Poland's Dairy Industry Overview

Poland is among the prominent countries in the European dairy industry. The country boasts a well-established dairy market with considerable milk production, dairy cattle, and processing capabilities. However, the sector is experiencing financial challenges due to reduced global demand.

Milk Production and Dairy Cattle

The Polish dairy industry has a substantial number of dairy cattle. The country annually produces a significant volume of milk, contributing to both domestic consumption and international exports.

Key Statistics:

• Number of Dairy Cattle: Approximately 2.1 million heads/year
• Milk Production Volume: Around 14 million metric tons/year

Milk Processing and Dairy Products

Poland has a robust milk processing industry. Notable dairy products include cheese, milk powder, and whey, which are essential components of the country's dairy exports.

Key Statistics:

• Milk Processing Volume: Approximately 12.5 million metric tons/year
• Cheese Production Volume: Around 850,000 metric tons/year
• Milk Powder and Whey Production Volume: Approximately 300,000 metric tons/year

Major Dairy Enterprises

The Polish dairy market features several key enterprises and farms responsible for a significant portion of milk production and processing. Some notable names include:

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

Export and Import of Dairy Products

Poland is an active participant in the global dairy trade, engaging in both exports and imports of dairy products:

Key Statistics:

• Export of Dairy Products: Approximately 2.3 billion euros/year
• Import of Dairy Products: Roughly 700 million euros/year

Recent Events in the Dairy Industry

• Investment in Expansion: An investment of €50 million was made in September to expand a dairy factory in Poland, indicative of the sector's growth potential.
• Global Demand Challenges: The industry is currently facing financial difficulties due to reduced global demand, particularly from China.
• Raw Milk Prices: Raw milk prices in Poland decreased to 45.64 euro cents per kg. Despite this reduction, there was an increase in prices compared to June 2023.
• New Milking Installation Record: A Polish dairy farm is set to establish a record for the largest VMS batch milking installation.
• White Sugar Export: The export of white sugar from Polish ports marked a first for the August settlement period.

Overall, while the Polish dairy industry remains robust, it must navigate current financial and market challenges to maintain its position in the global market.

Milk production in Eastern European countries has shown significant growth, particularly in Poland. The five largest Food Union export markets in 2023 were Estonia, Ukraine, Lithuania, Azerbaijan and Poland.

Modified: 2024/10/15

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