Galicia Leads Spanish Milk Production Growth in 2024

A Driving Force Behind Growth

The study, presented at the III Dairy Business Forum in Coristanco, A Coruña, revealed that 71.3% of the country’s growth in milk deliveries originated from Galicia. In essence, seven out of every ten liters added to Spain’s milk supply in 2024 came from this northwestern region.

“The numbers speak for themselves,” remarked José Manuel Andrade, director of the Juana de Vega Foundation. “Galicia is not just a key player—it is the primary driver of the Spanish dairy sector’s expansion.”

The Industrialization Challenge

Despite Galicia’s impressive production figures, the report highlights a critical gap in local processing. While large farms producing more than 500 tons annually represent 32% of all dairy operations, they account for a staggering 76% of the region’s total milk output.

However, only 64% of this milk is processed within Galicia, with the remaining 36% sent to other regions without added value. This raises concerns about economic leakage, as the potential benefits of dairy industrialization—such as increased employment and higher-margin dairy products—are not fully captured by local producers.

A Call for Strategic Investment

Experts argue that a greater emphasis on local milk processing infrastructure could unlock significant economic gains. The report advocates for policies that encourage value-added dairy production, such as cheese, butter, and specialty dairy exports, rather than relying solely on raw milk shipments.

While Galicia’s dominance in production is undisputed, its ability to maximize economic returns from its dairy sector will depend on strategic investment in processing capabilities. The findings suggest that if Galicia can retain and industrialize more of its milk locally, it could cement its status as not just Spain’s dairy leader, but a European powerhouse in the industry.