Dairy Innovation Hub
Bringing together knowledge on dairy innovation from around the world
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Defining Innovation in the Dairy Sector
Innovation in the dairy sector refers to the development and implementation of new ideas, technologies, processes, products, or business models that enhance the efficiency, sustainability, quality, and market competitiveness of dairy production and consumption. It plays a vital role in driving the sector’s growth by enabling it to adapt to evolving consumer preferences, address environmental challenges, and remain competitive in global markets.
Innovation by IDF: a legacy of progress
IDF has a proud and distinguished history of driving innovation in the global dairy sector. The story of dairy is one of continuous transformation, evolving from traditional practices to modern, science-based systems that have revolutionized farming, processing, and nutrition.
From Tradition to Technology
For centuries, dairy production relied on simple methods: hand milking and artisanal cheese-making formed the foundation of the industry. The 19th-century Industrial Revolution marked a turning point, introducing mechanization that reshaped dairy operations. The invention of milking machines in the late 1800s dramatically improved efficiency and reduced manual labor.
Breakthroughs in Safety and Quality
One of the most significant milestones came in the 1860s with Louis Pasteur’s development of pasteurization, a process that safeguarded milk by eliminating harmful bacteria. The 20th century brought further advancements, including cold storage and refrigeration, which extended shelf life and enabled global distribution.
IDF’s Role in Shaping the Future
Throughout this journey, IDF has been at the forefront, setting international standards, championing scientific research, and promoting sustainable practices. Today, IDF continues to lead innovation in critical areas such as nutrition, environmental stewardship, and digitalization, ensuring the dairy sector meets global challenges and evolving consumer expectations.
Worldwide Innovation Centres
IDF has a long and distinguished history of serving the global dairy sector. Global dairy innovation centres are specialised research and development establishments with the goal of using technology, innovation, and product development to advance the dairy sector. These facilities, which are usually run by dairy companies, educational institutions, or trade associations, act as focal points for investigating innovative dairy production techniques, boosting productivity, developing cutting-edge dairy products, and strengthening sustainability standards. Check out some of the innovation centers around the world.
Winners and finalists of the IDF DIA
The IDF Dairy Innovation Awards’ finalists and winners showcase innovative businesses, goods, and innovations reshaping the dairy industry.
Meet dairy innovators around the world
Since its founding in 1903, the International Dairy Federation (IDF) has played a pivotal role in advancing the global dairy sector. With a long and distinguished history, IDF has served as a vital platform for collaboration among scientists, producers, policymakers, and industry experts. In its early years, the Federation focused on harmonizing international standards for milk quality and trade, helping unify practices across borders.
Over time, IDF expanded its scope, working closely with global health organizations to establish safety and hygiene protocols—particularly around pasteurization and food safety. In the post-war era, it championed modernization in dairy farming and processing, encouraging the adoption of technologies that enhanced productivity and quality.
In recent decades, IDF has prioritized innovation in areas such as functional dairy products, precision dairy farming, and sustainability—especially efforts to reduce the sector’s carbon footprint. Through initiatives like the IDF World Dairy Summit, technical bulletins, and global partnerships, IDF continues to address critical challenges including climate change, shifting consumer preferences, and food security.
Today, IDF remains a global leader in dairy science and policy, driving progress through research, education, and stakeholder engagement. Below, you can meet some of the innovators shaping the future of dairy.
2024
Inner Mongolia Dairy Technology Research Institute Co., Ltd – Satine Active Lactoferrin Organic Pure Milk – China.
Innovation in Sustainable Farming Practices – Environment: Dairy Australia– Environmental Tracker
Innovation in Sustainable Packaging: Yili Group Ltd– Declaring Your Love to the Earth with Actions – SATINE Environmentally Sustainable Packaging with No Ink or Printing
2023
Interview with all winners
2022
Interviews with some of our winners
National Dairy Development Board – Sundarban Cooperative Milk & Livestock Producers’ Union Limited – India
Innovation in Climate Action: Lactanet Canada and Semex – Methane Efficiency Evaluations
Innovation in Sustainable Processing: Development of a RO-NF-UF membrane cascade to concentrate skim milk to a dry matter of greater-than 48%
Innovation in Marketing & Communication Initiative Building Dairy Category
Innovation in Sustainable Farming Practices – Environment: Bioret Agri– Aqualim Thermodynamic
Media room
Images from the IDF Dairy Innovation Awards – Class of 2025
‘Dairycraft’ game makes learning about dairy fun
IDF member Dairy Farmers of Ontario develops Dairycraft, an educational version of popular game Minecraft, to teach young people about all things....
