This herd forms the basis of a wide variety of Belgian and Flemish dairy specialties, ranging from milk, butter and cheese to milk powder and dairy desserts.

Milk processing by the dairy industry in Belgium has risen sharply in recent years, reaching a volume of 5 billion litres by 2024.

The total export value of dairy products in 2024. 72% of this is sold within the EU-27, and no less than 28% goes to third countries — with the UK, Algeria, China, Indonesia, and Saudi Arabia leading the way.