Belgians are increasing cheese production significantly

Fresh cheese production increased by 51,7% to 22.074 tonnes, while mozzarella production grew by 7,9% to 87.234 tonnes. This means that total cheese production is 25% higher than the five-year average. Mozzarella production increased by 31% compared to the average, fresh cheese even by 102%. The rapid increase is a result of Solarec that has significantly scaled up the production of mozzarella and wants to continue to do so in the coming years. 

The production of fresh dairy products also increased and grew by 9,5% compared to the period 2019-2023. In contrast, sales of consumer milk fell by 5,4%. A trend that is also visible in other countries. 

Decrease in semi-skimmed milk
In total, some 795 million litres of consumer milk were produced last year. Semi-skimmed milk remains the most important, although its production decreased by 9% compared to the five-year average. Whole milk production increased by 3%.

The fresh dairy category – including yoghurt, desserts, cream and fermented milk drinks – grew to 732 million litres. Desserts and cream in particular drove the increase; yoghurt lagged behind with 4% growth.

Less powdered
Milk powder production took a hit, falling by 10% to 218.000 tonnes. The production of non-skimmed and specialised milk powders in particular declined. Conversely, the production of concentrated milk and whey increased by 7% to 66.000 tonnes. Ice cream, on the other hand, lost ground: 2024 litres were produced in 60.000, 5% less than the average over the past five years.

Belgian milk supply to dairies fell last year to 4,62 billion kilos, compared to 4,66 billion a year earlier, according to figures from Eurostat.