of the highest raw milk prices in Europe. As per recent trends, raw milk prices remained stable in May but saw an increase in June 2023. This cyclical price variation reflects the dynamic nature of the dairy market in the region.

Dairy Cattle and Milk Production

As of the latest reports, Greece has approximately 150,000 dairy cattle producing around 680 million liters of milk annually. This production is crucial for both domestic consumption and export.

Milk Processing Volume

The country processes an estimated 620 million liters of milk per year, indicating a high rate of conversion from raw milk to various dairy products.

Cheese Production

Greece is famous for its cheese, especially Feta, with a production volume of about 120,000 tons per year. The cheese-making tradition is an integral part of Greek culture and economy.

Milk Powder and Whey Production

In terms of powdered milk and whey, Greece produces approximately 20,000 tons of milk powder and 15,000 tons of whey annually, catering to both local and international markets.

Key Enterprises in the Dairy Market

• FAGE International: One of the leading dairy companies known for its Greek yogurt.
• Dodoni: Renowned for high-quality traditional Greek cheese.
• MEVGAL: One of the largest dairy producers, offering a wide range of dairy products.

Major Dairy Farms

• Agroktima Konstantinidi: A significant player in milk production.
• Thrace Milk: Known for sustainable dairy farming practices.

Exports and Imports

Greece exports around 200 million liters of milk annually, with a major focus on high-quality cheese and yogurt. On the other hand, it imports approximately 50 million liters to meet domestic demand, focusing primarily on specialized dairy products unavailable locally.

Significant Events in the Dairy Industry

Recent significant events include an increase in raw milk prices in June 2023, reflecting supply chain adjustments and increased production costs. Furthermore, Greece hosted the International Dairy Symposium this year, fostering global collaboration and innovation in dairy practices.

Another noteworthy event is the recent outbreak of peste des petits ruminants (PPR), commonly known as 'goat plague,' which poses a threat to Greece's dairy industry, especially the production of feta cheese.

The new export markets – Kazakhstan, Greece and Poland – where exports of cream cheese were launched in 2023, also saw significant growth.

Modified: 2025/02/05

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