China’s Dairy Industry Stabilizes with Mega-farms Dominate Production

China's Dairy Industry Stabilizes as Mega-farms Dominate Production
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) projects that China’s dairy industry will reach a phase of structural stability by 2026. This follows a period of volatility characterized by declining milk prices since 2022. As a result, smaller dairy producers have exited the market, leading to a consolidation of production within larger industrial operations.

According to the USDA’s office in Beijing, mega-farms now account for over 68% of China’s total milk production. This marks an increase of more than 2% compared to the previous year. The consolidation trend reflects a broader global pattern where operations with economies of scale dominate markets with compressed profit margins.

China’s local dairy production is gradually reducing its historic dependency on imports. Although fluid milk imports are expected to decline slightly by 2026, the production of skim milk powder is projected to increase, maintaining current import levels. Despite this progress, China remains reliant on foreign suppliers for specialized dairy products where domestic competitiveness is still developing.

The USDA also forecasts a slight growth in both the production and importation of butter and cheese. Meanwhile, imports of whey and derivatives are expected to remain strong. These projections highlight strategic opportunities for global exporters, as China’s domestic market continues to evolve.

Overall, the shift towards mega-farm dominance and increased local production are reshaping the dairy supply chain in China, with implications for technology, bovine genetics, feed, and specialized veterinary services. This transformation is steering China’s dairy industry towards efficiency and biosecurity standards comparable to leading Western dairy regions.

 

 

The Global Mozzarella Cheese Market to Reach $68.59 Billion by 2034

 

 

 

According to the latest research report released by Fact.MR, the global mozzarella cheese market reached a size of US$38.6 billion in 2024 and subsequently expand at a CAGR of 5.9% over the next 10 years (2024 to 2034).

Mozzarella cheese, also known as curd cheese, can be sliced and used in food products. Mozzarella is popular for a variety of reasons, including its ease of melting, elastic and bouncy consistency, and smooth and soft texture.

The mozzarella cheese market is projected to grow at a steady pace. This growth is driven by mozzarella’s nutritional benefits, including its high calcium, protein, and vitamin content, which are increasingly recognized for supporting bone health and overall wellness. As the population becomes more health-conscious. Diabetic food manufacturers continue to consume a significant amount of mozzarella cheese.

Major contributors to this market expansion include key players such as Groupe Lactalis, known for its reduced-fat innovations, and Fonterra, which excels in export-grade mozzarella. The Grande Cheese Company is also a significant player, focusing on shreddable forms and clean-label certifications.

By application, food & beverage processing leads the market with a 44.23% share in 2024, valued at $17.07 billion, and is forecasted to reach $29.97 billion by 2034 at a 5.8% CAGR. Supermarkets and hypermarkets are the dominant sales channels, accounting for 50% of the market in 2024, expected to rise to $34.2 billion by 2034.

Regional dynamics reveal that North America holds a 24.7% global market share in 2024, with the U.S. leading at $7.07 billion, projected to grow to $11.63 billion by 2034. Meanwhile, East Asia is expanding its market share, driven by urbanization and rising incomes, with Japan at the forefront.

Recent market developments include Saputo‘s August 2022 launch of ‘Frigo Cheese Heads Swirls‘ and Dalter Alimentari’s March 2021 debut of cheese matchsticks, emphasizing the market’s focus on innovation and versatility.

 

The Global Buttermilk Powder Market Projected to Reach $ 3.5 Billion By 2035

Powdered milks
The global buttermilk powder market is on a robust growth trajectory, projected to increase from an estimated $1,974.1 billion in 2025 to a substantial $3.94 billion by 2035, according to a recent market analysis. This trajectory reflects a consistent compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.9% from 2025 to 2035.

The increasing consumer demand for protein-enriched and multifunctional food ingredients is a significant factor contributing to this growth. Buttermilk powder is highly valued for its ability to improve texture, flavor, and nutritional value in various food products, including bakery items, confectioneries, and ready-to-eat snacks.

Its long shelf life and ease of distribution make it a preferred choice among both large-scale producers and small enterprises. The growing popularity of clean-label and additive-free products is also influencing manufacturers to adopt buttermilk powder in their product lines.

Regionally, the Asia-Pacific market is expected to experience the fastest growth due to rapid urbanization and changing dietary preferences. Meanwhile, Europe and North America continue to dominate the market in terms of value, driven by robust dairy production infrastructure and high demand for processed foods.
Global Buttermilk Powder Market Projected to Reach USD 3.5 Billion by 2035

In response to these trends, global producers are enhancing their spray-drying capacities and forming strategic partnerships to improve supply chain efficiencies. There is also a marked increase in export expansion initiatives targeting emerging markets in Asia-Pacific and Latin America.

As the industry evolves, companies are focusing on nutritionally fortified variations and environmentally sustainable practices to meet the demands of health-conscious consumers. These efforts are supported by the introduction of new flavor variants and organic-certified products, broadening the appeal of buttermilk powder across diverse consumer segments.