Recent trends in Germany's dairy consumption reveal a significant shift towards cheese and away from butter. In 2024, the per capita cheese consumption rose to 25.4 kg, marking an increase of 1 kg from the previous year. Conversely, butter consumption faced a decline, dropping by 250 grams to 5.3 kg per capita. This reduction in butter intake may be attributed to soaring butter prices, which peaked in October 2023.
The overall production of milk has also seen a slight downturn, with deliveries to dairies falling by 118,000 tons to 31.3 million tons. This decrease is partly linked to the bluetongue disease affecting dairy cows, which has contributed to a reduction in both the number of dairy cows and operating farms.
The rise in cheese consumption reflects changing consumer preferences, with a growing inclination towards premium and specialty cheeses. This trend aligns with broader health-conscious movements, as more individuals seek lactose-free and vegan alternatives. The dairy market is evolving, with e-commerce facilitating access to diverse cheese varieties and convenient home delivery options.
As Germany's cheese consumption continues to grow, the landscape of dairy consumption is transforming, highlighting the need for producers to adapt to these shifting consumer demands.
