History of dairy
A long history of nourishment
Thousands of years
The history of dairy farming in Europe dates back thousands of years, with evidence suggesting that early Europeans domesticated cattle as far back as 6000 BC.
Dairy farming evolved
Throughout the Middle Ages, dairy farming evolved into a crucial part of rural life, with monks and farmers perfecting cheese and butter production techniques that are still in use today.
Regional dairy specialities
The Renaissance period brought about a greater understanding of animal husbandry and dairy processing, leading to the development of regional dairy specialties.
LARGE-SCALE DISTRIBUTION & REVOLUTIONISED SAFETY
By the 19th century, advancements in technology and transportation revolutionised the dairy industry, making it possible to produce and distribute dairy products on a larger scale.
In 1864, French scientist Louis Pasteur discovered a heat-based process that could kill harmful microorganisms without affecting the flavour. This process, known as pasteurisation, was applied to milk to improve its safety and shelf life.
21st Century
The European dairy industry is a world leader in innovation and technology, developing new products, improving efficiency and maintaining the highest standards of nutrition and safety.
In parallel, the European dairy sector is continuously working to make the sector more sustainable by reducing waste and emissions, innovating packaging, improving water management as well as lowering its carbon footprint.
Importance of the dairy Sector in Europe
The dairy sector is one of the cornerstones of European agriculture, providing employment for millions and contributing significantly to the economy.
%
of the world's milk production
Europe is one of the largest milk producers globally, with the European Union accounting for about 20% of the world’s milk production.
Dairy farming is vital to the rural economy, supporting livelihoods and sustaining local communities. The sector also plays a crucial role in maintaining landscapes and biodiversity, as well as ensuring the sustainability of rural areas. The dairy sector supports a wide range of ancillary industries, including feed production, machinery, and dairy processing equipment manufacturing. The dairy sector is also a major exporter, with European dairy products being renowned worldwide for their quality and variety. This export strength helps balance trade and brings in substantial revenue, supporting the broader European economy.