Dairy Industry in the Netherlands: A Global Leader

The Netherlands is globally recognized for its advanced and efficient dairy sector, playing a crucial role in both the national economy and the international dairy market. The country is home to approximately 1.57 million dairy cattle, producing an impressive 14.3 billion liters of milk annually. This reflects the efficiency of Dutch dairy farming practices, which are among the best in the world.

Milk Processing

The Dutch dairy industry processes around 13 billion liters of milk each year. A significant portion of this milk is used in cheese production, with approximately 909,000 tonnes of cheese produced annually. In addition, the Netherlands produces 300,000 tonnes of milk powder and whey, underscoring its robust processing capabilities.

Key Enterprises in the Dairy Market

Major companies such as FrieslandCampina, Royal A-ware, Vreugdenhil Dairy Foods, Farm Dairy, and DOC Kaas form the backbone of the Dutch dairy industry. Notable dairy farms include Melkveehouderij Arie van den Berg, Dairy Farm Van Leeuwen, Runderkamp Dairy, De Wijde Blik, and Kaasboerderij Weenink.

Exports and Imports 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 significant exporter of Gouda cheese to Chile and a leader in global cheese imports. However, there has been a decrease in dairy exports to the US by 11% and a 13% drop in exports to China.

Significant Events in the Dairy Market

Recent developments include the acquisition of Amalthea by Ausnutria Dairy Corp., marking growth in the organic sector. Environmental policies targeting nitrogen emissions may impact livestock and milk production. Collaborations with Arla Foods and over 8,400 European farmers, including those from the Netherlands, have strengthened market positions.

Innovation and Research

The Yili Innovation Center Europe, located in Wageningen, exemplifies the Netherlands' commitment to research and development in the dairy sector. The country is noted for pioneering robotic milking systems that enhance milk yield and reduce labor costs. Additionally, the Dutch company Lely is involved in establishing a new Lely Center, providing technologies for automation and robotics in dairy farming.

International Cooperation

The Netherlands continues to strengthen agricultural cooperation with Kazakhstan and other countries. FrieslandCampina is part of a partnership with Netherlands-based start-up Vivici to support a new facility in the UAE for producing animal-free proteins. The Netherlands is collaborating with India to enhance livestock and dairy development, including the establishment of an Indo-Dutch Centre of Excellence on Dairy Training in Bengaluru.

Market Challenges

Butter prices for first-quarter delivery have fallen below €4,000 per tonne, a level not seen since 2021. The average milk price in the Netherlands has dropped significantly, putting financial pressure on farmers as production costs remain high. The country has also experienced a decline in plant-based food sales, largely due to a decrease in purchases of plant-based meat.

Innovative Products

Dutch supermarket Albert Heijn supports the concept of hybrid milks. At the World of Private Label International Trade Show in Amsterdam, Dutch company Farm Dairy introduced a lineup of hybrid milk products. Yakult has introduced its dairy-free Vitals range in a larger 200ml package, available at major Dutch supermarkets and online platforms.

Production Facility Incident

A recall of affected infant formula was initiated following the detection of bacteria at a production facility in the Netherlands. Danone has expanded its recall to include the Netherlands due to contamination concerns.

Major Dairy Player in the EU

Dutch processor FrieslandCampina has announced merger plans with Belgian processor Milcobel, aiming to address rising costs and competition. The Netherlands also leads the growth in infant formula imports to China, with a 5% volume growth in this economically significant category.

Sustainable Dairy Farming Practices

The Netherlands hosts a network of 100 dairy farms working to tackle climate challenges by minimizing emissions of ammonia, nitrogen, and methane. Research from the Netherlands suggests that grazing cows might produce less methane than anticipated, leading in sustainable farming efforts.

Environmental Considerations

Environmental policies targeting nitrogen emissions could potentially impact livestock and milk production. The Dutch government is implementing a subsidy program to reduce dairy cow numbers, offering financial incentives to farmers who agree to reduce herd sizes by 10 to 20 percent for three years, aiming to lower environmental pollution.

Technological Advancements

The Netherlands is at the forefront of technological advancements in dairy farming, with innovations such as robotic milking systems and automation technologies provided by companies like Lely.

Historical Influence in Brazil

Dutch immigrants played a crucial role in the development of Castro's dairy industry in Brazil. In 1951, they established the cooperative Castrolanda in Castro, which significantly evolved the local dairy industry.

Strategic Acquisitions

Royal A-ware's acquisition of Global Dairy Ventures aims to strengthen its market position in Southern Europe. The company has also expanded its portfolio by acquiring a stake in Amalthea, a cheese producer headquartered in the Netherlands.

Milk Prices

Milk prices increased in the Netherlands, with the milk price rising to 42.50 euro cents per kilogram. Output in the Netherlands increased by 4.5%. The report indicated an increase in milk availability in several continental European countries through July, including the Netherlands.

Lidl Netherlands is Setting Organic Sales Targets

Lidl Netherlands aims to make organic products account for 12% of its potatoes, vegetables, and fruit sales by weight by 2030. It also targets 10% of its private-label fresh liquid dairy sales to be organic within the same period.

Quality Control

The Netherlands is China’s second-largest overseas dairy supplier. Dutch processors supplied 36% of the infant formula imported into China. Quality control in Dutch dairy processing covers stages from the collection of raw milk to the distribution of finished products. Statutory regulators, industry organisations, and independent laboratories oversee standards covering about 98% of the milk collected in the Netherlands.

Dairy Farm Expansion

A Dutch dairy farm expanded from about 160 cows to 230 after installing a fourth milking robot. The farm also launched an agricultural contracting business in February 2025.

FrieslandCampina

FrieslandCampina operates within the European dairy industry. FrieslandCampina sets the organic milk price and monitors the European dairy market conditions.

Danone’s Innovation Centre

Danone’s innovation centre is located in the Netherlands. Danone’s specialized-nutrition division in Brazil collaborates with the company’s innovation centre in Utrecht, Netherlands.

Market Growth of Cottage Cheese

The Netherlands recorded 38% growth in the cottage cheese market. A Rio Pardo distributor in the Netherlands saw a price increase in whey packages.

Shamonda Virus Cases

Confirmed cases of Shamonda virus. Cases had previously been confirmed in the Netherlands after a wider European spread began in late July.

Focus on Food Safety and Innovation

The Netherlands focused on food safety, food-loss and waste reduction. Silvio Erkens, representing the Netherlands, pointed to work on agricultural innovation and more resilient food systems.

Economic Challenges

The Dutch dairy industry is experiencing increased milk price payments. Royal Lactalis Leerdammer and Royal FrieslandCampina have both raised their milk prices for October. The Netherlands' dairy producers are facing high roughage expenses, working-capital interest costs, and compliance spending linked to manure and nitrogen rules. The phased reduction of the European Union’s nitrates derogation has added to manure-disposal costs.

Market Intelligence

DCA Market Intelligence, a Netherlands-based Price Reporting Agency, operates in these markets since 2005 and publishes more than 90 benchmark prices. Its dairy coverage includes 34 independently audited benchmarks aligned with IOSCO principles, covering products including cheese, dairy liquids, milk powders, and milk fats.

Dutch Capital Linked to Milk Production

Investors from the Netherlands are buying land and animals to establish dairy operations, linked to greater regulatory requirements faced by agricultural production in Europe.

Friesland, based in the Netherlands, recorded a 24.1% fall. Friesland, a Dutch dairy company, showed a notable year-on-year price decline.

Cheese exports to the Netherlands increased by 1,800 tonnes. The largest increases in cheese exports went to European Union markets, including the Netherlands.