Overview of the Greek Dairy Industry

Greece is celebrated globally for its rich dairy traditions and products, particularly high-quality cheese and yogurt, which are major components of its dairy exports. The Greek dairy industry is a critical sector within the Mediterranean region, known for its efficiency and traditional products.

Dairy Cattle and Milk Production

Greece hosts approximately 150,000 dairy cattle, producing around 680 million liters of milk annually. This production is essential for meeting domestic consumption needs and fulfilling international demand.

Milk Processing and Production Volumes

The milk processing volume in Greece is estimated at 620 million liters per year. The industry efficiently converts raw milk into various products, with cheese production being particularly significant. Annually, about 120,000 tons of cheese are produced, with Feta cheese standing out. Additionally, Greece produces approximately 20,000 tons of milk powder and 15,000 tons of whey each year.

Key Enterprises in the Dairy Market

FAGE International: Known for its Greek yogurt, FAGE is a leading company in the Greek dairy sector.
Dodoni: Specializes in traditional Greek cheese, maintaining high standards of quality.
MEVGAL: Among the largest dairy producers in Greece, offering an extensive range of dairy products.

Major Dairy Farms

Agroktima Konstantinidi: A significant contributor to milk production in Greece.
Thrace Milk: Known for employing sustainable dairy farming practices.

Exports and Imports

Greece exports about 200 million liters of milk annually, focusing on high-quality cheese and yogurt for international markets. To meet domestic needs, especially for specialized dairy products, Greece imports approximately 50 million liters of milk per year.

Significant Events in the Dairy Industry

This year, the Greek dairy industry experienced an increase in raw milk prices in June 2023 due to supply chain adjustments and rising production costs. Greece hosted the International Dairy Symposium, fostering global collaboration and innovation in dairy practices. New export markets for cream cheese have emerged, including Kazakhstan and Poland. However, a recent outbreak of peste des petits ruminants (PPR), or "goat plague," in Thessaly threatens the nation\'s dairy industry, particularly impacting feta cheese production.

Greek dairy giant Omiros is strengthening its international position, ranking as one of Greece\'s leading export-oriented dairy producers with a presence in over twenty international markets. Additionally, Greece's Hellenic Dairies has acquired the local dairy business Dodoni from Vivartia Group, marking the largest M&A transaction in the Greek dairy sector in recent years. Hellenic Dairies is set to become Greece's largest dairy company, expanding its domestic presence and international reach.

Conclusion

The Greek dairy industry remains a crucial and dynamic part of the national economy, known for its quality and traditional products. Despite recent challenges, it continues to hold a significant position in both domestic and international markets. Key challenges include a potential decline in EU sheep milk production due to factors such as an aging farmer population, climate pressures, and profitability issues in Greece.

Modified: 2025/08/23