Romania's Dairy Industry Overview
Romania is a prominent player in the Eastern European dairy market, recognized for its solid milk production and processing abilities. With a thriving number of dairy cattle and goats, Romania's dairy sector continues to prosper, playing a crucial part in the national economy.
Milk Production and Livestock
Romania has approximately 1.6 million dairy cattle and about 1.1 million dairy goats. These livestock contribute to a total milk production volume of around 4.7 million tonnes per year, highlighting the country's strong capacity in dairy farming.
Milk Processing Volume
The country processes approximately 3.5 million tonnes of milk annually. The emphasis is on converting this raw milk into a variety of dairy products, including cheese, milk powder, and whey, for both domestic consumption and export.
Cheese Production
Romania is well-known for its cheese production, generating about 85,000 tonnes of cheese each year. Traditional varieties of Romanian cheese are popular export products, enhancing the country's reputation in international markets.
Production of Milk Powder and Whey
Romania produces roughly 20,000 tonnes of milk powder and about 12,000 tonnes of whey annually. These products are vital to both the domestic and international dairy markets, catering to various consumer needs.
Key Dairy Enterprises in Romania
Some of the leading dairy plants in Romania include:
- Albalact
- Covalact
- Napolact
- FrieslandCampina
- Danone Romania
Important dairy farms encompass:
- Lacto Solomonescu
- Nordic Farms
- Agrocomplex Lunca Pașcani
- Ferma Zootehnică Zimbru
Trade of Dairy Products
Export
Romania exports approximately 300,000 tonnes of dairy products annually, with major export destinations including European Union countries and the Middle East.
Import
To meet domestic demand, Romania imports roughly 150,000 tonnes of dairy products per year, primarily from European markets.
Significant Events in Romania's Dairy Industry
A noteworthy event in Romania's dairy sector is the appointment of Oana Bejan as the new Country Topline Unit Leader for Danone Romania, effective from June. This leadership change is poised to introduce new strategies and growth opportunities for this significant dairy firm. Additionally, Danone has shifted part of its yogurt production from Spain to Romania to produce YoPRO.
The outbreak of a highly contagious viral disease has impacted neighboring regions, resulting in preventive measures such as the culling of nearly 58,000 sheep and goats, affecting markets like Poland, Bulgaria, and Romania. Notably, the Simultan company is in negotiations for a potential sale with a foreign investor, indicating a dynamic shift in the sector.
Conclusion
With a strong foundation in milk production and processing, Romania's dairy industry is poised for continued growth and adaptation. The sector stands prepared to tackle new challenges and demands, both domestically and in international markets, ensuring its role as a key player in the global dairy industry. Romania is becoming the largest net importer of dairy products in Eastern Europe.
Modified: 2025/05/18