Spanish dairy processors propose eight measures to reduce import dependence
According to FeNIL, the Spanish dairy industry's turnover reached €15.89 billion in 2025. The sector comprises 1,577 companies and employs 30,648 people directly in industry, making it Spain's second-largest food industry. More than 14,800 livestock farmers supply the processors, and 55% of dairy plants are located in municipalities with fewer than 5,000 inhabitants.
At the same time, the federation estimates that imports cover more than 30% of Spain's demand for dairy products. In 2025, the dairy trade deficit amounted to 492,355 t and €1.5 billion, the largest in the EU. The gap is especially wide for cheese: imports totalled 434,844 t and exports 131,696 t. FeNIL sees this as an opportunity to expand domestic processing and create added value and jobs in rural areas.
FeNIL's eight proposed measures:
- Support for the continuity, modernisation and growth of viable farms, generational renewal and milk collection systems.
- Less red tape, better tax conditions and support for investment in rural areas.
- Attracting professionals to farms and plants, with access to housing and services in rural areas.
- Automation, digitalisation and greater production efficiency.
- Promoting dairy consumption, especially among young people.
- Expanding export support and opening new markets.
- Removing limits on farm size where animal welfare and environmental requirements are met, and encouraging cooperation and integration.
- An "innovation pact" with retailers to help new products reach the market and encourage investment in R&D.
The report also notes that dairy accounted for 13% of new launches in the mass-consumption market over the past four years, with a success rate of 50% compared with 29% for the market as a whole. Value-added products such as lactose-free, enriched and high-protein milks, milkshakes and coffee drinks make up about a third of milk and milkshake sales volume but more than 40% of value.
