Danish agricultural exports: less dairy and cheese to Germany

For the first time, Danish food exports have exceeded the threshold of 200 billion Danish Kroner (27.2 billion euros). In 2024, exports including food, animal feed, seeds, and agricultural machinery showed a 16 percent increase compared to 2021. The umbrella organization Landbrug & Fødevarer calls this an important milestone that highlights the sector’s robustness.

The export increase is mainly due to the rise in agricultural exports, especially dairy and cheese. Danish exports of dairy products reached a record value of 3.75 billion euros in 2024, a 5 percent increase. This growth is primarily attributed to exports of cheese and drinking milk.

Despite a minimal increase in raw milk production by 0.1 percent to 5,690 million kilograms, exports of cheese and drinking milk products increased much more. At the same time, exports of butter, butter oil, and condensed milk declined. This shift illustrates changing international demand, with cheese and fresh dairy products gaining popularity while interest in products such as butter and condensed milk decreases.

Germany remains Denmark’s largest export market, although exports there fell by 3.6 percent to 4.33 billion euros. In contrast, exports to Sweden rose by 1.5 percent, to Norway by 13.5 percent, and to the United Kingdom by 3.8 percent. Bio-based products such as animal feed, seeds, and enzymes grew by 4.8 percent to 4.96 billion euros. Agrotechnology grew by 1.4 percent to 2.07 billion euros.

The Danish pig farming industry has undergone significant expansion in recent years. This growth has led to greater production capacity and strengthened Denmark’s position in the international market for pork products.

The continued growth of Danish food exports emphasizes the strong international demand for Danish food products and the capability of Danish food companies to adapt to changing market conditions. This achievement underscores the importance of the food sector to the Danish economy and the role of innovation and adaptability in maintaining a strong export position.