Hungary's Dairy Industry
The dairy industry in Hungary is a cornerstone of the country's agriculture, pivotal both for domestic consumption and international trade. Recent developments in pricing have seen raw milk prices fall to 41.79 euro cents per kilogram, impacting profitability across the value chain.
Milk Production and Processing
Hungary's annual milk production volume stands at approximately 1.8 billion liters. Of this, around 1.5 billion liters are processed into a variety of dairy products, serving both the domestic market and international consumers. This capacity highlights the country's robust infrastructure, which supports significant transformation and value addition within the dairy sector.
Dairy Cattle and Goats
The success of Hungary's dairy industry is underpinned by its livestock, comprising about 330,000 dairy cattle and roughly 100,000 dairy goats. These animals are crucial in maintaining production levels to meet market demand and ensure product availability.
Production of Key Dairy Products
Hungary's diverse dairy portfolio includes the production of 100,000 tonnes of cheese, 25,000 tonnes of milk powder, and 15,000 tonnes of whey annually. These figures underscore Hungary's ability to cater to varied consumer needs across different segments.
Key Dairy Enterprises
The industry is supported by key dairy plants such as Sole-Mizo Zrt., Tolle (Tolnatej Zrt.), and Kuncz Laktóz Szövetkezet. These enterprises are instrumental in driving innovation and efficiency within the market.
Dairy Farms
Significant dairy farms include Hód-Mezőgazda Zrt., MILKÁDÓ Szövetkezet, and Bau Trans Kft. These farms play a vital role in supplying the raw milk necessary for processing and product development.
Export and Import Activities
On the international trade stage, Hungary exports dairy products valued at approximately 300 million euros annually, with significant markets in Germany, Italy, and Romania. Imports account for about 200 million euros, with primary sources being Poland, Germany, and Austria. This trade balance highlights Hungary's strong presence in the European dairy market.
Recent Developments in the Dairy Industry
A notable development includes the partnership between SIG and Sole-Mizo, aiming to enhance production efficiency and technological advancements. Despite challenges like the H5N1 avian influenza outbreaks and a recent foot-and-mouth disease case at a dairy cattle farm, the industry remains resilient. Through strategic partnerships and a market-driven approach, Hungary's dairy industry continues to navigate these challenges efficiently.
Bonafarm Group is acquiring FrieslandCampina's Romanian operations, seen as an opportunity to invest in facility capacity and contribute to the Romanian dairy industry development. Meanwhile, Hungary has blocked the proposed acquisition of dairy company Alföldi Tej by an overseas consortium to secure food supply for Hungarian families. The Ministry of Agriculture and the Milk Product Council supported this decision due to concerns over market disruption and potential decreases in domestic processing capabilities.
Temporary restrictions have been placed on animal and product imports to Russia due to the bluetongue virus, following Hungary's first outbreak in 10 years. The government has intervened to prevent Greek company Hellenic Dairies from acquiring Alföldi Tej Kft., which processes 270 million liters of raw milk annually and employs over 15,000 individuals.
Investors from Hungary are involved in launching enterprises in Kazakhstan, with the launch of three enterprises planned. Hungary's successful Holstein breeding experience is increasingly seen as a model for Kazakhstan, reflecting Hungary's advanced national breeding system.
Modified: 2026/01/08