The future of the dairy industry in the Maltese Islands

Abstract

This thesis aims at examining the prospects of the economic growth and expansion of the local dairy industry between 1974 and 1989. It is divided into three parts with the first two mainly descriptive based on research work while the third part is analytical aiming at discerning the various problems, evaluating different courses of action and recommending possible solutions. Part One is intended to give a concise background of the universal importance of milk production and consumption with their consequent economic relevance. It gives a general outline of developments that are taking place in the world in relation to milk sanitation, production, collection, processing, packaging and marketing, pointing out likely future trends in respect of such aspects. Part Two deals with the local dairy industry. It is concerned with the economic developments that have taken place in establishing the industry as we know it today. It is intended to give a factual survey of the local situation by attempting to classify the various functions involved, to pinpoint the inputs of each sector of the industry and to work out the actual cost of a gallon of milk under present prevailing conditions. Part Three starts by analysing market potential for the coming years. It then examines the various possibilities of meeting this demand, and attempts to evaluate the problems encountered in fulfilling each objective, thus arriving at what may be considered the best alternative under which the industry can develop to meet an expanding market in the most economic way.