The import of raw milk by processing units increased 47.6% in the first eight months of this year, compared to the corresponding period last year, while the amount of cow’s milk collected by processing units was up 3.7% in the same period, according to data the National Institute of Statistics (INS) published Wednesday.

Between January and August 2024, the production of dairy products recorded an increase in all components, namely drinking milk, drinking cream, sour milk, butter and cheese. The largest increase in production of 9.9% was recorded in butter – 7,297 tonnes.

The production of drinking milk amounted to 247,855 tons, up by 5.27%, while the total production of cheese was 73,779 tons, 6.41% higher than the production recorded in the period 1 January – 31 August 2023.

In August 2024, the quantity of cow’s milk obtained from farms and collection centers by processing units decreased 2.1% in August 2024 compared to July 2024. The largest reduction in production was recorded for sour milk (-2%).

On the other hand, drinking milk production recorded the highest increase (+10.4%).

The quantity of raw milk imported by processing units increased 22.2% in August 2024 compared to the previous month.

Compared to the corresponding month of the previous year, in August 2024, the quantity of cow’s milk collected by processing units increased 5.3%. Production of acidulated milk recorded the highest increase (+7.8%) and the largest decrease was recorded for butter (-8.3%).

The quantity of raw milk imported by processing units increased 26% in August 2024 compared to the corresponding month of the previous year.

AGERPRES