Ecuador, Among the Countries with the Lowest Milk Consumption in the Region
Source: dairynews.today
In Ecuador, milk consumption falls significantly below the WHO's recommendations, highlighting challenges in the dairy industry.
Ecuador is experiencing a notable decline in milk consumption, with levels in 2024 recorded at 112 liters per capita, a stark 30% below the World Health Organization's recommendation of 160 liters.
This decrease also represents a 2% drop from 2022 figures, indicating a downward trend in dairy consumption.
Comparatively, Argentina and Uruguay report much higher consumption levels, approximately 200-220 liters per capita, while Colombia stands at around 130 liters.
The distribution of collected milk within Ecuador is diverse, with 53% allocated to fluid milk production, 16% to cheeses, 12% to yogurt, and the remainder to butter, desserts, and other dairy products.
The reception of raw milk by the 11 industries part of Ecuador's Dairy Industry Center (CIL) also saw a decrease, with 494.95 million liters received in 2024, a 1.22% decline from 2023.
Market analysis shows that dairy products have decreased by 12% in consumer baskets over the past five years.
Verónica Chávez, CIL's director, notes that children in school, particularly in the highlands, contribute significantly to consumption peaks. In May 2022, Ecuador's National Assembly passed a law aimed at enhancing dairy production and its derivatives. Yet, the informal market remains substantial, with 48.83% of milk produced entering unregulated channels.
Efforts from CIL and the Dairy Cluster are underway to boost milk consumption and integrate small farmers into the formal market, aiming to improve practices and allow farmers access to better pricing. The current price per liter of milk was marked at 0.55 cents in 2024.
This decrease also represents a 2% drop from 2022 figures, indicating a downward trend in dairy consumption.
Comparatively, Argentina and Uruguay report much higher consumption levels, approximately 200-220 liters per capita, while Colombia stands at around 130 liters.
The distribution of collected milk within Ecuador is diverse, with 53% allocated to fluid milk production, 16% to cheeses, 12% to yogurt, and the remainder to butter, desserts, and other dairy products.
The reception of raw milk by the 11 industries part of Ecuador's Dairy Industry Center (CIL) also saw a decrease, with 494.95 million liters received in 2024, a 1.22% decline from 2023.
Market analysis shows that dairy products have decreased by 12% in consumer baskets over the past five years.
Verónica Chávez, CIL's director, notes that children in school, particularly in the highlands, contribute significantly to consumption peaks. In May 2022, Ecuador's National Assembly passed a law aimed at enhancing dairy production and its derivatives. Yet, the informal market remains substantial, with 48.83% of milk produced entering unregulated channels.
Efforts from CIL and the Dairy Cluster are underway to boost milk consumption and integrate small farmers into the formal market, aiming to improve practices and allow farmers access to better pricing. The current price per liter of milk was marked at 0.55 cents in 2024.
