Portugal's Dairy Industry: An Overview

The Portuguese dairy industry is a vital component of the country's agricultural sector, esteemed for its substantial production of high-quality dairy products. While smaller in scale compared to some of its European counterparts, Portugal's dairy market stands out for its efficiency and significant output.

Number of Dairy Cattle

Portugal houses approximately 250,000 dairy cattle. The majority of dairy farming occurs in the northern regions, which benefit from favorable climatic conditions and nutrient-rich pastures.

Milk Production Volume

Annually, the country produces around 2 billion liters of milk. This stable production volume is crucial for meeting both local consumption demands and export needs, underscoring Portugal's competence in the dairy sector.

Milk Processing Volume

Out of the total milk output, about 1.8 billion liters are processed each year, showcasing Portugal's advanced dairy processing capabilities in converting raw milk into diverse consumable dairy products.

Cheese Production Volume

Portugal produces approximately 150,000 tons of cheese annually. These include acclaimed varieties such as Queijo de Azeitão and Queijo Serra da Estrela, known for their unique flavors and textures.

Milk Powder and Whey Production

The nation produces an estimated 30,000 tons of milk powder and whey each year. These products are essential for both the domestic market and international trade.

Key Enterprises in the Dairy Market

Prominent dairy companies in Portugal include Agros, Lactogal, Queijo São Jorge, and Longa Vida. Leading dairy farms contributing to the industry are Quinta da Aveleda, Herdade do Esporão, and Casa da Insua.

Exports and Imports of Dairy Products

Portugal exports about 200 million liters of dairy products annually, mainly to neighboring European countries. Conversely, the country imports approximately 100 million liters of dairy products each year, maintaining a balanced domestic dairy market.

Significant Events in the Dairy Industry

Key events in Portugal's dairy sector include the annual Lisbon Dairy Symposium, which gathers industry professionals to discuss emerging trends and challenges. Noteworthy developments include stable raw milk prices since May, reflecting market equilibrium and strong demand. Nestlé's €30 million investment to upgrade its Avanca factory cereal beverages line demonstrates the sector's growth potential. Portugal's retraction from the Nutri-Score initiative highlights its efforts to preserve unique food cultural identity. Additionally, Queijo de Ovelha Amanteigado won top honors at the World Cheese Awards in Viseu, demonstrating Portugal's expertise in cheese production. Recently, milk prices have reduced by 10%, affecting the market dynamics.

Lactogal Produtos Alimentares, a major player, will emphasize the industry’s role in promoting gut health, further underscoring the dynamic nature of Portugal's dairy industry. Portugal's milk price stood at 45.80 ct/kg in January.

Modified: 2025/03/10

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