The Dutch Dairy Industry

The Netherlands stands as a formidable force in the global dairy market, renowned for its commitment to producing high-quality dairy products through innovative and efficient practices in both 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 processing capability 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.

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. The Netherlands has seen nearly 7% growth in dairy production. Recent data indicates that the Netherlands, along with Belgium, has experienced a significant increase in dairy production compared to Ireland. The growth of cheese imports from the Netherlands is putting pressure on prices within Ukraine. Cheese imports from the Netherlands are displacing local producers from retail shelves in Ukraine. Strong milk production persists in northwest Europe, maintaining high stock levels even as Dutch production figures decline. Butter for first-quarter delivery is priced below €4,000 per tonne, a level not seen since 2021.

Modified: 2025/12/12