Overview of the U.S. Dairy Industry

The U.S. dairy industry is a critical sector in American agriculture. It includes the production, processing, and distribution of milk and milk products. The industry is known for its complexity, with a wide range of products from fluid milk to cheese, yogurt, and butter.

Criteria for Ranking

The top dairy producers are typically ranked based on various criteria, including:

1. Milk Production Volume: The total volume of milk produced is a primary factor.
2. Revenue: Financial performance can also be a key indicator.
3. Market Share: The percentage of the market controlled by a producer.
4. Geographical Spread: The extent of operations across different regions.
5. Product Diversity: The range of dairy products offered.

Top 10 Dairy Producers in the USA (as of early 2023)

1. Dairy Farmers of America (DFA)
   • Largest dairy cooperative in the USA.
   • Wide range of products including fluid milk, cheese, and dairy ingredients.
2. Dean Foods
   • One of the nation’s leading fluid milk processors.
   • Brands include DairyPure, TruMoo, and Friendly’s.
3. Land O’Lakes
   • Known for butter and cheese products.
   • Also a large cooperative with a strong presence in the Midwest.
4. California Dairies, Inc.
   • Largest dairy cooperative in California.
   • Specializes in butter, fluid milk, and milk powder.
5. Saputo Inc.
   • A global dairy company with significant operations in the USA.
   • Products include cheese, fluid milk, and specialty dairy items.
6. Agropur
   • Canadian cooperative with substantial operations in the USA.
   • Known for cheese and other dairy products.
7. Schreiber Foods
   • Private company specializing in yogurt, cheese, and other dairy products.
   • Supplies many food service and retail businesses.
8. Great Lakes Cheese
   • Major producer of cheese and dairy products.
   • Supplies to retail and food service sectors.
9. Kraft Heinz
   • Known for cheese products and other food items.
   • A major player in the dairy segment with brands like Philadelphia Cream Cheese.
10. Leprino Foods

• World’s largest producer of mozzarella cheese.
• Supplies cheese to many pizza chains and foodservice providers.

Notes and Considerations

• Market Dynamics: The dairy industry is subject to fluctuations due to factors like global demand, milk supply, and changes in consumer preferences.
• Sustainability and Innovation: Many producers are focusing on sustainability and innovative practices to meet changing market demands and environmental concerns.
• Recent Mergers and Acquisitions: The rankings can change due to mergers, acquisitions, and business restructurings.

Sources for Further Information

• Industry Reports: Reports from USDA, FAO, and dairy industry associations.
• Financial News: Bloomberg, Reuters, and industry-specific news sources.
• Company Reports: Annual reports and press releases from the companies themselves.

Related: The Top 8 Dairy Companies

Additional content: 16 Biggest Milk Companies in the US