Austrian processors expand in EU

Austria’s leading milk processors have expanded rapidly under EU membership. When the Alpine Republic joined the club in 1994 the top ten dairies earned just 52% of total milk sector turnover. Now, 92% of all milk earnings (€2.2 billion from a total 90 dairies) are achieved by the ten sector leaders. These are headed by Wels-based Berglandmilch which itself teamed-up with Tirolmilch in January 2011 to give a €830 m turnover dairy.

The total dairy industry turnover in Austria has risen steadily (+6% last year) and main motor is export, particularly of high quality Alpine cheeses, with leading customers Germany and Italy.  Now 44% of all dairy output is exported with the value rising by €62m last year to a record €970m.

Bergland now processes just over a billion kg milk and towers above the other top-tenners. Number two is NÖM (Lower Austria Dairy)  with a turnover of €330m in 2011.