Romania's Dairy Industry Overview

Romania stands out as a key player in the Eastern European dairy market, known for its strong capabilities in milk production and processing. The country's thriving dairy sector is pivotal to the national economy, leveraging its substantial livestock base.

Milk Production and Livestock

Romania is home to approximately 1.6 million dairy cattle and 1.1 million dairy goats. These livestock contribute to a total milk production volume of around 4.7 million tonnes per year, underscoring the country's robust dairy farming capacity.

Milk Processing Volume

Annually, Romania processes about 3.5 million tonnes of milk, focusing on transforming this raw milk into various dairy products. These include cheese, milk powder, and whey, catering to both domestic consumption and export demands.

Cheese Production

Cheese production is a highlight of Romania's dairy industry, with the country producing approximately 85,000 tonnes annually. Traditional Romanian cheeses are popular exports, bolstering the country's international market reputation.

Production of Milk Powder and Whey

Romania produces about 20,000 tonnes of milk powder and 12,000 tonnes of whey each year. These products are essential to both domestic and international markets, meeting diverse consumer needs.

Key Dairy Enterprises in Romania

Prominent dairy plants in Romania include Albalact, Covalact, Napolact, FrieslandCampina, and Danone Romania. Important dairy farms feature Lacto Solomonescu, Nordic Farms, Agrocomplex Lunca Pașcani, and Ferma Zootehnică Zimbru.

Trade of Dairy Products

Export

Romania exports around 300,000 tonnes of dairy products annually, with major destinations being European Union countries and the Middle East.

Import

To satisfy domestic demand, Romania imports approximately 150,000 tonnes of dairy products each year, primarily from European markets.

Significant Events in Romania's Dairy Industry

A key 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 expected to bring new strategies and growth opportunities for the company. Additionally, Danone has relocated part of its yogurt production from Spain to Romania for YoPRO. A viral disease outbreak in nearby regions has led to preventive measures, including the culling of nearly 58,000 sheep and goats, impacting markets such as Poland, Bulgaria, and Romania. Moreover, Simultan is in discussions for a potential sale with a foreign investor, indicating a dynamic shift in the sector.

Conclusion

With a solid foundation in milk production and processing, Romania's dairy industry is poised for further growth and adaptation. The sector is well-prepared to meet new challenges and demands, both domestically and internationally, solidifying its status as a key player in the global dairy industry. Notably, Romania is becoming the largest net importer of dairy products in Eastern Europe.

Romanian Dairy Company Artesana

Artesana, a renowned Romanian dairy producer, has achieved significant growth by quadrupling its production capacity and tripling its turnover to EUR 11 million in 2024.

Modified: 2025/07/27

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