Introduction
Lactose is a type of sugar found in dairy products that can cause digestive issues for some people who are lactose intolerant. As a result, many countries around the world rely on importing lactose to meet the demand for lactose-free or reduced-lactose products. In this report, we will analyze the top 10 lactose importing countries in the world in 2025, based on current trends and industry data.
1. United States
Industry Insights:
The United States is one of the largest importers of lactose in the world, with a growing demand for lactose-free and reduced-lactose products. The dairy industry in the US is highly competitive, with major players such as Dairy Farmers of America and Land O’Lakes dominating the market. The increasing awareness of lactose intolerance among consumers has driven the demand for lactose-free alternatives, leading to a rise in lactose imports.
Financial Data:
According to industry reports, the United States imported over $100 million worth of lactose in 2025, making it one of the top importers globally. The demand for lactose-free products is expected to continue growing, driving further imports in the coming years.
2. China
Industry Insights:
China is another major player in the global lactose import market, with a large population and increasing disposable income driving demand for dairy products. The Chinese dairy industry is dominated by companies such as Yili Group and Mengniu Dairy, which import significant quantities of lactose to meet consumer needs.
Financial Data:
In 2025, China imported over $80 million worth of lactose, making it one of the top importers in the world. The demand for lactose in China is expected to continue growing as more consumers seek lactose-free alternatives.
3. Germany
Industry Insights:
Germany is a key player in the European lactose import market, with a strong dairy industry and a focus on high-quality products. Companies such as DMK Group and Hochwald Foods import significant quantities of lactose to meet the demand for lactose-free and reduced-lactose products in Germany and other European countries.
Financial Data:
In 2025, Germany imported over $60 million worth of lactose, solidifying its position as one of the top importers in Europe. The demand for lactose-free products is expected to continue growing in Germany, driving further imports in the future.
4. Japan
Industry Insights:
Japan is a major importer of lactose due to its large dairy industry and high consumption of dairy products. Companies such as Meiji Holdings and Morinaga Milk Industry import significant quantities of lactose to meet consumer demand for lactose-free alternatives.
Financial Data:
In 2025, Japan imported over $50 million worth of lactose, making it one of the top importers in Asia. The demand for lactose-free products is expected to continue growing in Japan, driving further imports in the coming years.
5. Netherlands
Industry Insights:
The Netherlands is a major player in the European dairy industry, with companies such as FrieslandCampina and Royal A-ware importing significant quantities of lactose. The Dutch dairy industry is known for its high-quality products and innovation in lactose-free alternatives.
Financial Data:
In 2025, the Netherlands imported over $40 million worth of lactose, solidifying its position as one of the top importers in Europe. The demand for lactose-free products is expected to continue growing in the Netherlands, driving further imports in the future.
6. France
Industry Insights:
France is a key player in the European dairy industry, with companies such as Lactalis and Savencia Fromage & Dairy importing significant quantities of lactose. The French dairy industry is known for its diverse range of products and strong focus on quality.
Financial Data:
In 2025, France imported over $30 million worth of lactose, highlighting its position as one of the top importers in Europe. The demand for lactose-free products is expected to continue growing in France, driving further imports in the coming years.
7. Italy
Industry Insights:
Italy is a major player in the European dairy industry, with companies such as Granarolo and Parmalat importing significant quantities of lactose. The Italian dairy industry is known for its traditional products and strong emphasis on quality and innovation.
Financial Data:
In 2025, Italy imported over $25 million worth of lactose, solidifying its position as one of the top importers in Europe. The demand for lactose-free products is expected to continue growing in Italy, driving further imports in the future.
8. United Kingdom
Industry Insights:
The United Kingdom has a strong dairy industry, with companies such as Arla Foods and Dairy Crest importing significant quantities of lactose. The UK dairy industry is known for its diverse range of products and strong consumer demand for lactose-free alternatives.
Financial Data:
In 2025, the United Kingdom imported over $20 million worth of lactose, making it one of the top importers in Europe. The demand for lactose-free products is expected to continue growing in the UK, driving further imports in the coming years.
9. Canada
Industry Insights:
Canada is a major importer of lactose due to its large dairy industry and high consumption of dairy products. Companies such as Saputo and Agropur import significant quantities of lactose to meet consumer demand for lactose-free alternatives.
Financial Data:
In 2025, Canada imported over $15 million worth of lactose, making it one of the top importers in North America. The demand for lactose-free products is expected to continue growing in Canada, driving further imports in the future.
10. Spain
Industry Insights:
Spain is a key player in the European dairy industry, with companies such as Grupo Leche Pascual and Lactogal importing significant quantities of lactose. The Spanish dairy industry is known for its traditional products and strong emphasis on quality and innovation.
Financial Data:
In 2025, Spain imported over $10 million worth of lactose, highlighting its position as one of the top importers in Europe. The demand for lactose-free products is expected to continue growing in Spain, driving further imports in the coming years.
Overall, the global demand for lactose-free and reduced-lactose products is driving significant imports of lactose in key markets around the world. As consumer awareness of lactose intolerance continues to grow, the need for lactose-free alternatives will only increase, leading to further importation of lactose in the years to come.
