Milk and cream market in Spain

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2019, the market for not concentrated, not sweetened milk and cream in Spain increased from 2 591 million US dollars to 2 698 million US dollars. This growth coincided with Mercadona's launch of its Hacendado brand evaporated milk, which, although a concentrated product, signaled rising consumer interest in dairy options with less added sugar and greater culinary versatility.

In 2020, the market volume stabilized at 2 690 million US dollars. During this period, demand for lactose-free dairy products grew, supporting the market as consumers sought healthier alternatives. Mercadona and other retailers expanded their lactose-free ranges in response to this shift in preferences.

In the following years, the trend toward healthier eating continued, with Mercadona introducing evaporated milk without added sugar in 2021 and the lactose-free milk segment maintaining steady growth. These innovations highlight the market's ongoing adaptation to consumer demand for functional and beneficial products.

Production milk and cream in Spain

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Spain's milk and cream production has increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, output was valued at 2 879 million US dollars, up 1.5% from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, production grew by 12.5%, representing an average annual growth rate of 4.0%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of milk and cream, 2017-2020

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

Spain's milk and cream production has increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, production reached 4 032 thousand tonnes, remaining virtually unchanged from the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production increased by 9.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of 3.1%.

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

Exports milk and cream from Spain

Exports in kind, K t

Spain's cross-border shipments of milk and cream have increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, export volume amounted to 213.7 thousand tonnes, representing a solid increase of 14.4% compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports grew by 12.4%, with a compound annual growth rate of 4.0%. The lowest volume was recorded in 2018 at 184.3 thousand tonnes, which saw the largest decline of 3.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Portugal, France, and Italy remained the main buyers of milk and cream from Spain, accounting for 25.6%, 22.1%, and 11.4% of exports in kind, respectively. Together, these three countries formed 59.1% of total exports in kind.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

In 2020, milk and cream deliveries from Spain amounted to 289.2 million US dollars, a 17.7% increase compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports grew by 10.1%, with a compound annual growth rate of 3.3%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 245.6 million US dollars, which saw the largest decline of 8.9%.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, France, Portugal, and Italy formed the core group of markets for exports in value terms, accounting for 31.1%, 15.0%, and 12.2% of exports, respectively. Together, these three countries represented 58.3% of total export flows.

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

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

Imports milk and cream to Spain

Imports in kind, K t

After a two-year decline, Spain's milk and cream imports increased in 2020. Spain imported 143.1 thousand tonnes of milk and cream in 2020, up 1.6% year-on-year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 20.9%, equating to an average annual decline of 7.5%. The lowest volume was recorded in 2019 at 140.7 thousand tonnes, with the largest decline of 18.0% occurring in 2018.

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

From 2017 to 2020, France and Portugal together accounted for 82.5% of total imports in kind, with other countries forming a diversified but less significant portion.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

Foreign milk and cream supplies to Spain declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports were recorded at 99.9 million US dollars, marking a moderate drop of 7.1% relative to the prior year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 19.1%, with a compound annual decline rate of 6.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, France, Portugal, and Germany were the principal sources for imports in value terms, accounting for 44.2%, 18.9%, and 14.8% of imports, respectively. Together, these three countries jointly accounted for 77.9% of total import flows.

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

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