Dairy's Global Impact - IDF - IDF is the leading source of scientific and technical expertise for all stakeholders of the dairy chain

Dairy helps to nourish the world sustainably

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The global impact of dairy

Year after year, generation after generation, milk and dairy foods continue to be a trusted source of nutrition and comfort around the world.

The dairy sector plays a vital role in nourishing the global population, producing 782 million tonnes of milk in 2023, with cow’s milk accounting for 81.1% of this total. More than 80% of the world’s population, approximately 6.5 billion people, regularly consume milk or dairy products, underscoring dairy’s universal appeal and nutritional value.

Dairy farming and processing remain central to national economies and rural livelihoods. There are an estimated 133 million dairy farms worldwide, supporting the livelihoods of over 600 million people, including 80 million women, with around 37 million women heading their own farms. Approximately 9% of global milk production is traded internationally each year, reflecting dairy’s importance in global food systems.

As the world’s population continues to grow and dietary patterns evolve, demand for dairy is rising. Meeting this demand while reducing environmental impact, improving resource efficiency, and enhancing biodiversity is a key focus of the dairy sector’s commitment to continuous improvement and sustainability.

Dairy facts and figures

Global demand for milk and dairy products continues to rise, driven by evolving consumption habits, increasing per capita income in developing countries, and ongoing population growth.

In 2023, world cow’s milk production reached approximately 782 million tonnes, reflecting a steady upward trend. While some regions like the EU-27 experienced a slight decline (−0.3%) due to high feed and energy costs, others such as Asia, showed strong growth.

The long-term global growth trajectory remains close to the historical average of just over 2% annually, supported by structural factors including urbanization and dietary diversification.

Dairy in demand

782 million tonnes of milk were produced globally in 2023

Dairy per capita consumption reached 119.1 kg in 2023, a rise of 1.6%

Cow’s milk represents 81% of total global milk production (782 million tonnes), but higher growth rates for buffalo milk indicate a growing appetite for this product.

782 billion kg of cows milk were produced in 2023. Asia is currently the world’s leading region for cows milk production at 36 %.

Learn more about global dairy

Developed by experts from dairy producing countries around the world, the World Dairy Situation Report is a unique publication is produced annually by IDF as part of its mission to represent and support the dairy sector globally.

It provides a wealth of information about the international dairy sector – production and processing, consumption, and trade, and how the dairy sector is adapting practices to face the challenge and continue to produce healthy and nutritious milk and dairy products.

The latest edition of IDF’s flagship publication on global dairy market, covers markets worldwide, global trends and a chapter on COVID-19 pandemic preliminary impacts represents the most comprehensive dairy information available.

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Dairy’s Global Impact