Opinion Article by Nuria Mª Arribas, Managing Director of InLac
The dairy and cheese sector in Spain faces significant challenges due to economic pressure and changing demands, but it also has opportunities to grow through innovation, diversification and cooperation. This article seeks to reflect on these developments and highlight the way forward to strengthen and protect our sector.
The international success of Spanish cheeses
Spain’s cheeses are enjoying a good moment in international markets. In 2023, Spanish cheese exports reached an all-time high in both volume and value. This success is largely due to the exceptional quality of our cheeses, recognized worldwide for their diversity and excellence. In fact, Spain is home to more than 150 varieties of cheese, of which 27 have Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) and 4 have Protected Geographical Indications (PGI). This richness and diversity are a testimony to our cheese-making tradition and expertise, aspects that have been well received in such competitive markets as the United States, Germany and the United Kingdom.
Challenges in the domestic market
However, the international success of our cheeses contrasts with the challenges we face in the domestic market. Despite the worldwide recognition of the quality of Spanish cheeses, the domestic market has witnessed a significant increase in cheese imports, which represents a serious concern for the sector. This phenomenon not only displaces the excellent proposals of producers of national origin, but also threatens the ecosystem of sustainability that we have built among our farmers, cooperatives and industries.
In this context, it is crucial that we focus our efforts on promoting the consumption of Spanish cheeses. A study conducted by IPSOS at our request reveals that 9 out of 10 consumers in Spain have a predilection for cheeses of national origin. This data shows us that there is a solid base of support for local foods that we must take advantage of, promoting greater awareness of the quality and diversity of our cheeses.
Growth potential in large-scale distribution
The large-scale food distribution sector, made up of supermarkets and hypermarkets, plays a fundamental role in this challenge. According to the same IPSOS study, 74% of cheese sales in our country are made through this type of establishments. This figure reflects a significant opportunity to ally with large-scale distribution in the promotion and marketing of domestic cheeses.
In a context whereawareness of food provenance and quality is on the rise, collaboration with supermarket and hypermarket chains is essential. These entities have the capacity to influence consumers’ purchasing decisions and to highlight local quality over imported options.
Leveraging our wealth and tradition
Despite the challenges, the cheese sector in Spain has a solid base on which to build. Our country is today the sixth largest producer of cow’s milk in the European Union (EU), behind only Germany, France, Holland, Italy and Ireland. We are the second largest producer of sheep’s milk, behind Greece, and we are also the third largest producer of goat’s milk after France and the Netherlands. This diversified production allows us to generate more than 450,000 tons of cheese per year.
To capitalize on this capacity, it is essential that InLac continues to promote awareness campaigns such as “Quesea con Quesos de España” (Cheese with Spanish Cheeses). This initiative seeks to convey to consumers the hallmark of identity, diversity and excellence that characterizes us as a cheese-producing country. We want consumers to know that they can enjoy this treasure of our gastronomy at any time of the day, thanks to the more than 150 varieties of cheeses produced in Spain, which enable their consumption and delight from breakfast to dinner.
The future of the dairy and cheese sector in Spain
Looking to the future, we must be aware that the success of the dairy and cheese sector in Spain will depend on our ability to adapt to market changes and to protect and promote national origin. This implies working together with all the actors in the value chain, from producers to processors and distributors to consumers.
It is necessary that we continue to innovate and improve our cheeses, always maintaining the quality that characterizes us, and that we take every opportunity to raise consumer awareness of the benefits of choosing those made in our country. In this way, we will not only ensure the growth and sustainability of the sector, but also strengthen the connection of consumers with one of the most emblematic foods of our culture and tradition.
In conclusion, the Spanish dairy and cheese sector faces a path full of opportunities, but also challenges that we must face with determination and strategy. Collaboration, innovation and promotion will be the keys to consolidate our place in the national and international market, ensuring a prosperous future for all those who are part of this important sector.
