Dairy spreads market in Denmark

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2020, the volume of the Danish dairy spreads market contracted from 657 t to 452 t. During this period, Arla Foods, the dominant state-influenced player, reinforced its focus on natural and sustainable products, while consumer preferences steadily shifted toward healthier and functional foods, spurring innovation in enriched and reduced-fat spreads. The emergence of new product segments, such as organic dairy spreads, also characterized the market, even as total consumption declined.

Market volume began to recover in 2021, rising to 495 t, supported by a sustained consumer shift toward plant-based and organic alternatives. Arla Foods expanded its portfolio with organic butter spreads aligned with sustainability trends. In 2022, the launch of a new organic spreads range by Arla Foods and Land O'Lakes' expansion of health-targeted cheese spreads further supported demand, with volume edging up to 499 t. Meanwhile, the market's value jumped sharply to 4.2 million USD, driven by higher input costs from global spikes in feed, fertilizer, and fuel prices, as well as a move toward premium products.

By 2023, market volume reached 534 t before a slight dip to 511 t in 2024. Over the same two years, the market's value continued its strong ascent, reaching 5.4 million USD in 2024, reflecting sustained price pressures and an increasing share of value-added segments like organic and fortified spreads.

Production dairy spreads in Denmark

In value, 2018-2021, K $ US

After two years of decline, Denmark's dairy spreads production has rebounded. In 2021, output reached 6 111 K $ US, marking a 14.6% increase from the previous year. Looking at the period from 2018 to 2021, production grew by 9.7%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 3.1%. The lowest value was recorded in 2020 at 5 331 K $ US, following a significant decline of 4.1% in 2019.

Annual dynamics of production in Denmark in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

In kind, 2018-2021, t

Dairy spreads production in Denmark has increased for the third year in a row. In 2021, Denmark produced 885.1 tonnes of dairy spreads, up 4.7% from the year before. From 2018 to 2021, production rose by 6.4%, with a compound annual growth rate of 2.1%.

Annual dynamics of production in Denmark in kind, 2018-2021, t

Exports dairy spreads from Denmark

Exports in kind, t

Denmark's exports of dairy spreads have grown for the third consecutive year. In 2021, exports totaled 479.2 tonnes, showing a modest increase of 4.2% compared to the previous year. Over the 2018-2021 period, exports surged by 36.8%, averaging an 11.0% compound annual growth rate.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Denmark in kind, 2018-2021, t

From 2018 to 2021, the United Kingdom, Australia, and the United Arab Emirates were the top destinations for Denmark's dairy spreads exports by volume. The United Kingdom accounted for 63.8% of exports, Australia for 12.4%, and the United Arab Emirates for 5.5%. Together, these three markets made up 81.8% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Denmark's dairy spreads exports have increased for the second year in a row. In 2021, exports were valued at 2 983 K $ US, a robust 16.7% rise from the previous year. However, over the 2018-2021 period, exports declined by 5.8%, with a compound annual growth rate of -2.0%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 2 394 K $ US, when exports fell sharply by 24.4%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Denmark in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

Between 2018 and 2021, the United Kingdom, Australia, and the United Arab Emirates were the leading destinations for Denmark's dairy spreads exports by value. The United Kingdom represented 55.0% of exports, Australia 16.4%, and the United Arab Emirates 6.9%. Collectively, these three countries accounted for 78.4% of total export value.

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

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

Imports dairy spreads to Denmark

Imports in kind, t

After two years of decline, Denmark's imports of dairy spreads have increased. In 2021, imports amounted to 89.0 tonnes, a steep 34.1% rise year-over-year. Despite this recent uptick, imports fell by 49% over the 2018-2021 period, with a compound annual growth rate of -20.1%. The lowest point was in 2020 at 66.4 tonnes, following a significant decline of 39.5% that year.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Denmark in kind, 2018-2021, t

From 2018 to 2021, Germany was the dominant source for Denmark's dairy spreads imports by volume, consistently accounting for 81.9% of total imports. This high concentration left the remaining share to be distributed among other countries.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Following two years of decline, Denmark's dairy spreads imports have rebounded. In 2021, imports reached 327 K $ US, up 14.8% from the previous year. Over the 2018-2021 period, imports dropped by 74.2%, with a compound annual growth rate of -36.4%. The lowest value was recorded in 2020 at 285 K $ US, after a sharp decline of 58.0% in 2019.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Denmark in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

Between 2018 and 2021, Germany was the primary source for Denmark's dairy spreads imports by value, capturing 72.9% of total flows. Other countries combined accounted for the remaining share.

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

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