Some role players, of course, are both and are termed producer-distributors (PDs) in the annual Lacto data publication by the Milk Producers’ Organisation (MPO). The reader will find some of these listed later on this page (see the “Dairies and milk processors” sub-heading). In order to survive, many farmers have extended their activities beyond the farmgate and are involved in both the “field” and “fork” parts of the value chain.
This page covers the processing side, the dairy secondary industry: milk powder, flavoured milk, cheese, cottage cheese, feta cheese, maas (Amazi), yoghurt, evaporated and condensed milk, cheese powder, buttermilk, cream, sour cream, butter, and milk itself – pasteurised, long-life or ultra-high temperature treated (UHT).
First a look at the international picture.
The top countries for cheese production are the EU and Russia. They are also the top consumers of cheese (USDA, 2023).
The EU, USA, New Zealand and Belarus are the top cheese exporters. The UK, Russia, Japan and Mexico are the top importers (USDA, 2023).
India and the EU are the top butter producers, as well as the top butter consumers (USDA, 2023).
New Zealand and the EU are the top butter exporters, with China and Russia being the major butter importers (USDA, 2023).
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The EU, India and New Zealand are the top non-fat dry milk producers (USDA, 2023). Dry milk exporters are the EU and New Zealand, with Mexico and China being the main importers (USDA, 2023).
New Zealand, China and the EU are the major producers of Whole milk powder. New Zealand and the EU are the dominant exporters, while China and Algeria are the dominant importers (USDA, 2023).
How does South Africa fit into this picture in terms of exports and imports? In 2022, a total of 53 000 t of products were imported, and 52 000 t exported (SAMPRO, 2023).
