Dairy Industry in Venezuela

Venezuela's dairy industry has long been a vital part of its agricultural sector, characterized by both domestic production and significant import activities to meet local demand.

Dairy Cattle and Milk Production

The number of dairy cattle in Venezuela is estimated to be around 2 million head. Despite the potential of the sector, the country's domestic milk production has been under strain due to economic challenges, with a production volume of approximately 1.5 billion liters per year.

Milk Processing and Production of Dairy Products

Milk processing in Venezuela has struggled to reach its full potential due to limited industrial capacity and technological constraints. However, local plants continue to process milk for domestic consumption.

Cheese Production

Cheese production in Venezuela is an integral part of the dairy industry, with an estimated output of 100,000 metric tons annually. Local cheese varieties are widely consumed across the country.

Milk Powder and Whey Production

Domestic production of milk powder and whey remains limited, and thus, Venezuela heavily relies on imports to satisfy its market needs.

Key Enterprises in the Dairy Market

• La Campiña: A prominent dairy processor with a comprehensive range of dairy products.
• Indulac: Known for their efforts in local milk and cheese production.
• PALMIGAL: A local farm that supplies milk to various processing units.

Export and Import of Dairy Products

Venezuela's export of dairy products is minimal, focusing mainly on niche markets. Import activities are prominent, with approximately 60,000 metric tons of milk powder and whey imported annually, primarily from Colombia.

Events in the Dairy Market

Recent years have seen an increasing reliance on Colombian imports to stabilize domestic stock levels. Economic fluctuations have exacerbated challenges in the supply chain and production capacity. Collaboration with Colombian partners has become crucial to ensuring market stability and product availability.

Modified: 2025/03/04

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