Three key factors "driving change" in the dairy sector were highlighted at a dairy conference today (Tuesday, March 24).

Bord Bia’s dairy markets seminar 2026 took place today at the Killashee Hotel in Naas.

The theme for the event was 'navigating volatility in an uncertain world'.

The event brought together expert speakers to discuss: volatility in global dairy markets; Europe’s place in dairy, digitisation, trade and tariffs; and the key consumer and innovation trends shaping future opportunities for the Irish and global dairy sector.

Rabobank

Eva Gocsik of Rabobank spoke at the seminar about European dairy market trends and sustaining success amid increasing tensions.

Gocsik told the event that there are three key factors "driving change" in the dairy sector.

The first is geopolitical tensions, such as US-China trade tensions in 2025, or the current Middle East conflict, along with new trade policies impacting trade flows.

The second is sustainability and environmental concerns, which remain on the agenda she said, and are "shaping the production landscape" in Europe as producers need to comply with "increasing regulation".

The third is stagnating milk supply growth, which is challenging the processing industry.

"We see increasing consolidation across Europe and I think we haven't seen the end of it," she added.

According to Rabobank, tightening regulations, ageing farms and declining competitiveness are all having an impact on the sector.

Volatility and the Middle East

The key topic of conversation at the Bord Bia event was volatility.

According to Rabobank, over 20% of EU dairy exports are affected by the conflict in the Middle East.

The impact, however will depend on the length of the conflict.

Kieran Fitzgerald, Bord Bia's regional manager for Middle East and Africa, spoke at the event about the complexity of life in Dubai at the moment and also the trade impact of the conflict in the Middle East.

While the Bord Bia team in the region have now left, Fitzgerald said that communication continues with client companies.

With "massive disruption" to freight, there have been "huge complications" and costs to try and get exports to the region.

He said that in the Middle East, food security is "extremely important".

On flights, "food is being prioritised", with products still getting in to the region each day.

Fitzgerald added that foodservice there is "under massive pressure".