Concentrated not sweetened milk and cream market in the Netherlands

Earlier Report Observations

The Dutch market for concentrated not sweetened milk and cream expanded from 238.2 thousand tons in 2018 to a peak of 288.9 thousand tons in 2021. This growth was supported by regulatory measures, notably the phosphate reduction plan and the phosphate rights system introduced in January 2018, which helped stabilize dairy farming and provided a foundation for consistent milk supply. Industry emphasis on innovation and quality, alongside a reported increase in concentrated milk production to approximately 391 million kilograms in 2021, further contributed to the market's upward trajectory during this period.

Following the 2021 peak, the market volume contracted to 257.8 thousand tons by 2023. This decline coincided with a shift in consumer preferences towards plant-based and lactose-free alternatives, which reduced demand for traditional dairy products. Additionally, outbreaks of the bluetongue virus and changes in derogation policies in 2023 negatively impacted overall milk production in the Netherlands, creating supply-side challenges for the concentrated milk segment.

In response to these market dynamics, the industry focused on operational adjustments and product diversification. Major dairy companies announced strategic mergers to strengthen their positions, while investments were made in expanding production capacity, such as a 100% increase in sweetened condensed milk output from a new evaporator in early 2025. Concurrently, evolving EU sustainability regulations on packaging and labeling began to influence industry practices, shaping product presentation and environmental compliance efforts.

Production concentrated not sweetened milk and cream in the Netherlands

In kind, 2018-2021, K t

From 2018 to 2021, the Netherlands ranked fourth globally in the production of concentrated unsweetened milk and cream.

Top producers of concentrated not sweetened milk and cream, 2018-2021

World map of production of concentrated not sweetened milk and cream, 2018-2021

After two years of growth, the Netherlands' production of concentrated unsweetened milk and cream declined. In 2021, the country produced 366 K t, marking a slight decrease of 0.6% from 2020. Over the 2018-2021 period, production rose by 6.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of 2.1%. The peak was in 2020 at 368 K t, while the largest annual increase occurred in 2019 at 5.7%.

Annual dynamics of production in the Netherlands in kind, 2018-2021, K t

Exports concentrated not sweetened milk and cream from the Netherlands

Exports in kind, K t

Exports of concentrated unsweetened milk and cream from the Netherlands grew for the third year in a row. In 2021, exports reached 242.3 K t, showing a modest uptick of 1.6% compared to 2020. From 2018 to 2021, exports increased by 15.7%, with a compound annual growth rate of 5.0%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from the Netherlands in kind, 2018-2021, K t

Between 2018 and 2021, the Netherlands exported concentrated unsweetened milk and cream to a diverse range of markets. Even the top destinations—the United Arab Emirates, Germany, and Greece—combined accounted for just 41.0% of total exports in volume.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from the Netherlands in kind, 2018-2021

Exports in value, M $ US

Exports of concentrated unsweetened milk and cream from the Netherlands continued to rise for the third consecutive year. In 2021, export value stood at 397.7 M $ US, reflecting a solid year-on-year increase of 11.4%. Over the 2018-2021 period, exports grew by 28.3%, with a compound annual growth rate of 8.7%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from the Netherlands in value, 2018-2021, M $ US

From 2018 to 2021, the Netherlands supplied concentrated unsweetened milk and cream to a wide array of markets. The United Arab Emirates (15.8% of export value), Germany (14.4%), and Saudi Arabia (8.2%) together made up only 38.4% of total export value, with numerous smaller destinations comprising the remaining 61.6%.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from the Netherlands in value, 2018-2021

Imports concentrated not sweetened milk and cream to the Netherlands

Imports in kind, K t

Imports of concentrated unsweetened milk and cream into the Netherlands increased for the third straight year. In 2021, imports totaled 165.4 K t, indicating a limited rise of 8.8% from 2020. Between 2018 and 2021, imports surged by 58.5%, translating to an annualized growth rate of 16.6%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to the Netherlands in kind, 2018-2021, K t

During 2018-2021, Germany (52.6% of import volume), Belgium (17.2%), and the United Kingdom (13.1%) dominated the import structure in volume, together representing 82.9% of total flows.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to the Netherlands in kind, 2018-2021

Imports in value, M $ US

Imports of concentrated unsweetened milk and cream into the Netherlands grew for the third year in a row. In 2021, import value reached 158.8 M $ US, showing a robust increase of 21.2% compared to the previous year. From 2018 to 2021, imports jumped by 77.4%, equating to an annualized rate of 21.1%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to the Netherlands in value, 2018-2021, M $ US

Throughout 2018-2021, Germany (56.7% of import value), Belgium (19.0%), and the United Kingdom (10.8%) were the key partners in import value, together accounting for 86.5% of total flows.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to the Netherlands in value, 2018-2021