"In 2016, 44.8% of the total quantity of milk supplied to dairy companies is sold as extra grade milk. This figure was only 1.9% in 2008 and 13.3% in 2010," — said Elena Matsko.

Also the representative of the Chief Department for Food of the Ministry of agriculture and food stressed that taking into account the economic efficiency of production and the current conditions of world market prices, the structure of milk processing changed in 2016. The milk started to be used for the production of more profitable products.

"29% of raw milk, which is 1% higher than in 2015, was directed for cheese production. 26% was used for the production of dairy products, 37% — for butter production, 4% — for whole milk powder. And 3%, which is 1% less than in 2015, — for production of canned milk.

The adjustment of the range of finished products is made in the direction of increasing the production of cheeses with longer ripening terms. During 2016 the enterprises of system of Ministry of agriculture made a net profit in the amount of 180.8 million rubles (Belarusian rubles – editor’s note). In dynamics, the financial situation of the enterprises of the dairy industry has improved. So, if in January the profitability of sales was 5.3%, at the end of the year it was already 12.4%. Net profit was received by 38 enterprises of the dairy industry in the amount of 180.8 million rubles. 3 enterprises had losses in the amount of 8.6 million rubles. But by all dairy enterprises got profit from the sale of products," said Ms. Matsko.

dairynews.com.ua