Poland's Dairy Industry: An In-Depth Analysis

Poland stands out as a prominent figure in the European dairy industry, boasting a well-established market with significant milk production and extensive processing capabilities. Despite recent financial challenges due to reduced global demand, Poland remains a key player in the international dairy market.

Milk Production and Dairy Cattle

The Polish dairy industry hosts approximately 2.1 million dairy cattle annually. These cattle contribute to a substantial milk production volume of around 14 million metric tons per year, positioning Poland as a leading milk producer in Europe.

Milk Processing and Dairy Products

Poland's milk processing industry is robust, with a processing volume of about 12.5 million metric tons per year. The country produces approximately 850,000 metric tons of cheese and around 300,000 metric tons of milk powder and whey annually, underscoring its role as a key exporter of these products.

Major Dairy Enterprises

Key players in Poland's dairy sector include:

Mlekovita: One of the largest dairy cooperatives in Poland, renowned for its extensive range of dairy products.
Polmlek: A major dairy group with comprehensive processing facilities.
Mlekpol: Another leading cooperative known for its substantial cheese and milk production.

Export and Import of Dairy Products

Poland is an active participant in the global dairy trade, with an annual export value of approximately 2.3 billion euros. On the import side, the country deals with around 700 million euros worth of dairy products each year. The average value of dairy exports hovers around $1,000 per tonne.

Recent Events in the Dairy Industry

Investment in Expansion: In September, a €50 million investment was made to expand a Polish dairy factory, highlighting the industry's growth potential.
Global Demand Challenges: The dairy sector is experiencing financial issues due to diminished global demand, especially from China.
Raw Milk Prices: Prices for raw milk have decreased to 45.64 euro cents per kg, though prices increased compared to June 2023.
New Milking Installation Record: A Polish dairy farm is on track to set a record with the largest VMS batch milking installation.
Government Efforts: The government has released 1,000 tons of frozen butter reserves to stabilize prices, as butter is considered a strategic commodity in Poland.
INNODAIRY 2025 Symposium: This event represents a pivotal moment for Poland's dairy sector, aiming to enhance the competitiveness of Polish dairy products globally.
Trade and Policy: Poland has been a decisive force in lobbying for the reintroduction of tariffs on Ukrainian agricultural exports, aiming to protect its agricultural sector.
Mlekpol's Investment: Mlekpol is set to invest in its plant in Grajewo. The cooperative operates 13 production facilities across Poland and exports to over 100 countries globally.
WorldFood Istanbul Exhibition: Poland is part of the countries participating in this exhibition.
Danone's Production Transfer: Danone has indicated that production from the Blédina site might be transferred to its facility in Opole, Poland, ensuring continued production of infant cereal.
Cheese Imports to Ukraine: The growth of cheese imports from Poland is putting pressure on prices within Ukraine, displacing local producers from retail shelves.

Modified: 2025/12/01