The Dutch Dairy Industry

The Netherlands is a formidable force in the global dairy market, known for its commitment to producing high-quality dairy products through innovative and efficient practices in dairy farming and processing. This sector is vital to the national economy and holds a significant place in the global dairy landscape.

Dairy Cattle and Milk Production

The Dutch dairy industry is home to approximately 1.57 million dairy cattle, contributing to an impressive annual milk production of about 14.3 billion liters. This highlights the efficiency and scale of the sector.

Milk Processing

The Netherlands processes an estimated 13 billion liters of milk each year. This is reflected in substantial production figures, with cheese production reaching approximately 909,000 tonnes annually, alongside 300,000 tonnes of milk powder and whey.

Key Enterprises in the Dairy Market

Several major companies underpin the Dutch dairy industry, including FrieslandCampina, Royal A-ware, Vreugdenhil Dairy Foods, Farm Dairy, and DOC Kaas. Additionally, prominent dairy farms such as Melkveehouderij Arie van den Berg, Dairy Farm Van Leeuwen, Runderkamp Dairy, De Wijde Blik, and Kaasboerderij Weenink play significant roles in the market.

Export and Import of Dairy Products

The Netherlands is a net exporter of dairy products, with an export value of approximately 7.1 billion euros compared to imports of around 3.5 billion euros. The country is a notable exporter of Gouda cheese to Chile and leads global cheese imports.

Significant Events in the Dairy Market

Recent developments include the acquisition of Amalthea by Ausnutria Dairy Corp., marking growth in the organic sector. Global trends have led to an increase in raw milk prices to 47.75 euro cents per kg. Environmental policies targeting nitrogen emissions may impact livestock and milk production, while a 13% drop in dairy exports to China has been observed. Collaborations with Arla Foods and over 8,400 European farmers, including those from the Netherlands, have strengthened market positions. Additionally, the introduction of the Milk Sustainability Center's free version for selected farmers is enhancing sustainability efforts. The end of the EU derogation for manure spreading has resulted in reduced herd sizes for some farmers.

Innovation and Research

The Yili Innovation Center Europe, located in Wageningen, exemplifies the Netherlands' commitment to research and development within the dairy sector, fostering innovation in both traditional and alternative dairy products.

Future Outlook

In 2024, there was a 12% increase in the number of dairy cows housed permanently indoors compared to 2023, with more than 50,000 additional cows. Over 20% of Dutch dairy farms now maintain their cows exclusively indoors, with the total dairy cow population standing at 1.5 million. ABN AMRO forecasts rising prices for dairy and meat due to shrinking livestock herds and supply disruptions. Government measures and buyout schemes are leading to the closure of numerous farms, impacting the overall supply of dairy and meat. The price increase of bola cheese is linked to rising raw milk costs and limited availability, primarily sourced from the Netherlands.

Technological Advancements

The Netherlands is renowned for pioneering robotic milking systems, which are widely adopted in Northern Europe. These systems increase milk yield by 5–12% and reduce labor costs by 15–20%.

Preservation of Traditions

Traditional Dutch cheesemaking methods are preserved by Marieke Gouda, which imports cultures, herbs, spices, and equipment from the Netherlands to maintain authenticity in its cheese production.

International Cooperation

The Netherlands continues to strengthen agricultural cooperation with Kazakhstan, with a Dutch trade mission representing a significant step in enhancing agricultural dialogue between the two countries.

FrieslandCampina's Market Position

FrieslandCampina, based in the Netherlands, has a strong presence in the European dairy industry. Recently, it announced a significant reduction in its milk price for November, reflecting market adjustments. It is part of a partnership with Netherlands-based start-up Vivici to support a new facility in the UAE for producing animal-free proteins.

Technological Integration

The Netherlands is one of the countries where Tvarit's AI technology is being increasingly utilized to improve dairy production efficiency.

Declines in Milk Production

The Netherlands experienced a decline in dairy production as a result of the bluetongue virus.

Headquartered in the Netherlands, UNIFORM-Agri provides management software for dairy and beef operations. The integration will be facilitated through their MyHerdmanagement cloud platform, which is set to begin development by the end of 2025.

Modified: 2025/11/22