About the IDF Dairy Innovation Awards
The IDF Dairy Innovation Awards celebrate pioneering practices that advance sustainability, nutrition, and innovation across the global dairy sector. These awards highlight contributions to the UN Sustainable Development Goals and recognize excellence in farming, processing, product development, and social impact.
Open to IDF members and non-members, entries include dairy farmers, cooperatives, processors, research organizations, and service and equipment providers. Winners were announced at the IDF World Dairy Summit 2025 in Santiago, Chile.
2025 Award Categories and Winners
1. Sustainable Farming Practices
1a. Innovation in Environmental Sustainability in Farming
Conaprole – Tambo Sustentable Programme (Uruguay)
A cooperative-wide initiative integrating climate adaptation, water and energy efficiency, animal welfare, and carbon footprint reduction.
1b. Innovation in Animal Care in Farming
Bharat Financial Inclusion Limited & IndusInd Bank (India)
A tech-enabled veterinary model using AI diagnostics and mobile tools to improve livestock health and productivity for smallholder farmers.
1c. Innovation in Socio-Economic Sustainability in Farming
Nitara (India)
An AI-powered mobile platform offering dairy management tools, virtual advisors, and offline access for smallholder farmers.
2. Sustainable Processing Innovation
Soprole – Waste Reduction Project (Chile)
A mechanical extrusion system separating organic content from packaging, reducing landfill waste and COâ‚‚ emissions.
3. New Product Innovation
3a. Dairy Products for Human Nutrition
Xinhuo – Bone Energy Formula Milk Powder (China)
A functional product targeting bone, joint, and muscle health with proteins, calcium, vitamins, and botanical extracts.
3b. Food Safety Equipment
Hygiena – foodproof® Salmonella plus Cronobacter Detection LyoKit (Germany)
A rapid PCR assay detecting both pathogens in under 24 hours, with a freeze-dried format for sustainability.
3c. Packaging and Transparency for Dairy Products
Yili Ambrosial – ‘For a Bluer Ocean’ Packaging (China)
Features de-inkable labels and recyclable PET bottles, enhancing sustainability and product protection.
4. People and Planet in the Dairy Sector
4a. Inclusion and Women’s Empowerment
Nestlé Moça – Força da Moça® do Campo (Switzerland)
Empowers female farmers through training, mentorship, and entrepreneurship programs.
4b. Climate Action in Dairy
Environmental Defense Fund – Dairy Methane Action Alliance (USA)
A global initiative to reduce methane emissions, supported by major food and dairy companies.
4c. Marketing and Communication for Sustainable Dairy
FrieslandCampina – SEANUTS II Survey (Netherlands)
A research-based campaign addressing child malnutrition and guiding product and policy development.
