Facts and figures The European dairy industry is transforming
yearly 135* billion litres of raw milk into a broad range of
products, both for consumption and for application in the
production of many food, feed and pharma products. Realising
reasonable prices for the raw milk delivered by ca. 1 mln**
farms, the dairy industry is essential for the preservation and
development of socio-economic structures in rural areas. The
dairy industry represents ca. 13% of the turnover for the total
food and drink industry in Europe; it employs ca. 10% of people
working in the European food and drink industry. The various
dairy products produced by the European dairy industry, such as
liquid milk, cheese, fresh dairy products and butter, are an
essential and functional contribution to the diet of all
consumers in Europe. In other words, the dairy industry is one
of the industry sectors that is of main importance for a healthy
development of Europe.*source: ZMP, 2009 figures** 2008 European
Dairy Association (EDA, aisbl) -