Milk with fat content of >1% and ≤6% market in Finland

Earlier Report Observations

The market for milk with fat content of >1% and ≤6% in Finland contracted significantly between 2018 and 2023, with volume dropping from 418.7 thousand tonnes to 295.8 thousand tonnes. This decline was primarily driven by a sustained shift in consumer preferences away from medium-fat milk toward low-fat and fat-free varieties, as well as increased cheese consumption. Concurrently, the dairy sector underwent consolidation, with the number of milk producers falling by nearly half over the period, reducing overall supply. The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 further disrupted supply chains and altered purchasing patterns, accelerating the downturn.

In 2024, the market rebounded to 325.6 thousand tonnes, interrupting the previous downward trend. This recovery was supported by the mandatory vitamin D fortification of fat-free homogenised milk enforced under EU regulation 2024/2067, which enhanced the perceived health benefits of milk products. Additionally, new national nutrition recommendations emphasizing sustainable and healthy diets, coupled with growing consumer interest in organic and functional milk, stimulated demand. Major players like Valio Ltd continued to influence the market, adapting to these regulatory and preference shifts.

Production milk with fat content of >1% and ≤6% in Finland

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Finland's production of milk with a fat content between 1% and 6% declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, output was valued at 238.1 million US dollars, marking a slight decrease of 1.6% compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production fell by 5.3%, which translates to an average annual decline of 1.8%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 264.5 million US dollars, with the largest increase that year of 5.2%. In contrast, the most significant drop occurred in 2019, when production decreased by 8.5%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Finland's production volume of milk with a fat content between 1% and 6% fell for the third consecutive year. In 2020, 369.8 thousand tonnes were produced, representing a 4.7% decline from 2019. From 2017 to 2020, production decreased by 14.9%, averaging an annual drop of 5.2%.

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

Exports milk with fat content of >1% and ≤6% from Finland

Exports in kind, t

The market exhibited volatility during the observed period. Exports reached their lowest point in 2018 at 1,450 tonnes, with the largest decline that year of 3.6%. In contrast, the highest volume was recorded in 2020 at 3,478 tonnes, showing a dramatic year-over-year increase of 130.5%. This resulted in a 2.4-fold gap between the peak and trough years.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Sweden and Estonia dominated as the primary buyers of milk with a fat content between 1% and 6% from Finland, jointly accounting for 99.5% of total exports in volume terms.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

The market showed signs of volatility over the observed period. Exports dropped to their minimum in 2019, valued at 1,057 thousand US dollars, with the largest decline that year of 41.2%. In 2020, shipments surged to 4,206 thousand US dollars, marking a 297.9% rise compared to the previous year and reaching the peak value. This shift represented a fourfold difference between the high and low points.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the export market was highly concentrated, with Sweden alone responsible for 90.6% of total exports in value terms.

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

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

Imports milk with fat content of >1% and ≤6% to Finland

Imports in kind, t

Finland's imports of milk with a fat content between 1% and 6% declined for the third year in a row. In 2020, imports stood at 5,098 tonnes, down by 18.9% from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 44.8%, averaging an annual decline of 18.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany was the dominant source for imports in volume terms, absorbing 85.1% of total flows, while numerous minor partners accounted for the remainder.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Finland's imports of milk with a fat content between 1% and 6% fell for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports totalled 3,487 thousand US dollars, a decrease of 13.0% compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports declined by 40.2%, with a compound annual growth rate of -15.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany remained the key source for milk with a fat content between 1% and 6% imported into Finland, accounting for 83.4% of total imports in value terms, while other destinations played a much smaller role.

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

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