Concentrated milk and cream market in Ireland

Earlier Report Observations

The market for concentrated milk and cream in Ireland experienced fluctuations between 2018 and 2022. After a contraction to 89 200 t in 2019, market volume recovered strongly, surpassing 105 000 t by 2022. This expansion was supported by steady growth in domestic production, which rose from 88 500 t to 101 000 t over the five-year period.

Market volume declined to 101 200 t in 2023. Industry reports from that year highlighted pressures on dairy supply, including a reduction in herd numbers and challenging spring and summer weather that constrained milk production. Simultaneously, the implementation of stricter environmental rules, such as the European Nitrates Directive via the Nitrates Action Programme, began affecting dairy farming operations and output.

Entering 2024, the sector faced a mixed outlook. Milk supply showed volatility, with a slight early-year dip followed by a record 34% surge in November driven by better weather and processor initiatives. However, a new trade barrier emerged as China launched an anti-dumping investigation into EU dairy imports in August, creating uncertainty for Irish export channels, including those for concentrated milk and cream.

Production concentrated milk and cream in Ireland

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Ireland was among the world's leading producers of concentrated milk and cream from 2017 to 2020, ranking 14th globally by production volume.

Top producers of concentrated milk and cream, 2017-2020

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

Ireland's production of concentrated milk and cream grew for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 95 K t, marking a 3.8% increase compared to 2019. Over the entire period from 2017 to 2020, production rose by 23.2%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 7.2%.

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

Exports concentrated milk and cream from Ireland

Exports in kind, t

The export market for concentrated milk and cream showed significant volatility during the observed period. Exports reached their lowest point in 2017 and peaked in 2019, with a six-fold difference between these years. In 2020, Ireland's exports amounted to 1 136 t, representing a sharp decline of 78.6% compared to the previous year. The highest export volume was recorded in 2019 at 5 296 t, which also saw the largest annual increase of 167.6%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United Kingdom and the Netherlands accounted for 83.0% of Ireland's total exports of concentrated milk and cream in volume terms. The remaining 17.0% was distributed among various other destinations, each with smaller individual contributions.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

The export market in value terms experienced notable fluctuations during this period. The lowest value was recorded in 2017, while the highest was in 2019, with a 7.9-fold difference between them. In 2020, Ireland exported 2 485 K $ US worth of concentrated milk and cream, down by 83.0% compared to 2019. The peak value was 14 609 K $ US in 2019, which also saw the largest annual increase of 325.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, and Germany were the three largest markets for Ireland's exports of concentrated milk and cream in value terms, together accounting for 82.9% of total export flows.

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

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

Imports concentrated milk and cream to Ireland

Imports in kind, t

Ireland imported 4 382 t of concentrated milk and cream in 2020, showing a sharp year-on-year increase of 39.7%. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 7.7%, equivalent to an average annual decline of 2.6%. The lowest import volume was 3 135 t in 2019, while the highest was 6 031 t in 2018. The largest annual decline occurred in 2019, with a drop of 48.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United Kingdom dominated Ireland's imports of concentrated milk and cream in volume terms, holding an 87.0% share. The remaining volume was distributed among many other countries, each with smaller individual shares.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Ireland imported 5 523 K $ US worth of concentrated milk and cream in 2020, reflecting an 11.2% year-on-year gain. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports decreased by 31.2%, with a compound annual growth rate of -11.7%. The lowest value was 4 966 K $ US in 2019, and the highest was 9 592 K $ US in 2018. The largest annual decline was 48.2% in 2019, while the largest increase was 19.5% in 2018.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United Kingdom was the dominant partner for Ireland's imports of concentrated milk and cream in value terms, accounting for 79.7% of total import flows. Other markets had comparatively modest shares.

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

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