Concentrated milk and cream market in Germany

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2020, the German concentrated milk and cream market experienced notable fluctuations. In 2018, the introduction of organic and protein-enriched product variants reflected rising consumer interest in health-oriented offerings. However, market volume declined to 554.2 thousand tonnes in 2019 despite reports of high usage frequency for cream products. A rebound followed in 2020, with volume reaching 588.2 thousand tonnes, though no specific market drivers were highlighted for that year.

The market contraction deepened between 2021 and 2023, with volume falling to a low of 469.2 thousand tonnes in 2023. This period was marked by the accelerated growth of plant-based milk alternatives, driven by flexitarian and health-conscious consumers. The entry of new segments, such as fermented alternatives, and the rising market share of plant-based cream substitutes created competitive pressure on traditional concentrated dairy products. Major dairies like DMK Group and Müller responded by focusing on protein-rich dairy lines.

In 2024, market volume recovered to 512.9 thousand tonnes. A key driver was a 14.8% increase in the production of condensed milk products. Concurrently, the dairy landscape underwent structural changes, including a slight reduction in the number of dairies but higher average processing capacity per site. The introduction of origin labeling ('Deutschlandkennzeichnung') enhanced transparency, while consumer preferences continued to shift toward organic and protein-rich variants.

Production concentrated milk and cream in Germany

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In 2020, Germany's output of concentrated milk and cream was valued at 1 107 million US dollars, marking a solid 12.8% increase compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 5.3%, with a compound annual growth rate of 1.7%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 982 million US dollars, which also saw the largest decline of 7.2%.

Annual dynamics of production in Germany in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, Germany ranked second worldwide in terms of production of concentrated milk and cream.

Top producers of concentrated milk and cream, 2017-2020

World map of production of concentrated milk and cream, 2017-2020

After two years of decline, Germany's concentrated milk and cream production volume increased. In 2020, Germany produced 777.7 thousand tonnes of concentrated milk and cream, showing a 4.3% rise compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, production decreased by 9.8%, equating to an annualized rate of 3.4%. The lowest volume was recorded in 2019 at 745.9 thousand tonnes, which also experienced the largest decline of 10.7%.

Annual dynamics of production in Germany in kind, 2017-2020, K t

Exports concentrated milk and cream from Germany

Exports in kind, K t

In 2020, Germany exported 303.4 thousand tonnes of concentrated milk and cream, remaining almost flat compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, exports decreased by 6.2%, equating to an annualized rate of 2.1%. The lowest volume was recorded in 2018 at 301.4 thousand tonnes, which saw the largest decline of 6.8%. In contrast, the largest increase occurred in 2019 with a 1.2% rise.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Germany in kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, the Netherlands, Greece, and Poland formed the core of Germany's exports in kind, accounting for 23.4%, 19.7%, and 11.3% of exports, respectively. Together, they represented 54.5% of total export flows.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Germany in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, M $ US

Germany's cross-border shipments of concentrated milk and cream increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports amounted to 379.5 million US dollars, which is 4.4% higher than in 2019. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 333.7 million US dollars, which saw the largest decline of 10.5%. The largest increase occurred in 2019 with an 8.9% rise.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Germany in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

During 2017–2020, Germany's exports of concentrated milk and cream in value terms were distributed across numerous markets. The Netherlands, Greece, and Saudi Arabia accounted for 18.7%, 16.5%, and 11.1% of exports, respectively, jointly representing only 46.3% of total flows.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Germany in value, 2017-2020

Imports concentrated milk and cream to Germany

Imports in kind, K t

Germany's imports of concentrated milk and cream increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports amounted to 114.0 thousand tonnes, reflecting a slight uptick of 0.6% compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports surged by 135.9%, equating to an annualized rate of 33.1%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Germany in kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, the Netherlands, France, and Belgium continued to lead as suppliers of concentrated milk and cream to Germany, accounting for 44.4%, 19.3%, and 16.4% of imports in kind, respectively. Together, they made up 80.1% of total imports.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Germany in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, M $ US

Germany's imports of foreign concentrated milk and cream increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports amounted to 140.2 million US dollars, up by 0.7% from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports soared by 182.7%, equating to an annualized rate of 41.4%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Germany in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In 2017–2020, the Netherlands, Belgium, and France formed the main cluster of markets for Germany's imports in value terms, accounting for 55.2%, 19.7%, and 12.1% of imports, respectively. Their combined share reached 87.0% of total flows.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Germany in value, 2017-2020