Moldova's Dairy Industry Overview

Moldova's dairy sector plays a crucial role in the country's agricultural economy, contributing significantly to economic health. The industry has shown notable progress in both production and processing over recent years.

Milk Production and Dairy Cattle

As of the latest data, Moldova has approximately 150,000 dairy cattle, producing around 450 million liters of milk annually. The cattle herd has recently decreased by 4.8%, bringing the total number to approximately 97,600 head. In addition to cattle, a considerable number of dairy goats contribute to Moldova's diverse dairy production.

Milk Processing and Dairy Products

The milk processing industry in Moldova is well-established, with the capability to process approximately 380 million liters of milk each year. The country produces about 20,000 tons of cheese annually, illustrating its ability to manufacture high-quality products for both domestic and international markets. Furthermore, the production of milk powder and whey is estimated at around 10,000 tons annually.

Key Enterprises in the Dairy Market

Several key players dominate Moldova's dairy market, including JLC Group, Lactis, Franzeluta, Incomlac, and Vitamax-ARDI. Dairy farms such as Agropiese TGR, Sudzucker Moldova, Agro-SZM, and Molda-Lactosa also play significant roles in the industry.

Export and Import of Dairy Products

Moldova actively exports approximately 50 million liters of dairy products each year to countries including Azerbaijan and other Eastern European nations. To satisfy domestic demand and complement local production, Moldova imports around 20 million liters of dairy products annually.

Significant Events in Moldova's Dairy Industry

In recent years, Moldova has experienced pivotal developments in its dairy industry, such as the adoption of new production technologies and enhanced international collaboration. These advancements have improved milk quality and processing capabilities, further integrating Moldova into the competitive regional dairy market. However, the country has faced rising dairy and poultry prices due to increasing costs, reflecting a broader global economic trend.

Moldova is one of the countries where Ukraine exports butter, with about 20% of Ukraine's butter exports going to Moldova.

Modified: 2025/12/15