Concentrated milk and cream market in Northern Europe

Earlier Report Observations

The market volume for concentrated milk and cream in Northern Europe declined from 345.2 thousand tons in 2018 to 310.0 thousand tons in 2020, before recovering to 344.5 thousand tons by 2023. The initial high volume in 2018 was supported by a significant surge in organic milk sales, which reached a 32.5% share of milk that year, reflecting strong consumer interest in organic dairy products.

Market volume growth resumed in 2022, rising 5.4% to 327.7 thousand tons, fueled by increasing consumer interest in new product segments like flavored milk. In 2023, physical volume expanded further to 344.5 thousand tons, but the market value fell 7.5% to 567.2 million US dollars, as anticipated declines in milk prices affected farmer payments and market dynamics.

Throughout the period, production adapted to changing demand, with a noted shift away from organic and fermented milk in 2023, while consumer preferences continued to evolve towards natural, protein-rich, and flavored dairy options, reshaping the product landscape.

Production concentrated milk and cream in Northern Europe

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of concentrated milk and cream, 2017-2020

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

In 2018, Northern Europe produced 322.0 thousand tons of concentrated milk and cream, marking the highest output in recent years. Production then fell by 7.8% in 2019 to 296.9 thousand tons, the lowest level recorded. In 2020, output recovered slightly, increasing by 1.3% to 300.8 thousand tons.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

After two years of growth, the value of concentrated milk and cream production in Northern Europe declined in 2020. Output was valued at 426.0 million US dollars, down 8.8% from the previous year. The peak value occurred in 2019 at 467.1 million US dollars, following a 6.3% increase that year.

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

Exports concentrated milk and cream from Northern Europe

Exports in kind, t

Exports of concentrated milk and cream from Northern Europe have grown for three consecutive years. In 2020, the region exported 58 557 tons, a modest increase of 7.5% compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports rose by 20.8%, with an average annual growth rate of 6.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany, the Netherlands, and Poland were the key export partners for concentrated milk and cream from Northern Europe. Germany accounted for 21.2% of exports by volume, the Netherlands for 16.4%, and Poland for 12.9%. Together, these three countries represented 50.6% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

Following two years of growth, the value of concentrated milk and cream exports from Northern Europe declined in 2020. Exports totaled 82.9 million US dollars, a slight decrease of 3.3% from 2019. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 85.8 million US dollars, after a significant 25.6% increase that year. Overall, between 2017 and 2020, export value grew by 22.4%, equivalent to an average annual rate of 7.0%.

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

The export structure by value from 2017 to 2020 was fragmented, with no single country dominating. Libya accounted for 14.1% of export value, China for 13.7%, and Germany for 10.1%. Together, these three partners represented only 37.9% of total export flows.

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

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

Imports concentrated milk and cream to Northern Europe

Imports in kind, t

After two years of growth, imports of concentrated milk and cream into Northern Europe declined in 2020. Imports amounted to 67 764 tons, down 18.4% from 2019. The peak import volume was recorded in 2019 at 83 084 tons, following a 13.4% increase that year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports decreased by 4.5%, with an average annual decline of 1.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany, the Netherlands, and Belgium were the leading sources of concentrated milk and cream imports into Northern Europe. Germany accounted for 32.6% of imports by volume, the Netherlands for 19.2%, and Belgium for 18.8%. Combined, these three countries represented 70.5% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

After two years of growth, the value of concentrated milk and cream imports into Northern Europe declined in 2020. Imports totaled 137.1 million US dollars, a decrease of 3.6% from 2019. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 142.2 million US dollars, following a 7.3% increase in 2018. Overall, between 2017 and 2020, import value increased by 4.1%, equivalent to an average annual growth rate of 1.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany, Belgium, and the Netherlands were the top suppliers of concentrated milk and cream to Northern Europe by value. Germany accounted for 28.5% of import value, Belgium for 26.3%, and the Netherlands for 19.4%. Together, these three countries represented 74.2% of total import value.

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

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