A good production year for German dairies

There was a sufficient supply of raw milk in the German market. It proved possible to use processing capacities more fully, and production figures rose. This also applies to fresh milk products. As a result of the hot summer of 2006, the production of yoghurt suppliers increased sharply. There was also increased demand from abroad, and export rose. The new accession countries as a whole showed high demand, and the German dairies were able to take advantage of this. However, the German groceries retail sector significantly reduced prices paid to dairies in 2006. In so doing, it took advantage of its market power, so causing considerable annoyance among milk producers and in the dairy industry. In 2007 the situation became much more stable and consumer prices increased significantly.

Shifts in production quantities for fresh milk products in Germany
	2008 1,000 t	2009 in 1.000 t		2009:2008
Consumer milk	5,132	5,288		3%
Fresh milk products, overall	2,961	2,950		-0.4%
yoghurt	1,685	1,643		-2.5%
cultured milk and flavoured milk	438	455		3.9%
other products	838	852		1.7%

2006: It's all cheese

The cheese market is growing – not just in Germany and Europe, but worldwide. Cheese is gaining ever more access to consumers, and is replacing meat and sausage in recipes. In 2006, a production record of 2.1 million tonnes was achieved. Germany was able to extend its exports, and in the import market, less foreign cheese found its way to Germany. Production figures increased in almost all cheese segments. Pro capita consumption also increased, reaching record levels. In 2006, the average German citizen consumed 22.5 kilos per head. This was an increase of 300 g compared to the previous year.

Shifts in the production of cheese in Germany
	2008 in 1.000 t	2009 in 1.000 t		2009/2008 (%)
Cheese, overall	2,205	2,270		2.9%
Hard cheese	1,245	1,299		4.3%
Curd cheese	754	763		1.2%
Processed cheese	181	181		0%