Overview of Peru's Dairy Industry
Peru has emerged as a significant participant in the South American dairy market, showing considerable growth in milk and cheese production. This expansion is largely driven by the increasing demand for U.S. cheese and strong export activities.
Dairy Cattle and Milk Production
The Peruvian dairy sector is supported by approximately 2 million dairy cattle, producing around 2.2 billion liters of milk annually. This growing herd size highlights the potential for continued development within the sector.
Milk Processing and Cheese Production
Each year, about 1.8 billion liters of milk are processed in Peru. Cheese production is on the rise, with the country producing approximately 150,000 tons annually. This growth is fueled by both domestic demand and export opportunities, particularly to the United States.
Milk Powder and Whey Production
Peru produces 100,000 tons of milk powder annually, supported by a growing whey production sector that serves both domestic and international markets.
Key Dairy Companies and Farms
Leading companies such as Gloria S.A., Laive S.A., and Nestlé Peru play crucial roles in processing and distributing dairy products within Peru and abroad. Numerous small and medium-sized farms also contribute to the country's diverse milk production landscape.
Exports and Imports
Peru's dairy exports are increasing, with around 80,000 tons of dairy products exported annually. Imports, primarily to meet the domestic demand for specialty cheeses, amount to approximately 60,000 tons per year.
Significant Market Events
The demand for U.S. cheese in South America has surged by 60%, with Peru playing a significant role in this trend. This increase is driven by the expanding middle class and changing dietary preferences, facilitated by favorable trade agreements. Additionally, condensed milk exports from Chile have risen by 28.4%, with Peru being one of the largest markets.
Innovation and Future Prospects
Peru's dairy industry is poised for further growth, driven by investments in technology and sustainability. Notable collaborations, such as Gloria Group's partnership with Prolesur, indicate ongoing expansion. However, some marketing practices, like Leche Gloria's labeling of yogurt as "Greek," have raised concerns.
Performance of Leche Gloria S.A.
Leche Gloria S.A. reported a 38% rise in net profits in the first quarter of 2025, reflecting its strong market performance. The 'Cabrita Lechera' in Tacna has become a model farm for goat milk production, highlighting the potential of this high-value niche.
Regional Developments
The region of Puno is enhancing its dairy production capabilities through investments by the Regional Government, aimed at improving the quality and quantity of local raw milk production. The Peruvian government supports the dairy industry with new processing plants through its AGROIDEAS program, co-financing 19 dairy processing plants to enhance the dairy value chain and formalize the industry.
Peruvian Company Market Changes
Grupo Gloria, a Peruvian multinational, has dismantled its industrial plant in Nueva Helvecia, Uruguay, indicating its departure from the Uruguayan market. Additionally, the Peruvian dairy company Gloria has announced its acquisition of Saputo's operations in Argentina, aiming to expand its presence in the Argentine dairy market.
Advancements in Goat Milk Production
The INIA has been authorized to produce high-quality goat semen in Peru, crucial for boosting goat milk and meat production. By providing access to superior genetic material, the INIA will enable multiple producers to enhance the productivity of their herds efficiently.
Standardization of Andean Cheese
Peru's National Institute of Quality (Inacal) has approved a new technical standard for Andean cheese. The Peruvian Technical Standard NTP 105.004:2024 focuses on ensuring the safety, quality, and presentation of Andean cheese in both domestic and international markets.
Health Concerns in Infant Products
A study conducted by the Ministry of Health of Peru, in collaboration with the National Institute of Health (INS) and UNICEF, analyzed 64 infant products available in marketplaces across Lima. It found that 80 percent of these products contain excessive amounts of sugar and saturated fats.
International Cheese Competition
Producers from Peru competed as part of the international fair involving over 340 cheeses from across the Americas. Peruvian producers optimize genetics, nutrition, and reproductive management to enhance dairy efficiency. In the Punta de Peru region, a group of dairy producers is leading a significant transformation with technical support and teamwork, enhancing productivity and reproductive indicators.
Product Safety Measures
Nestlé Perú has initiated a preventive recall of a specific batch of NAN infant formula due to a potential health risk. The recall is linked to the possible presence of cereulide toxin, associated with Bacillus cereus. No incidents have been reported in the country.
Tariffs and Economic Measures
The Ministry of Economy and Finance in Peru has updated tariffs for imported milk powder, maize, rice, and sugar. This move is aimed at stabilizing imports and protecting the local market. The reference prices and variable tariffs are part of Peru's efforts to manage agricultural imports effectively. Grupo Gloria, a leading dairy company in Peru, has announced it will maintain its current prices despite rising costs due to a national energy crisis.
Peruvian Dairy Company Leche Gloria S.A.
Leche Gloria S.A. reported a 15.3% increase in net sales. The increase was primarily driven by higher domestic sales of evaporated milk, dairy derivatives, and beverages, strengthening its position in the mass consumption market.
Peru's Constitutional Court Case
Peru's Constitutional Court is reviewing a case regarding milk production standards. The decision will impact production standards for Peru's most consumed dairy product, evaporated milk.
Support for Rural Families
The dairy sector in Peru supports over 350,000 rural families.
Upcoming Events
The Fourth Salón del Queso Peruano is set to take place at the Centro de Convenciones Lima in 2026. The event aims to boost the dairy industry's growth in the Andean region. It is organized by the Ministry of Agrarian Development and Irrigation in collaboration with the NGO CEDEPAS Norte and enjoys political backing from the regional governments of Arequipa and Cajamarca.
The recent national dairy competition in Peru awarded the 'Perú Swiss' cheese from the Perla del Paraíso plant in La Libertad as the overall winner. The competition showcased emerging regions and a diversification of cheese types, with a 45% increase in the number of entries compared to the previous year. It highlighted the growth of emerging dairy sectors and the development of family farming across the nation.
Modified: 2026/05/31