Poland's Dairy Industry: An In-Depth Analysis

Milk Production and Dairy Cattle

Poland stands as a prominent force in the European dairy landscape, with a substantial annual milk production volume of approximately 14 million metric tons. This is supported by a dairy cattle population of about 2.1 million, positioning Poland as a leading milk producer within the continent.

Milk Processing and Dairy Products

The milk processing industry in Poland is both extensive and efficient, handling around 12.5 million metric tons of milk each year. The country produces approximately 850,000 metric tons of cheese and about 300,000 metric tons of milk powder and whey annually, underlining its significant role in the production and export of these dairy 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, renowned for its wide range of dairy products. Polmlek is a major dairy group with comprehensive processing facilities, while Mlekpol is recognized for its substantial cheese and milk production capabilities.

Export and Import of Dairy Products

Poland is actively engaged in the global dairy trade with an annual export value of approximately 2.3 billion euros. In contrast, the country imports dairy products worth around 700 million euros each year. The average value of dairy exports is estimated at $1,000 per tonne, highlighting Poland's competitive position in the international market.

Recent Events in the Dairy Industry

Recent developments in Poland's dairy industry include a €50 million investment in expanding a Polish dairy factory, signaling growth potential despite financial challenges caused by decreased global demand, notably from China. This has led to a reduction in raw milk prices, currently at 45.64 euro cents per kg, though prices have risen since June 2023.

A Polish dairy farm is set to achieve a record with the largest VMS batch milking installation. The government has released 1,000 tons of frozen butter reserves to stabilize prices, emphasizing butter's status as a strategic commodity. The INNODAIRY 2025 Symposium aims to boost the competitiveness of Polish dairy products on the global stage.

Poland has been proactive in lobbying for the reintroduction of tariffs on Ukrainian agricultural exports to safeguard its agricultural sector. Mlekpol plans to invest in its plant in Grajewo, with operations spanning 13 production facilities across Poland, exporting to over 100 countries worldwide.

Danone is considering transferring production from the Blédina site to its facility in Opole, Poland, to maintain the production of infant cereal. Additionally, the growth of cheese imports from Poland is affecting prices in Ukraine, displacing local producers from retail shelves.

Polmlek has launched a new line of low-acid dairy products and desserts, utilizing spouted pouch packaging. Recalls due to contamination issues are currently underway in Poland.

Poland ranks third in supplying milk and cream to Georgia, exporting 3.3 thousand tons valued at $3.5 million in 2025. Polish milk processors advise Ukraine to focus on developing national cheese production, stressing the importance of trade relations in further economic integration with the European Union.

MLEKOVITA, a large Polish dairy group, contributes to the sourcing mix at IFE 2026 and participates 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, offering a platform for global farmer exchange.

Poland accounts for 17.5% of the milk import market share in Georgia and imports milk to Lithuania to address local shortages, 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 experienced a 3.2% increase in milk supply and is part of the Visegrad Four countries seeking a unified position on agricultural policy. Zott Group maintains a production facility in Opole, while Polish dairy giant Bakoma has initiated a digital transformation initiative in collaboration 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. The oldest evidence of cheese production traces back to Poland, dating to around 5,500 BC, marking one of the earliest known instances of dairy production in Europe.

Sales of fresh dairy products in Poland rose during the first half of 2026, with consumers increasing their purchases by 4.1% in sales volume and 7% in sales value. Milk powders recorded a significant increase in shipments to Poland.

Dr. Drabble is from Poland, where kefir is widely consumed. Dr. Magdalena Drabble has been developing kefir, a popular drink in Eastern Europe, including Poland. Output in Poland increased by 3.1%, with a noted increase in milk availability in several European countries through July, including Poland.

The Polish Office of Competition and Consumer Protection is investigating shrinkflation practices. Mlekpol recorded the largest monthly increase, at 9.6%, showing the highest monthly price increase among reviewed companies. Attempts to target refrigeration networks similar to those in France were reported in Poland.

Mycofeast operates a 16m-litre fermentation plant in Poland, contributing to its portfolio covering carotenoids, dairy proteins, and other biologically produced ingredients. Zott operates production facilities in Germany and Poland, producing a variety of dairy products.