Top 20 Dairy Importing Companies Worldwide

Robert Gultig

16 October 2025

Top 20 Dairy Importing Companies Worldwide

User avatar placeholder
Written by Robert Gultig

16 October 2025

Introduction:
The global dairy industry is constantly evolving, with increasing demand for dairy products worldwide. In recent years, the top dairy importing companies have played a crucial role in meeting this demand. According to recent data, the global dairy market is estimated to reach $442.32 billion by 2025, with a compound annual growth rate of 5.4%.

Top 20 Dairy Importing Companies Worldwide:

1. Nestle
– Market share: 3.6%
– Nestle is a Swiss multinational food and beverage company known for its wide range of dairy products, including milk, cheese, and yogurt. With a strong global presence, Nestle continues to be a leader in the dairy industry.

2. Danone
– Market share: 2.8%
– Danone, a French multinational food-products corporation, is a major player in the dairy market. The company’s dairy division offers a variety of products, such as yogurt, milk, and cheese, catering to consumers worldwide.

3. Lactalis
– Market share: 2.4%
– Lactalis, a French dairy company, is one of the largest dairy producers in the world. With a focus on quality and innovation, Lactalis has established itself as a key player in the global dairy market.

4. Fonterra
– Market share: 2.1%
– Fonterra, a New Zealand dairy cooperative, is renowned for its high-quality dairy products. The company’s commitment to sustainability and customer satisfaction has helped it maintain a strong position in the dairy industry.

5. Arla Foods
– Market share: 1.9%
– Arla Foods, a Danish-Swedish dairy cooperative, is known for its organic dairy products. With a focus on ethical sourcing and environmental responsibility, Arla Foods has gained a loyal customer base worldwide.

6. Saputo
– Market share: 1.6%
– Saputo, a Canadian dairy company, is a major player in the global dairy market. The company’s diverse product portfolio, including cheese, milk, and butter, has helped it expand its presence in various regions.

7. Dairy Farmers of America
– Market share: 1.4%
– Dairy Farmers of America, a cooperative of dairy farmers in the United States, is a key player in the dairy industry. With a focus on sustainability and innovation, the cooperative continues to meet the growing demand for dairy products.

8. Meiji Holdings
– Market share: 1.2%
– Meiji Holdings, a Japanese food and beverage company, is known for its high-quality dairy products. The company’s commitment to product development and consumer satisfaction has helped it maintain a strong position in the global dairy market.

9. Mengniu Dairy
– Market share: 1.1%
– Mengniu Dairy, a Chinese dairy company, is a leading player in the dairy industry. The company’s focus on quality and innovation has helped it expand its market share both domestically and internationally.

10. Yili Group
– Market share: 1.0%
– Yili Group, a Chinese dairy company, is known for its diverse range of dairy products. With a strong focus on research and development, Yili Group continues to innovate and meet the changing needs of consumers.

11. Dean Foods
– Market share: 0.9%
– Dean Foods, an American food and beverage company, is a major player in the dairy industry. The company’s wide range of dairy products, including milk, ice cream, and yogurt, has helped it maintain a strong presence in the market.

12. FrieslandCampina
– Market share: 0.8%
– FrieslandCampina, a Dutch dairy cooperative, is known for its high-quality dairy products. The company’s commitment to sustainability and innovation has helped it gain a competitive edge in the global dairy market.

13. Dairy Crest Group
– Market share: 0.7%
– Dairy Crest Group, a British dairy company, is known for its iconic brands of cheese and butter. The company’s focus on product quality and customer satisfaction has helped it maintain a strong position in the dairy industry.

14. Sodiaal
– Market share: 0.6%
– Sodiaal, a French dairy cooperative, is one of the largest dairy producers in Europe. The company’s commitment to sustainability and animal welfare has helped it establish a strong reputation in the dairy market.

15. Unilever
– Market share: 0.5%
– Unilever, a British-Dutch multinational consumer goods company, offers a variety of dairy products under its various brands. With a focus on innovation and sustainability, Unilever continues to be a key player in the global dairy industry.

16. Inner Mongolia Yili Industrial Group
– Market share: 0.4%
– Inner Mongolia Yili Industrial Group, a Chinese dairy company, is known for its high-quality dairy products. The company’s commitment to research and development has helped it expand its market share both domestically and internationally.

17. Mengniu Dairy
– Market share: 0.3%
– Mengniu Dairy, a Chinese dairy company, is a major player in the global dairy market. The company’s diverse product portfolio, including milk, yogurt, and cheese, has helped it gain a competitive edge in the industry.

18. Schreiber Foods
– Market share: 0.2%
– Schreiber Foods, an American dairy company, is known for its cheese and dairy ingredients. The company’s focus on quality and innovation has helped it maintain a strong position in the dairy industry.

19. Land O’Lakes
– Market share: 0.1%
– Land O’Lakes, an American agricultural cooperative, is a key player in the dairy industry. The company’s commitment to sustainability and farmer support has helped it establish a strong presence in the market.

20. Sodiaal
– Market share: 0.1%
– Sodiaal, a French dairy cooperative, is one of the largest dairy producers in Europe. With a focus on quality and innovation, Sodiaal continues to be a leader in the global dairy market.

Insights:
Looking ahead, the global dairy market is expected to continue growing, driven by increasing consumer demand for dairy products. As consumers become more health-conscious and seek out high-quality, sustainable products, dairy companies will need to innovate and adapt to meet these changing needs. Additionally, the rise of e-commerce and digital marketing is expected to reshape the dairy industry, providing new opportunities for companies to reach consumers directly. Overall, the top dairy importing companies worldwide will need to focus on sustainability, innovation, and consumer engagement to stay competitive in the evolving dairy market.

Related Analysis: View Previous Industry Report

Author: Robert Gultig in conjunction with ESS Research Team

Robert Gultig is a veteran Managing Director and International Trade Consultant with over 20 years of experience in global trading and market research. Robert leverages his deep industry knowledge and strategic marketing background (BBA) to provide authoritative market insights in conjunction with the ESS Research Team. If you would like to contribute articles or insights, please join our team by emailing support@essfeed.com.
View Robert’s LinkedIn Profile →