Conaprole: Uruguay's Dairy Giant
Conaprole, officially known as the Cooperative Nacional de Productores de Leche, stands as the largest dairy company in Uruguay. The cooperative plays a critical role in the global dairy market by processing a substantial share of the nation's milk production.
Location and Facilities
The company is headquartered in Montevideo, with advanced facilities located in San José and Canelones. These plants are key to maintaining high production efficiency and upholding the quality standards for which Conaprole is known.
Financial Indicators
Conaprole showcases impressive financial health with an annual revenue of approximately USD 1 billion. A significant portion of its products is exported to major international markets, including Brazil, China, and Russia, highlighting its financial stability and extensive market reach.
Important Company Events
Recently, Conaprole has faced several challenges, including reduced milk deliveries due to adverse weather conditions and market fluctuations. The closure of its Rivera plant led to a labor dispute, union strikes, and the loss of 69,000 kilos of whey, impacting production and international obligations. Moreover, the detection of chlorate in milk required corrective actions to ensure product safety.
Company Plans
Conaprole is committed to enhancing operational efficiency and sustainability. It plans to invest in advanced agricultural technologies to support farmers and develop new dairy products to meet evolving consumer preferences. The cooperative is exploring potential partnerships with China to export whole milk powder, aiming to boost export volumes and improve financial performance.
The company is actively engaged in sustainability initiatives, such as an ice cream packaging recycling program launched in collaboration with Atma and Nuevocentro Shopping, contributing to social causes. Additionally, the Programa Tambo Sustentable emphasizes sustainable dairy farming and aligns with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Conaprole is adjusting its pricing strategy amid intense harvest pressure and is exploring opportunities in Indonesia, the Trans-Pacific region, and Central America to enhance its global presence. The cooperative anticipates closing 2025 with historic production levels of 1.610 billion liters of milk, driven by increased demand and strategic operational improvements.
In January 2026, Conaprole reported a 10% increase in milk deliveries, following a record production year in 2025. Despite challenging weather conditions, the cooperative has sustained its output, underscoring its strong operational capabilities and importance in Uruguay's dairy sector. Conaprole has announced an estimated milk price of 16.04 pesos per liter for January and February 2026, reflecting the influence of international markets and exchange rates on producer payments.
Modified: 2026/02/27