Milk and cream market in Portugal

Earlier Report Observations

The market for milk and cream in Portugal was valued at 465.5 million US dollars in 2018 but declined to 419.2 million in 2019. During this period, the market was characterized by the traditional dominance of semi-skimmed milk and a growing offer of organic and lactose-free products, including new high-protein shakes, reflecting evolving consumer preferences.

In 2020, the market recovered to 452.7 million US dollars, driven by the COVID-19 pandemic which increased health awareness and boosted demand for dairy products, including lactose-free and vegan alternatives. This was supported by announced investments in new production facilities for condensed milk, indicating capacity expansion in the region.

By 2021, the market slightly eased to 449.6 million US dollars, showing stabilization. This year saw continued launches of zero-lactose products like yogurts, cream, and condensed milk, expanding the portfolio for consumers with dietary restrictions and reinforcing the trend toward lactose-free and organic dairy consumption.

Production milk and cream in Portugal

In value, 2018-2021, M $ US

Milk and cream production in Portugal has increased for the second consecutive year. In 2021, output was valued at 461.2 million US dollars, marking a 0.6% year-over-year rise. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, production decreased by 4.1%, with a compound annual growth rate of 1.4%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 430.5 million US dollars, which saw the largest decline of 10.5%. In contrast, the largest increase occurred in 2020 with a 6.5% growth.

Annual dynamics of production in Portugal in value, 2018-2021, M $ US

In kind, 2018-2021, K t

Top producers of milk and cream, 2018-2021

World map of production of milk and cream, 2018-2021

In 2021, Portugal produced 683.5 thousand tonnes of milk and cream, showing a moderate decrease of 5.2% compared to 2020. Between 2018 and 2021, production fell by 7.2%, equating to an annualized rate of 2.5%. The largest decline was recorded in 2019 at 6.5%, while the largest increase occurred in 2020 with a 4.7% rise.

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

Exports milk and cream from Portugal

Exports in kind, K t

In 2021, Portugal's cross-border shipments of milk and cream totaled 125.2 thousand tonnes, indicating a 15.1% advance compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, exports increased by 13%, with a compound annual growth rate of 4.1%. The lowest value was recorded in 2020 at 108.8 thousand tonnes, which saw the largest decline of 4.0%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Spain and Angola were the dominant buyers of milk and cream from Portugal, together accounting for 83.2% of total exports in kind. Other destinations each held relatively small shares.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

After a two-year decline, milk and cream deliveries from Portugal have increased. In 2021, exports stood at 70 642 thousand US dollars, showing a solid increase of 20.8% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, exports decreased by 3.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of 1.2%. The lowest value was recorded in 2020 at 58 485 thousand US dollars, while the largest decline occurred in 2019 with a 12.4% drop.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Spain and Angola continued to lead the list of markets for exports in value terms, together accounting for 80.5% of total flows. Other partners played a supplementary role.

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

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

Imports milk and cream to Portugal

Imports in kind, K t

Portugal's milk and cream import volume has declined for the third consecutive year. In 2021, imports amounted to 67.3 thousand tonnes, down by 4.6% from a year earlier. Between 2018 and 2021, imports decreased by 12.8%, equating to an annualized rate of 4.5%.

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

Throughout 2018 to 2021, Spain played the leading role in imports in kind, with a share of 89.0% of total flows. Other markets together accounted for the rest.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

After a two-year decrease, milk and cream deliveries to Portugal have increased. In 2021, imports were recorded at 59 019 thousand US dollars, reflecting a substantial rise of 11.7% versus the previous year. The lowest value was recorded in 2020 at 52 853 thousand US dollars, while the largest decline occurred in 2019 with an 8.8% drop.

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

Over 2018 to 2021, Spain was the dominant supplier of milk and cream to Portugal, accounting for 85.5% of total imports in value terms. Other countries shared the remaining volume.

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

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