Europe Dairy Products Market Outlook, 2029

Large quantity of the world's milk is produced in Europe, which has one of the largest dairy markets in the world. With rising GDP and rising living standards, the dairy market in Western Europe is expected to grow healthily in the upcoming years. Conversely, the dairy production in Eastern and South-Eastern Europe is only adequate for local consumption. Specialty goods like 'organic' or 'lactose-free' milk are costly in the area, therefore the nations must import them from Northern and Western Europe. Because milk prices have been dropping, dairy production has been plummeting throughout Europe.

The European Union's milk quota will also serve as a constraint on the dairy market in Europe. The EU is the world's largest supplier of cheese and SMP and a significant exporter of dairy products. An export license must be obtained before dairy exports under specific quotas opened by third parties may be made. The principal milk-producing nations in Europe include France, Germany, the UK, Poland, the Netherlands, Italy, and Spain. In developing nations like Europe, dairy is an essential component of the rural economy.

It generates income and jobs, which will fuel demand for milk in the region in the coming years. In developing nations like India, dairy is an essential component of the rural economy, generating both income and jobs. However, milk yield per animal is far lower than in other large milk producers. Thus, the nutritional advantages of dairy products are one of the main factors propelling the expansion of the European milk market. Because milk has a high concentration of vitamins, minerals, and proteins, dairy products are essential for human health.

According to the research report 'Europe Dairy Products Market Outlook, 2029', the Europe Dairy Products Market is projected to add more than USD 50 billion from 2024 to 2029. One of Europe's biggest and oldest businesses, the dairy market makes a substantial economic contribution to the area. The growing popularity of plant-based dairy substitutes, growing health consciousness, and the growing demand for dairy products are driving the European dairy sector. Due to the increasing acceptance of e-commerce platforms, the market is anticipated to expand throughout the forecast period.

Common dairy products are becoming more and more popular because of their nutritional and health benefits. An increasing population, easy availability to dairy animals, and a climate conducive to dairy production are some of the reasons driving demand for dairy products in Europe. The increasing demand for dairy products in the foodservice industry is also having an impact on the European dairy market. Dairy products are becoming more and more versatile, tasty, and nutritious, therefore restaurants, cafes, and bakeries are using them in a variety of dishes and drinks.

The foodservice sector's increasing demand for dairy products as a result has fuelled the market's expansion. Furthermore, the desire for functional meals and the expanding trend of on-the-go snacking are driving growth in the European dairy market. Cheese and other dairy products are common snack choices because they are nutrient-dense and convenient. Innovative dairy-based snacks and drinks enhanced with probiotics, prebiotics, and other functional ingredients are being introduced by manufacturers to meet the region's growing need for quick and healthful food options among busy consumers.

Major Drivers

Patterns and Preferences of Consumption : The dairy industry is heavily influenced by shifting customer tastes and lifestyles. Yogurt, cheese, and other specialty dairy products are among the convenient and healthful dairy products that are in high demand. Consumption patterns are positively impacted by more knowledge of the health advantages of dairy products, such as their high protein, calcium content, and other critical elements. Dairy products are likely to be a part of the meals of consumers who are trying to maintain balanced and healthful diets. Convenient and ready-to-eat dairy products are in greater demand due to changing lifestyles and hectic schedules. Product’s such as cheese nibbles, yogurt, and pre-packaged milkshakes satisfy consumers' desire for ease of consumption.

Trends in Health and Wellbeing :Dairy products are becoming more and more popular due to growing awareness of their many nutritional advantages, such as their high protein and calcium content. The health and wellness trends boost the sector since people are looking for products that they believe to be natural, nourishing, and useful. Products that provide necessary nutrients are frequently given priority by health-conscious consumers. Milk, yogurt, cheese, and other dairy products are excellent providers of calcium, protein, vitamins (including vitamin D), and minerals. These nutrients are critical for the growth of muscles, the health of bones, and general wellbeing. Dairy products high in probiotics, such as some yogurts, are well known for their possible advantages for gut health. Probiotics help healthy digestion and may even strengthen the immune system by maintaining a balanced gut micro biota.

Major Challenges

Volatility of the Market: Price volatility in the dairy market can be attributed to a number of reasons, including shifts in demand, the state of the world economy, and variations in the cost of inputs (feed, energy, etc.). The profitability of dairy farmers and processors may be impacted by this. The raw milk market is notorious for its price volatility, as changes in this price have a bearing on dairy farms' overall profitability. Unpredictable fluctuations in milk prices might result from abrupt shifts in supply, demand, or the state of the world economy. Profit margins are generally narrow for dairy farmers. Farmers may experience revenue uncertainty as a result of market volatility, which makes it difficult for them to plan for investments, debt repayment, and other financial obligations.

Price fluctuations for milk: Dairy producers frequently encounter difficulties in securing just compensation for their milk, and milk prices are known to be unstable. The stability of dairy operations' finances can be affected by variations in milk prices. Global market dynamics, encompassing shifts in supply, demand, and geopolitical concerns, impact milk prices in Europe. The prices that European dairy producers receive can be directly impacted by fluctuations in the world dairy markets. There are frequently seasonal fluctuations in milk output, with increased production occurring at particular times of the year. Farm incomes may be impacted by seasonal events that cause a brief oversupply and downward pressure on milk prices.

Based on the product type, the market is divided into Milk, Cheese, Yogurt, Desserts, Butter, cream, others.

