Cow’s Milk Consumption Sees Significant Drop in Germany
Recent figures from the Ministry for Agriculture and Food (BMEL) reveal a dramatic decline in cow’s milk consumption per capita in Germany over the past 30 years. In 2023, the average German consumed 46 kilograms of cow’s milk, down from 60 kilograms per capita in the mid-1990s. This marks a historic low for cow’s milk consumption in the country.
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Decline Across Dairy Products
This downward trend isn't limited to milk. The per capita consumption of cheese also dropped, from 24.6 kilograms in 2022 to 23.8 kilograms in 2023. Despite these shifts, Germany remains the EU's largest dairy producer, with 93% of German households still purchasing cow’s milk or UHT milk, albeit in smaller quantities.
Factors Influencing the Decline
Several factors contribute to the decline in dairy consumption in Germany:
Health and Dietary Changes: Increasing health consciousness among consumers has led many to reduce their intake of traditional dairy products in favor of plant-based alternatives perceived as healthier. Issues such as lactose intolerance also play a significant role.
Environmental and Ethical Concerns: Awareness of the environmental impact of dairy farming and concerns about animal welfare have influenced many Germans to switch to plant-based dairy products. This ethical consideration is underscored by the conditions of dairy cows, which face artificial insemination and early separation from their calves, leading to a lifespan significantly shorter than their natural potential.
Economic Factors: Rising dairy prices and the relative affordability of plant-based alternatives like oat milk have driven the shift away from traditional dairy products.
The Dairy Industry's Adaptation
The German dairy industry has had to adapt to these changing consumer preferences. The production of drinking milk fell by almost 1% to around 4.2 million tons in 2023, and cheese production saw a slight increase due to rising exports, reaching 2.66 million tons in 2023 from 2.64 million tons in 2022.
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Impact on Dairy Farms
The number of dairy cows in Germany decreased by 2.5% in 2023, down to approximately 3.7 million animals. Similarly, the number of operational dairy farms fell from 54,800 to 52,900 between 2021 and 2022, reflecting the broader industry contraction.
Broader Dietary Trends
The decline in dairy consumption parallels a broader trend of reduced meat consumption in Germany. In 2023, meat consumption hit a new record low, with beef and veal consumption dropping by over 5% to 8.9 kilograms per person. This reduction aligns with the overall movement towards more sustainable and health-conscious dietary choices.
Conclusion
Germany's significant drop in cow’s milk consumption is part of a larger shift towards plant-based alternatives driven by health, environmental, and ethical concerns. As the market for plant-based dairy products continues to grow, the dairy industry faces ongoing challenges to adapt and meet evolving consumer demands.
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