US Raises 2026 Milk Output, Price Forecasts
The USDA has raised its 2026 milk production forecast, projecting higher output alongside improved milk price expectations, signaling a more optimistic outlook for the US dairy sector. Total milk production is now expected to increase on the back of higher milk per cow, even as cow numbers remain relatively stable, reflecting gains in productivity and…
Iran Conflict Squeezes Global Dairy Margins
The ongoing Iran conflict is creating ripple effects across the global dairy sector, with rising fuel, fertiliser, and logistics costs significantly increasing production expenses and squeezing already tight margins. Disruptions in key trade routes like the Strait of Hormuz have triggered sharp increases in input costs, impacting the entire dairy value chain from farm to…
NZ First opposes India FTA over dairy concerns
New Zealand’s political party New Zealand First has strongly opposed the proposed India–New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (FTA), citing major concerns over dairy access and immigration concessions. Party leader and Foreign Minister Winston Peters described the deal as “neither free nor fair,” arguing that while New Zealand would significantly open its market to Indian goods,…
Fonterra clarifies stance amid labeling concerns
New Zealand-based dairy giant Fonterra has issued a formal statement acknowledging that its “100% New Zealand grass-fed” claim on Anchor butter packaging may have misled some consumers, following a legal settlement with environmental group Greenpeace. The label, used on products sold between December 2023 and April 2025, came under scrutiny because cows’ diets also included…
Amul milk in US costs up to ₹150/litre
Amul milk, recently launched in the United States through partnerships with local cooperatives and retail chains, is being sold at significantly higher prices compared to India, highlighting stark global pricing differences. In the US market, a 1-gallon (3.78 litres) pack of Amul milk is priced between $5.39 and $7.99, translating to roughly ₹120–₹150 per litre,…
Mega dairy deals reshape New Zealand sector
New Zealand’s dairy landscape is undergoing a major transformation with two significant acquisitions completed this week, signaling a strategic shift in global dairy investments. French giant Lactalis has taken over Fonterra’s global consumer and related businesses in a deal valued at $4.2 billion, effective March 31, 2026. The acquisition includes the Mainland Group, featuring iconic…
Rising Milk Output Sparks Global Dairy Concerns
Global dairy markets are witnessing a surge in milk production driven by expanding herd sizes and higher yields per cow, but this growth is raising concerns over market imbalances, pricing pressure, and sustainability challenges. In the United States, the dairy herd reached 9.615 million cows, up by 204,000 head year-on-year, contributing to higher overall milk…
Top Dairy Giants Shape $1.5T Global Market
The global dairy industry is being reshaped by its top players as the market races toward a $1.5 trillion valuation, driven by consolidation, premiumisation, and protein-led innovation, according to . Leading companies are scaling aggressively through mergers and acquisitions while aligning portfolios with high-growth segments like functional nutrition and value-added dairy. Among the dominant players…
Swiss Court Bans ‘Milk’ Label for Oat Drinks
In a landmark ruling, Switzerland’s Federal Court has prohibited plant-based beverages from using the term “milk,” reinforcing strict food labelling laws that reserve the word exclusively for animal-derived products. The decision came after the court rejected an appeal by Danone Switzerland—by a 4–1 vote—over its oat-based drink marketed with the phrase “This is not milk,”…
Protein Demand Fuels Global Dairy Boom
The global dairy sector is experiencing a strong growth cycle, driven primarily by rising demand for protein, improved farm economics, and expanding export opportunities. Strong profit margins for U.S. dairy farmers in 2025 helped trigger the surge, supported by lower feed costs—the industry’s largest expense—allowing producers to remain globally competitive on pricing. A key structural…