Concentrated milk and cream market in Western Europe

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2023, the Western European market for concentrated milk and cream showed considerable variation in physical volume, ranging from a low of 1 045 thousand tons in 2018 to a high of 1 289 thousand tons in 2022. The most pronounced growth occurred in 2020 and 2022, while 2021 and 2023 saw contractions. In monetary terms, the market's value peaked at 4 886 million USD in 2022, reflecting significant price increases, before moderating to 3 975 million USD in 2023.

In 2024, significant investments were made by major dairy processors. Nestlé Spain renovated its condensed milk factory in Pontecesures, installing automated equipment to improve production efficiency, while the Lactalis group invested 5.7 million euros in its Spanish dairy facility. These upgrades coincide with reported growing demand from the bakery and confectionery industries, which use concentrated milk for its longer shelf life and functional properties. Additionally, consumer preference for higher-protein and sustainable dairy products is shaping product development in the sector.

Production concentrated milk and cream in Western 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

Following two years of decline, Western Europe's production of concentrated milk and cream rebounded in 2020. That year, output reached 1 627 thousand tonnes, marking a 2.3% increase from 2019. Looking at the broader period from 2017 to 2020, production fell by 7.1%, which translates to an average annual decline of 2.4%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2019 at 1 590 thousand tonnes, when the most significant drop of 5.3% occurred.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

For the second year in a row, the value of concentrated milk and cream production in Western Europe rose. In 2020, production was valued at 3 357 million US dollars, up 12.6% compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, production increased by 9.1%, averaging a 3.0% annual growth rate. The lowest value was seen in 2018 at 2 678 million US dollars, which also experienced the largest decline of 12.9%.

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

Exports concentrated milk and cream from Western Europe

Exports in kind, K t

Western Europe's exports of concentrated milk and cream declined for the second consecutive year in 2020. Exports totaled 622.1 thousand tonnes, a 4.7% decrease from the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, exports fell by 8.6%, with an average annual decline of 2.9%. The peak export volume was recorded in 2018 at 702.3 thousand tonnes. The largest drop occurred in 2019 at 7.0%, while the biggest increase was in 2018 at 3.2%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the export structure for concentrated milk and cream in kind was diverse rather than concentrated. The top three destinations—Greece (12.1% of exports in kind), the United Arab Emirates (6.2%), and the United Kingdom (5.9%)—together accounted for 24.1% of total flows, with numerous other countries making up the remaining 75.9%.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

For the second year running, the value of concentrated milk and cream exports from Western Europe increased. In 2020, exports were valued at 1 283 million US dollars, reflecting a 4.9% year-over-year rise. From 2017 to 2020, exports grew by 7.3%, averaging a 2.4% annual increase. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 1 120 million US dollars, which also saw the largest decline of 6.3%. The most significant increase occurred in 2019 at 9.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the largest buyers of concentrated milk and cream from Western Europe in value terms were Greece (8.7% of exports), the United Kingdom (6.9%), and Saudi Arabia (6.9%). Together, they represented 22.6% of total export value, but this was against a backdrop of many smaller partners, indicating a balanced market rather than dominance by a few.

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

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

Imports concentrated milk and cream to Western Europe

Imports in kind, K t

Import volumes for concentrated milk and cream in Western Europe showed notable fluctuations from 2017 to 2020. The lowest level was in 2018 at 68.1 thousand tonnes, which saw the largest decline of 46.1%. In 2019, imports surged by 127.0%, the biggest increase in the period. By 2020, imports reached 214.2 thousand tonnes, a sharp 38.5% rise from 2019. Overall, import levels varied by a factor of 3.1 between the low in 2018 and the high in 2020.

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

During 2017-2020, imports of concentrated milk and cream in kind to Western Europe were distributed across many markets. Even the top three sources—the United Kingdom, Spain, and Poland—combined for only 8.7% of total imports, highlighting the diversity of suppliers.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

In 2020, the value of concentrated milk and cream imports to Western Europe reached 536 million US dollars, showing a moderate 4.6% increase from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports grew by 12.4%, averaging a 4.0% annual rate. The largest decline was in 2019 at 1.4%, while the biggest increase occurred in 2018 at 9.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, imports of concentrated milk and cream in value terms to Western Europe were spread across numerous countries. The leading destinations—Spain (4.3% of imports), the United Kingdom (3.3%), and Italy (1.8%)—together accounted for just 9.4% of total flows, underscoring the broad distribution among many partners.

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

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