With its abundance of critical nutrients including calcium, vitamin D, protein, and other vitamins and minerals, milk is regarded as a nutritional powerhouse. It is essential for maintaining bone health, muscular growth, and general wellbeing. The whole milk, skim milk, semi-skimmed milk, and other fortified and flavoured milk options are only a few of the items that fall under the broad category of milk. Since of this variety, customers can select goods that suit their dietary requirements and taste preferences. Milk is a common item in many homes since it is so flexible when used in baking and cooking. Its constant demand stems from the fact that it is employed in a wide range of recipes, such as those for beverages, sauces, and desserts.

Based on the Distribution channel, the market is divided into Supermarket/Hypermarket, Specialty Stores, Convenience Stores, online retail, Others.

In Europe, a significant portion of dairy product sales come via the off-trade retail channel. Supermarkets and hypermarkets have the largest market share among off-trade channels because they offer the extra benefit of influencing consumers' decisions to buy from the wide range of products accessible in the market. Convenience stores are trailing supermarkets and hypermarkets in Europe's dairy product sales rankings. In response to the growing popularity of health and wellness, convenience stores are providing a range of dairy products that are healthier and more appealing to consumers. Examples of these products include plant-based milk substitutes, low-fat yogurts, and other functional dairy items.

In Germany, sales of dairy products have surged through all modes of distribution. It was stated that the growth was due to the increasing availability and appeal of clean-label dairy products, such as cheese, yogurt, and milk. These clean-label dairy products are free of artificial colouring, flavouring, and preservatives. The rise in the per capita consumption of dairy products in Germany can be attributed to the population's growing appetite for sweets made with dairy. They include pastries like cakes, mousses, cheesecakes, and other dairy desserts. Furthermore, milk's nutritious makeup makes it a favourite among consumers. Fat and other solids are among the constituents of whole milk ice cream.

Germany's growing need for dairy products is the reason for the predicted increase in per capita consumption. The UK dairy market is dominated by large volumes of reasonably priced liquid milk that is supplied to the nation's retail industry. Because of this, there is now very little exposure for British dairy goods to emerging export markets. In addition, UK milk processing capacity has been consolidating recently in an effort to streamline individual business efficiency by removing overheads and concentrating processing on a smaller number of sites forced to work longer and harder. This is due to the intense competition for domestic retail market share, particularly in the liquid milk industry.

In the UK, dairy products have been consumed for many years. During the pre-industrial era, dairy products were mostly produced on small farms and were often consumed locally. Dairy products like cheese, butter, and milk were staples of Britishers. The honour of being named 'Cheese Capital of the World' goes to France! The French are seriously obsessed with butter! Putting it in pastries, sauces, and mashed potatoes, among other things. Butter is a key ingredient in French cooking, giving their food depth and richness.

In many other countries, children consume the majority of their milk, while French adults adore their daily ration of lait. Fresh milk is always in demand because of staples of the French cuisine including yogurt, hot chocolate and coffee au lait. Environmentally friendly practices are becoming more and more crucial in the French dairy industry. Farms are adopting sustainable techniques including pasture-based grazing and water conservation.

The market is moderately fragmented with the presence of several local companies. These market players are striving to gain higher market share by adopting strategies, such as investments, partnerships, and acquisitions & mergers. Companies are also spending on the development of improved products. Moreover, they are also focusing on maintaining competitive pricing. Major companies focus more on product and package innovation and business expansion to strengthen their market position. For instance, in June 2020, Arla Foods amba introduced its popular yogurt product skyr bucket in a sustainable packaging format that would contribute to a 30% reduction in CO2 emission.

A lot of small-scale companies are focusing on product quality and clean label to attract more consumers. The market comprises local players, and the number of these players exceeds that of international players. Local companies are continuously trying to expand their inter-country food business footprint in new countries. Considering the increasing demand for various products, key players are making their products available in international markets by entering partnerships with other local players to launch new products in the respective markets. For example, in March 2022, Fonterra launched its New Zealand high-end cheese brand 'Kapiti' in China’s retail market, which is expected to meet the rising demand for high-end cheese products in China.

Considered in this report

• Historic year: 2018
• Base year: 2023
• Estimated year: 2024
• Forecast year: 2029

Aspects covered in this report

• Dairy Products market Outlook with its value and forecast along with its segments
• Various drivers and challenges
• On-going trends and developments
• Top profiled companies
• Strategic recommendation

By Product Type

• Milk
• Cheese
• Yogurt
• Desserts
• Butter
• cream
• Others

By Distribution Channel

• Supermarket/Hypermarket
• Specialty Stores
• Convenience Stores
• online retail
• Others

The approach of the report:

This report consists of a combined approach of primary and secondary research. Initially, secondary research was used to get an understanding of the market and list the companies that are present in it. The secondary research consists of third-party sources such as press releases, annual reports of companies, and government-generated reports and databases. After gathering the data from secondary sources, primary research was conducted by conducting telephone interviews with the leading players about how the market is functioning and then conducting trade calls with dealers and distributors of the market. Post this; we have started making primary calls to consumers by equally segmenting them in regional aspects, tier aspects, age group, and gender. Once we have primary data with us, we can start verifying the details obtained from secondary sources.

Intended audience

This report can be useful to industry consultants, manufacturers, suppliers, associations, and organizations related to the Dairy Products industry, government bodies, and other stakeholders to align their market-centric strategies. In addition to marketing and presentations, it will also increase competitive knowledge about the industry.


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