Organic Dairy Market in Europe
Constant increase
Germany sees a rise of consumer demand on organic and sustainable dairy products. In general, Europe’s organic dairy sector has seen a developing interest from consumers mostly in Western Europe. As studies (Willer and Lernoud 2018) show, organic and sustainable dairy manufacturing in the EU has almost doubled since the past 13 years, and by 2016 it is believed, for this market to constitute more than 2.8% (4.1 million metric tons) of total EU milk production.
Sustainability
What is appealing to consumers in the organic dairy concept is mostly sustainability and quality reasons. Organic in recent years became a synonym to a high standard, as farmers manufacturing such milk have to follow very strict rules. Such standards cover the living conditions of dairy cattle, feed quality, and concerns linked to transport and slaughter. ‘Zero-grazing’, a type of farming where cows are in captivated and fed indoors, is banned by organic standards. These restrictions are what makes organic dairy one of the hardest, yet most sustainable to develop and manufacture.
Allgäu Milch Käse
Such consumer trend advantaged smaller dairy companies such as German Allgäu Milch Käse, to widen their milk supplier chain in a response to increasing consumers’ demands. From companies beginning within 20 organic milk suppliers and 1.3 million kg per year to now 400 organic milk suppliers and 113 million kg/year. Currently, Allgäu Milch Käse’s organic product range varies from several types of cheese to diversified butter and milk. The company’s products are available in more European countries, as export chains reach Italy, France, Belgium, and the Netherlands.
