Italy: A Pillar of the Global Dairy Market

Italy stands out as a celebrated entity in the international dairy sector, known for its sophisticated and high-quality dairy industry. With a rich tradition of dairy farming, Italy continues to uphold a prestigious global reputation.

Key Statistics for 2023

• Number of Dairy Cattle: Approximately 1.6 million heads
• Milk Production Volume: Approximately 12 million tonnes
• Milk Processing Volume: Approximately 11 million tonnes
• Cheese Production Volume: Approximately 1.3 million tonnes
• Milk Powder and Whey Production Volume: Approximately 1 million tonnes

Key Enterprises in the Dairy Market

Dairy Plants

• Granarolo S.p.A.
• Parmalat
• Galbani
• Inalpi
• Sterilgarda Alimenti S.p.A.

Dairy Farms

• Azienda Agricola Zordan
• Fattoria Latte Sano
• Caseificio Palazzo
• Allevamenti Grazia
• Soc. Agr. Marcuzzi

Trade Dynamics in 2023

• Exports of Dairy Products: Approximately 500,000 tonnes
• Imports of Dairy Products: Approximately 700,000 tonnes

Significant Events in Italy's Dairy Industry

This year, stability in raw milk pricing has been a noteworthy event, remaining unchanged compared to May, providing a stable economic environment for dairy farmers and producers. Italy continues to bolster its traditional dairy farming by promoting PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) cheeses like Parmigiano-Reggiano and Gorgonzola. There is an ongoing investigation into subsidies provided by several EU states, including Italy, highlighting regulatory challenges.

Rising demand for curd snacks is notable and is expected to grow further in 2024. Italy's interest in investing in Pakistan's livestock and dairy sectors marks its expanding global market influence. Challenges such as the theft of Parmigiano Reggiano indicate areas needing attention to protect iconic products.

Recent debates about the Nutri-Score reflect Italy's stance on protecting its food reputation. Italy’s participation in international dairy competitions and China's expanded anti-subsidy probe underline its interconnectedness with global trade dynamics. China is widening its anti-subsidy investigation into European Union dairy imports, now encompassing Denmark, France, Italy, and the Netherlands.

Production in Italy remains under pressure due to ongoing H5N1 avian influenza outbreaks. Southern European countries, including Italy, have been less affected due to their preference for olive oil over butter.

Modified: 2025/01/13

---