Conaprole: Uruguay's Dairy Giant

Conaprole, officially the Cooperative Nacional de Productores de Leche, is the largest dairy company in Uruguay. Based in Montevideo, Conaprole plays an integral role in the nation's dairy industry, processing a significant portion of Uruguay's milk production.

Facilities and Operations

The cooperative operates advanced facilities in San José and Canelones. These state-of-the-art facilities ensure high production efficiency and adherence to stringent quality standards. The operations in these locations are crucial in maintaining Conaprole's reputation for quality and reliability.

Financial Indicators

Conaprole showcases strong financial health, with annual revenues reaching approximately USD 1 billion. A substantial part of its production is exported to key markets such as Brazil, China, and Russia, underscoring its extensive market reach and financial stability.

Important Company Events

Recently, Conaprole faced challenges due to adverse weather conditions and market fluctuations, impacting milk deliveries and production capabilities. The closure of the Rivera plant led to labor disputes and the loss of 69,000 kilos of whey, affecting both production and international commitments. In addition, chlorate detection in milk required corrective actions to ensure product safety.

Company Plans

Conaprole is committed to enhancing operational efficiency and sustainability. The cooperative plans to invest in advanced agricultural technologies to support farmers and develop new dairy products that align with consumer preferences. Exploring potential partnerships with China, the cooperative aims to increase export volumes, particularly whole milk powder, to improve financial performance.

In its sustainability efforts, Conaprole has launched a recycling program for ice cream packaging in collaboration with Atma and Nuevocentro Shopping, emphasizing social responsibility. The "Programa Tambo Sustentable" focuses on sustainable dairy farming practices, aligning with UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Conaprole anticipates closing 2025 with record production levels of 1.610 billion liters of milk, driven by increased demand and strategic operational improvements. By January 2026, the cooperative reported a 10% increase in milk deliveries, following a record production year in 2025. The cooperative announced an estimated milk price of 16.04 pesos per liter for early 2026, reflecting international market influences.

Conaprole, a significant player in Uruguay's dairy export sector, is currently under investigation by the Brazilian government for alleged dumping practices, which it denies. The cooperative is focused on market expansion into Southeast Asia, particularly Indonesia, and exploring market diversification opportunities. A strategy is in place to maintain current prices for producers until the fiscal year's end on July 31 and to focus on operational caution and commercial security.

The cooperative is also committed to restoring its butter exports to Russia, ensuring quality and safety through rigorous control and traceability systems. President Gabriel Fernández emphasizes the responsible use of veterinary products and adherence to withdrawal periods before milk delivery.

Conaprole is Uruguay's largest exporter, celebrating its 90th anniversary. The cooperative exports 80% of the milk it processes, reaching 75 international markets and generating approximately $700 million annually from external sales. It processes about 1.65 billion liters of milk annually, sells around 300 products domestically, and provides approximately 25,000 direct and indirect jobs.

Conaprole is strategizing to overcome international trade barriers and expand its market reach. The cooperative aims to double its investments to enhance production capacity and explore new markets. It is addressing succession planning within its management to ensure leadership continuity.

Modified: 2026/06/29