Emerging structure in the dairy processing sector

The milk-processing sector internationally has experienced enormous change over the last 30 years with movement from a large number of small firms to domination by a limited number of giant dairy firms. The main drivers of change include economies of scale, increased size and internationalisation of customers, growing demand for dairy products and the steady liberalisation of dairy trade. Changes in the Irish dairy industry are outlined, as Ireland represents a good example of this change which may be of relevance for the Baltic states.