Domestic milk intake by milk processors and co-ops was estimated at 8.84 billion litres in 2025, according to the Central Statistics Office (CSO).

This is an increase of 406.8 million litres (+4.8%) when compared with 2024, and up 376.8 million litres (+4.5%) when compared with 2023.

December intake

Milk intake by milk processors and co-ops was estimated at 259.7 million litres in December 2025, the new figures released today (Friday, February 6) show.

This is a decrease of 7.9 million litres (-3%) when compared with December 2024 but up 54.4 million litres (+26.5%) when compared with the same month in 2023.

Fat content for December 2025 was 4.93%, up from 4.83% in December 2024.

Protein content also rose to 3.85% in December 2025, compared with 3.80% a year earlier.

Butter production remained at 12,400 tonnes, unchanged from December 2024 to December 2025.

Butter production rose from 267,600 tonnes in 2024 to 286,200 tonnes in 2025, up 18,700 tonnes.

Commenting on the release, Stephanie Kelleher, statistician in the agriculture section of the CSO, said: “Today’s figures show that domestic milk intake by milk processors and co-ops for the year 2025 was the highest ever recorded.

"With the exception of February, November and December, domestic milk intake was higher each month when compared with the same month in 2024.”

Increase in dairy producer prices

Prices for dairy products increased by more than 11% in the 12 months to December 2025, according to recent data from the CSO.

Producer prices for food products increased by 1.7% in the 12 months to December 2025, while the Food Products, Beverages & Tobacco Index was up by 1%.

Some of the most notable changes in producer prices for food products over the period were: dairy products (+11.1%); fish and fish products (+5.1%); vegetables and animal oils and fats (-16.2%).