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

Earlier Report Observations

The Greek market for milk with fat content >1% and ≤6% gradually contracted from 2018 to 2020, with volume declining from 485.8 thousand tons to 459.7 thousand tons and value falling from 446.9 million US dollars to 406.1 million US dollars. In 2018, the introduction of mandatory origin labeling, requiring the 'Hellenic Signature' mark on products, enhanced transparency and supported domestic producer visibility.

After 2020, import volumes fluctuated, reaching 104.4 thousand tons in 2024. Starting in 2022, sharp increases in feed and energy costs drove up producer prices for fresh cow's milk, which elevated import values. By late 2022 and into 2023, consumer preferences shifted significantly, with the share of households purchasing fresh milk doubling from 16% to 33% within two months.

The production sector underwent structural consolidation, evidenced by a steady decrease in the number of dairy farmers, estimated at a 5% drop between 2023 and 2024. After peaking in 2023, producer price pressure began to ease in 2024, while the mandatory origin labeling scheme remained in effect, continuing to influence market transparency.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In Greece, production of milk with a fat content between 1% and 6% declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, output was valued at 361.6 million US dollars, showing minimal change from the previous year. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 388.9 million US dollars, with the largest increase of 6.1% occurring that year. The largest decline of 6.5% was observed in 2019.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Following a two-year advance, production of milk with a fat content between 1% and 6% in Greece declined. In 2020, Greece produced 377.4 thousand tonnes, representing a 2.9% decrease compared to 2019. The peak was reached in 2019 with 388.6 thousand tonnes, while the largest increase of 1.2% occurred in 2018.

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

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

Exports in kind, K t

The market exhibited an unstable trend throughout the period. Exports varied significantly, with a low in 2017 and a high in 2018, showing a two-fold difference. In 2020, Greece exported 6.9 thousand tonnes of milk with a fat content between 1% and 6%, down by 6.5% from 2019. The maximum value was recorded in 2018 at 8.8 thousand tonnes, with the largest increase of 103.6% that year. The largest decline of 16.1% occurred in 2019.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the largest buyers of milk with a fat content between 1% and 6% from Greece were Cyprus, accounting for 33.5% of exports in kind, Bulgaria with 25.2%, and Germany at 20.3%. Together, these three countries formed 79.0% of total exports in kind.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Volatility characterized the market during these years, with a 2.4-fold variation between the minimum in 2017 and the maximum in 2019. In 2020, exported volumes from Greece amounted to 7 429 thousand US dollars, remaining stable year-on-year compared to 2019. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 7 456 thousand US dollars, with the largest increase of 124.8% occurring in 2018.

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

From 2017 to 2020, three principal markets—Germany, Cyprus, and Bulgaria—together accounted for 72.6% of total exports in value terms for milk with a fat content between 1% and 6% from Greece.

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

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

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

Imports in kind, K t

Imports of milk with a fat content between 1% and 6% into Greece declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, Greece imported approximately 89.2 thousand tonnes, reflecting a limited contraction of 7.8% year-over-year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 11.2%, equating to an annualized rate of 3.9%. The maximum value was recorded in 2018 at 106.8 thousand tonnes, with the largest increase of 6.3% that year. The largest decline of 9.3% occurred in 2019.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany, Slovenia, and Romania continued to be the main suppliers of milk with a fat content between 1% and 6% to Greece. Germany accounted for 21.4% of imports in kind, Slovenia for 17.8%, and Romania for 16.5%, jointly forming 55.6% of total imports in kind.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Greece's imports of milk with a fat content between 1% and 6% declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports were recorded at 51 939 thousand US dollars, constituting a limited fall of 7.3% compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 15.7%, with a compound annual growth rate of -5.5%. The maximum value was recorded in 2018 at 64 843 thousand US dollars, with the largest increase of 5.3% that year. The largest decline of 13.6% occurred in 2019.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany, Romania, and Slovenia were the principal destinations for imports in value terms. Germany accounted for 22.6% of imports in value terms, Romania for 18.0%, and Slovenia for 15.6%, jointly accounting for 56.2% of total flows.

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

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