Skim milk market in Greece

Earlier Report Observations

The market volume for skim milk in Greece contracted sharply from around 35 000 tons in 2018 to under 20 000 tons in 2021, before beginning a moderate recovery to 21 500 tons by 2024. In value terms, the market fell from USD 27.3 million to USD 18.9 million over the same period, then rebounded to USD 24.1 million in 2024.

From 2022 onward, the sector faced substantial increases in production costs, particularly for feed and energy, which pushed farm-gate prices for cow's milk up by more than 20% within a year. This cost pressure contributed to the rise in the market's monetary value even as physical volume remained subdued. At the same time, the number of milk producers continued to decline, leading to greater industry concentration.

Regulatory and judicial interventions also shaped the market. In 2023, the Hellenic Competition Commission launched an inquiry into price formation and competition in the fresh cow's milk market, revealing significant margins between producer and consumer prices. Additionally, a growing demand for strained yogurt provided longer-term support for raw milk prices.

Production skim milk in Greece

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Greece's skim milk production volume declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, output was valued at 22 333 thousand US dollars, marking a moderate reduction of 7.1% compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, production decreased by 26.9%, which translates to an annualized decline rate of 9.9%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Greece's skim milk production volume declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, 23 954 tonnes of skim milk were produced, constituting a reduction of 7.3% versus 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, production decreased by 27.2%, equating to an annualized rate of decline of 10.0%.

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

Exports skim milk from Greece

Exports in kind, t

The market showed signs of volatility over the observed period. Exports bottomed in 2020 at 131 tonnes, reflecting a fall of 56.0% compared with 2019, and peaked in 2018 at 2 065 tonnes, with a 16-fold difference between these years. The largest decline was recorded in 2019 at 85.6%, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 at 13.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the country structure of exports in kind was strongly focused on the United Kingdom, whose share reached 80.8% of total flows, with other partners accounting for the remaining volume.

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

The market exhibited an unstable trend throughout the timeframe. Exports were lowest in 2020 at 207 thousand US dollars, down by 62.0% year-on-year, and highest in 2018 at 4 747 thousand US dollars, with a 23-fold gap between these years. The largest decline was recorded in 2019 at 88.5%, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 at 12.3%.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, the United Kingdom was the main buyer of skim milk from Greece, taking 83.5% of total exports in value terms, while other partners had relatively modest shares.

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

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

Imports skim milk to Greece

Imports in kind, t

The volume of skim milk imports into Greece declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, Greece imported 2 375 tonnes, indicating an abrupt loss of 61.0% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 82.3%, with a compound annual growth rate of -43.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany, Italy, and Poland were the key partners for imports in kind, accounting for 45.0%, 24.3%, and 6.8% of imports respectively, together making up 76.1% of total flows.

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 volume of skim milk imports declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports were recorded at 2 074 thousand US dollars, amounting to a decrease of 47.5% compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 81%, equating to an annualized rate of decline of 42.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany, Cyprus, and Italy were the main markets for imports in value terms, accounting for 48.2%, 10.6%, and 8.5% of imports respectively, together representing 67.4% 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