Sweden's Dairy Industry

Sweden is a significant contributor to the global dairy market, recognized for its high-quality dairy products and advanced farming practices. The country's dairy industry is not only essential to its economy but also admired for its sustainability and innovation.

Milk Production and Livestock

Annually, Sweden produces approximately 2.8 billion kilograms of milk. The country maintains around 320,000 dairy cows, which are complemented by a smaller yet growing herd of about 12,000 dairy goats. These figures reflect Sweden's substantial involvement in both traditional and niche dairy markets.

Milk Processing and Dairy Products

Sweden processes about 2.6 billion kilograms of milk each year, showcasing its robust processing capabilities. The nation is particularly renowned for its cheese production, with an annual output of around 190,000 metric tons. In addition to cheese, Sweden produces about 50,000 metric tons of milk powder and 75,000 metric tons of whey annually, which underscores its diverse dairy product portfolio.

Key Dairy Plants and Farms

Several key dairy plants, including Arla Foods, Norrmejerier, Skanemejerier, and Gäsene Dairy, are instrumental in the processing and distribution of Sweden's dairy products. Prominent dairy farms such as Imazo AB, Jällsjö Gård, Mandom Gård, KG:s Ägg, and Bonden i Bygden contribute significantly to maintaining high-quality milk production standards.

Export and Import of Dairy Products

Sweden exports approximately 600,000 metric tons of dairy products annually, valued at around €1.2 billion. Major export destinations include Germany, Denmark, and Finland. Conversely, imports are about 400,000 metric tons per year, with an estimated value of €800 million, primarily sourced from the European Union.

Recent Trends and Events

The Swedish dairy market is witnessing several significant trends, such as an increase in the price of raw milk, now at 44.69 euro cents per kilogram. Noteworthy developments include sustainability initiatives aimed at minimizing environmental impacts, advancements in dairy processing technologies, and expanded export markets, particularly in Asia and the Middle East.

Ownership and Economic Activities

Arla Foods, a cooperative owned by over 8,400 farmers from countries including Denmark, Sweden, and the UK, continues to prioritize sustainable dairy production. Additionally, a Swedish pension fund subsidiary, Första AP-fonden, has recently sold three dairy farms in Victoria’s Goulburn Valley, highlighting economic movements within the industry. Nevertheless, Sweden's dairy sector faces increasing pressures as farmers contend with growing regulatory complexities and dissatisfaction with cooperative systems.

Modified: 2025/02/04

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