IDF Celebrates 120 Years of Dairy Innovation with the Launch of Commemorative E-Book at the IDF World Dairy Summit
The International Dairy Federation (IDF) successfully launched its 120th anniversary commemorative e-book at the IDF Forum during the IDF World Dairy....
The IDF Dairy Innovation Awards at the IDF WDS 2025
On 21 October, during the IDF Dairy Innovation Awards Ceremony—proudly sponsored by Tetra Pak—at the IDF World Dairy Summit 2025 in Santiago, Chile, the winners of the fourth annual edition were announced.
The three top finalists in each category were introduced, and the award recipients stepped forward to receive their trophies and certificates. The creative solutions showcased during this session highlighted the outstanding achievements of all participants.
The event featured a keynote address by Alejandro Chan, Managing Director, Tetra Pak Southern Cone, who delivered an inspiring message to finalists, winners, and guests:
“Transforming the dairy sector for a sustainable future requires continuous innovation. By empowering curious minds, fostering collaborative actions, and leveraging smart technologies, we can accelerate the transition to a more resilient, efficient, and sustainable future for the industry.” — Alejandro Chan
Launched in 2022 by the International Dairy Federation in collaboration with Tetra Pak as headline sponsor, the IDF Dairy Innovation Awards aim to recognize and promote pioneering practices that drive progress in the global dairy industry.
Messages from the juries
IDF has a long and distinguished history of serving the global dairy sector. From the beginning of our journey to the present day, our mission remains the same – to nourish the world by advancing dairy knowledge.
FAO has been and will be your close partner to lead the transformation to more efficient, more inclusive, more resilient and more sustainable agrifood systems. For better production, better nutrition, a better environment and a better life for all, leaving no one behind.
Dr Qu Dongyu
Director-General
Food and Agriculture Organization
From FEPALE, we send a strong and warm greeting to IDF for celebrating 120 years of tireless work for the development of the world dairy sector. We have many things and challenges in common for our sector, so we have a common path, which we must strengthen more and more.
Eduardo Schwerter
President
Pan-American Dairy Federation FEPALE
I’ve been working with IDF for over 20 years and I’m really proud of the work that we’ve done, developing standards and guidelines that are a fundamental part of our dairy business.
Steve Holroyd
Principal Research Scientist
Fonterra Research & Development Centre
We must adapt to the challenges of a changing world. We can only do this by joining forces from the public and private sector to achieve a healthier more sustainable world that is well prepared for the future. Happy anniversary!
Dr Monique Eloit
Director General
World Organisation for Animal Health
The global dairy sector faces many challenges these days. However, I’m convinced that generating and sharing knowledge, information and experience in an international network like IDF will help us move forward and find the solutions and opportunities we need.
Jurgen Jansen
National Secretary
IDF National Committee The Netherlands
On behalf of the entire board, team and members of the ICAR, I want to send IDF our warmest wishes for your 120th anniversary. Not only is the long-standing of IDF is something to celebrate, we also applaud your tremendous contribution to the development of standards for the dairy sector and close collaboration with key dairy stakeholders. Wishing you a wonderful anniversary year and many more years to come.
Marie Agnes Mourot
Chief Executive
International Committee for Animal Recording (ICAR)
Feel inspired
Since its establishment in 1903, the International Dairy Federation (IDF) has been a driving force in advancing innovation across the global dairy sector. From its early efforts to develop international standards for milk quality, hygiene, and pasteurization, IDF has consistently championed science-based approaches and modern practices.
Over the decades, the organization has played a key role in promoting efficient, sustainable, and environmentally responsible methods in dairy farming and processing. By fostering collaboration among scientists, producers, and policymakers, IDF has helped shape a more resilient and forward-looking dairy sector.
Today, IDF remains at the forefront of innovation addressing global challenges and evolving consumer expectations through its focus on sustainability, nutrition, and digital transformation.
