Dairy Industry in Romania

Romania stands as one of the key players in the Eastern European dairy market, with robust milk production and processing capabilities. The country has a significant number of dairy cattle and goats contributing to its dairy industry's prosperity.

Milk Production and Livestock

As of the latest data, Romania has approximately 1.6 million dairy cattle and 1.1 million dairy goats. These dairy cattle contribute to a total milk production volume of around 4.7 million tonnes per year.

Milk Processing Volume

Romania processes approximately 3.5 million tonnes of milk annually. The country prioritizes transforming this raw milk into various dairy products, including cheese, milk powder, and whey.

Cheese Production

Romania produces about 85,000 tonnes of cheese every year. This cheese is famous for its traditional varieties and is a significant export product.

Production of Milk Powder and Whey

The annual production of milk powder in Romania is estimated at around 20,000 tonnes, whereas whey production is approximately 12,000 tonnes per year.

Key Dairy Enterprises in Romania

Some of the primary dairy plants in Romania include:

• Albalact
• Covalact
• Napolact
• FrieslandCampina
• Danone Romania

Key dairy farms in Romania 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 significant destinations including the European Union and Middle Eastern countries.

Import

The country imports around 150,000 tonnes of dairy products per year, primarily from European markets to complement domestic demand.

Significant Events in Romania's Dairy Industry

A notable event in the Romanian dairy sector is the appointment of Oana Bejan as the new Country Topline Unit Leader for Danone Romania, effective from June. This change in leadership is expected to bring new strategies and growth opportunities for one of Romania's significant dairy firms. Additionally, Danone has relocated part of its yogurt production from Spain to Romania for the production of YoPRO.

The outbreak has also impacted neighboring Romania, where preventive measures have led to the culling of nearly 58,000 sheep and goats. Poland, Bulgaria, Romania, and Bangladesh were key markets for Condensed Milk and Cream. In 2023, curds snacks found new markets in Romania and Bulgaria.

Moreover, Florin Herbai, owner of Romania's prominent dairy company Simultan, is negotiating a potential sale with a foreign investor.

Conclusion

Romania’s dairy sector continues to grow and adapt to new challenges and market demands. With a strong foundation in milk production and processing, the country's dairy industry is poised to make further strides both in domestic and international markets.

Modified: 2025/02/05

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