Poland's Dairy Industry: An In-Depth Analysis
Milk Production and Dairy Cattle
Poland is a prominent figure in the European dairy industry, with a well-established market characterized by substantial milk production. The country hosts approximately 2.1 million dairy cattle annually, contributing to a significant milk production volume of around 14 million metric tons per year. This positions Poland as a leading milk producer in Europe.
Milk Processing and Dairy Products
Poland's milk processing industry is robust, processing about 12.5 million metric tons of milk annually. The country produces approximately 850,000 metric tons of cheese and around 300,000 metric tons of milk powder and whey each year, highlighting its role as a key exporter of these products.
Major Dairy Enterprises
Key players in Poland's dairy sector include Mlekovita, Polmlek, and Mlekpol. Mlekovita is one of the largest dairy cooperatives in Poland, known for its extensive range of dairy products. Polmlek is a major dairy group with comprehensive processing facilities, and Mlekpol is another leading cooperative recognized 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 is approximately $1,000 per tonne.
Recent Events in the Dairy Industry
In September, a €50 million investment was made to expand a Polish dairy factory, illustrating the industry's growth potential. The sector is experiencing financial challenges due to decreased global demand, particularly from China, leading to a reduction in raw milk prices to 45.64 euro cents per kg, though prices have increased compared to June 2023.
A Polish dairy farm is on track to set a record with the largest VMS batch milking installation. The government has released 1,000 tons of frozen butter reserves to stabilize prices, as butter is considered a strategic commodity in Poland.
The INNODAIRY 2025 Symposium represents a pivotal moment for Poland's dairy sector, aiming to enhance the competitiveness of Polish dairy products globally. Poland has been active in lobbying for the reintroduction of tariffs on Ukrainian agricultural exports to protect its agricultural sector.
Mlekpol is set to invest in its plant in Grajewo, operating 13 production facilities across Poland and exporting to over 100 countries globally. Poland is also a participant in the WorldFood Istanbul Exhibition.
Danone has indicated that production from the Blédina site might be transferred to its facility in Opole, Poland, ensuring continued production of infant cereal. The growth of cheese imports from Poland is putting pressure on prices within Ukraine, displacing local producers from retail shelves.
Polmlek, a leading dairy company, has introduced a new line of low-acid dairy products and desserts using spouted pouch packaging. Recalls are underway in Poland due to contamination issues.
Poland is ranked third in supplying milk and cream to Georgia, exporting 3.3 thousand tons valued at $3.5 million in 2025. Polish milk processors recommend that Ukraine focus on developing national cheese production and emphasize the importance of trade relations in the context of further economic integration with the European Union.
MLEKOVITA, a large Polish dairy group, is contributing to the sourcing mix at IFE 2026 and participating as a diverse international cheese producer. In a taste test, only the Polish-brand Krasnystaw kefir retained the effervescence characteristic of traditional kefir, as it contained kefir grains.
Poland emerged as the leading importer of Ukrainian condensed milk and cream, accounting for 16.8% of export revenue in 2025. Poland is a focus country for International Farmers Day at EuroTier 2026, providing a platform for global farmer exchange.
Poland accounts for 17.5% of the milk import market share in Georgia and is also importing milk to Lithuania to compensate for the local shortfall, with processors importing roughly 50,000 tonnes each month.
Unternehmensgruppe Theo Müller operates factories in Poland, contributing to the 20 factories across Germany, the UK, the Czech Republic, and Poland. Poland saw a 3.2% increase in milk supply and is part of the Visegrad Four countries seeking a unified position on agricultural policy.
Zott Group has a production facility in Opole, and Polish dairy giant Bakoma has initiated a digital transformation initiative in partnership with AVEVA. There have been significant contributions to the EU milk supply increase, with a 4.5% rise in Q1 2026, supported by Poland's 3.8% production increase.
Modified: 2026/08/02