The German Dairy Sector: Internationalization - Competitiveness - Supply Chains

The German dairy industry is the second largest sector of German agribusiness in terms of turnover. In recent years, it has been characterized by a strong liberalization, which means that it is facing increased competition, both on domestic and foreign markets. At the same time, the demands from politics and society are increasing, for example with regard to environmental legislation and GMO-free feeding. Against this background, the dissertation examines both quantitatively and qualitatively how various factors affect milk production in Germany and derives future developments on this basis. In view of the changing competitive environment, the dissertation examines the international competitiveness of the German dairy industry by analysing foreign trade data. In addition, the internationalization strategies present in the German dairy industry are identified and their influence on economic success is analysed by means of panel data analysis based on annual financial statements of dairy companies. Based on the results, opportunities and risks, as well as possibilities of implementing a potential market entry into the Brazilian dairy market are analysed.