Overview of Romania's Dairy Industry
Romania stands as a key player in the Eastern European dairy market, recognized for its substantial contributions to milk production and processing. The dairy sector is a vital part of the national economy, supported by a substantial livestock base.
Milk Production and Livestock
Romania is home to approximately 1.6 million dairy cattle and 1.1 million dairy goats, collectively producing around 4.7 million tonnes of milk annually. This highlights the country's robust dairy farming capacity.
Milk Processing Volume
Annually, Romania processes about 3.5 million tonnes of milk. This milk is transformed into various dairy products such as cheese, milk powder, and whey, catering to both domestic consumption and export demands.
Cheese Production
Cheese production is a standout segment in Romania's dairy industry, with around 85,000 tonnes produced annually. Traditional Romanian cheeses are particularly popular as exports, enhancing 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, playing a crucial role in meeting the needs of both domestic and international markets.
Key Dairy Enterprises in Romania
Prominent dairy plants in Romania include Albalact, Covalact, Napolact, FrieslandCampina, and Danone Romania. Key dairy farms include 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 meet 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 notable event is the appointment of Oana Bejan as the new Country Topline Unit Leader for Danone Romania starting in June, expected to bring new strategies and growth opportunities. Danone has also relocated part of its yogurt production from Spain to Romania for YoPRO. A viral disease outbreak in neighboring regions led to the culling of nearly 58,000 sheep and goats, impacting markets such as Poland, Bulgaria, and Romania. Furthermore, Simultan is in discussions for a potential sale with a foreign investor, indicating dynamic shifts in the sector.
Romanian Dairy Company Artesana
Artesana has achieved significant growth by quadrupling its production capacity and tripling its turnover to EUR 11 million in 2024. FrieslandCampina is selling its operations in Romania, which include the local brand Napolact and production facilities in Cluj-Napoca and Târgu Mureș.
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. Rosselkhoznadzor has imposed restrictions on the import of sheep and goats due to disease outbreaks, with 7 outbreaks of sheep and goat pox registered in Romania since July 17, 2025.
Leading Agrifood Company in Romania
DN Agrar Group, a major player in the European agrifood sector, has announced strong financial results for the first half of 2025, reflecting the dynamic nature of Romania's agricultural industry. A new outbreak of anthrax has been detected, marking the first case in Romania since September 2023.
Concerns Over Napolact Sale
Concerns have been raised over the sale of the major dairy brand Napolact to Bonafarm Group, with potential national security risks cited, involving Romanian intelligence agencies SRI and SIE. The acquisition attempt was routed through Hellenic Dairies Group’s Romanian subsidiary. The Romanian subsidiary was meant to facilitate the acquisition of Alfoldi Tej by Hellenic Dairies Group.
Modified: 2025/09/28