A2 Milk: A New Direction for the Romanian Dairy Sector

A2 milk is becoming increasingly visible on European shelves, promoted as a natural and more easily digestible alternative for consumers sensitive to the β-casein A1 protein. In Romania, the segment is still in its early stages, but the growing interest among processors and farmers indicates a new development trend within the dairy industry.

According to the International Dairy Federation (IDF), A2 milk comes from cows that produce exclusively the A2 variant of β-casein, a protein considered closer to the composition of milk produced by early domesticated cattle thousands of years ago. Unlike the A1 variant, A2 β-casein does not release the BCM-7 peptide during digestion — a compound that some studies have linked to mild digestive discomfort.

In its 2023 assessment on the safety of A2 milk, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) did not confirm a direct link between BCM-7 and digestive disorders but acknowledged the perceived benefits of A2 milk among consumers with mild lactose intolerance. Meanwhile, countries such as France, Germany, and the Netherlands are already implementing A2 farm certification programs, requiring genetic testing of dairy herds.

In Romania, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MADR) has included in the National Strategic Plan 2023–2027 (PNS) measures that allow support for production diversification and investment in niche technologies, including genetic testing laboratories. According to Eurostat, over 70% of European consumers say they are willing to pay more for dairy products perceived as “natural” or “functional.”

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) estimates that the global A2 milk market will exceed USD 5 billion by 2030, with an average annual growth rate of 12%. Romania has the potential to benefit from this trend, especially by converting small and medium-sized farms, which can integrate genetic testing and local processing to add value.

The development of the A2 segment should not be seen as a passing fad, but rather as a smart adaptation to growing consumer demand for clean, easily digestible, and traceable products. With coherent public policies and effective promotion, A2 milk could become a new success story for Romania’s dairy sector.

(Photo: Freepik)