Global Dairy Market Outlook
Milk is a global commodity — milk and dairy products account for about 14% of global agricultural trade. The global dairy market is growing at a stellar rate, projected to reach USD 587.5 Billion by 2027; led by stellar performances and production from the top 10 dairy companies in the world in 2020 to meet rising global demand. The biggest dairy companies in the world by revenue are Nestlé, Lactalis, and Danone. While the top dairy producer in the world by production is Dairy Farmers of America. This article will breakdown the details of the top 10 dairy companies in the world in 2020 by revenue and milk production market share.
Additionally, this article will also dive into the top global dairy market insights, including:
- Who are the biggest dairy companies in the world by revenue and milk production?
- How much is the global dairy market worth?
- Global dairy market statistics and trends you should know in 2020.
- What is the largest dairy farm in the U.S.?
BizVibe is already helping users connect with the top dairy companies in the world. Connect, network, and engage with these companies today.
Global Dairy Market Stats and Trends
- In 2019, the volume of the dairy market worldwide was estimated to be about 225 metric tons, which is projected to grow to 234 metric tons by 2021.
- The U.S. Accounts for Over 27% of the Global Dairy Market Size in 2020, While China is Forecast to Grow at a 6.4% CAGR for the Period by 2027.
- The global dairy market is estimated at USD 458.1 billion in 2020 and is projected to reach USD 587.5 Billion by 2027, growing at a CAGR of 3.6% by 2027.
- Whole fresh cow milk represents 82.7% of global milk production, followed by milk from buffaloes (13.3%), goats (2.3%), sheep (1.3%), and camels (0.4%).
- Milk and dairy products account for about 14% of global agricultural trade.
Top 10 Dairy Companies in the World 2020
What are the biggest dairy companies in the world? This is BizVibe’s list of the top 10 dairy companies in the world ranked by revenue generated from dairy products in USD billions.
Rank |
Dairy Company |
Dairy Product Revenue (USD billions) |
Country |
| 1 | Nestlé | 24.3 | Switzerland |
| 2 | Lactalis | 20.8 | France |
| 3 | Danone | 18 | France |
| 4 | Fonterra | 14.3 | New Zealand |
| 5 | FrieslandCampina | 13.8 | Netherlands |
| 6 | Dairy Farmers of America | 13.6 | USA |
| 7 | Arla Foods | 12.4 | Denmark/Sweden |
| 8 | Yili Group | 11.2 | China |
| 9 | Saputo Inc. | 11 | Canada |
| 10 | Mengniu Dairy | 10.3 | China |
| 11 | Dean Foods | 7.5 | USA |
| 12 | Unilever | 6.7 | Netherlands |
| 13 | Deutsches Milchkontor | 6.7 | Germany |
| 14 | Kraft Heinz | 6 | USA |
| 15 | Sodiaal | 6 | France |
| 16 | Meiji Holdings | 5.8 | Japan |
| 17 | Savencia Fromage & Dairy | 5.7 | France |
| 18 | Amul | 5.3 | India |
| 19 | Agropur | 5.2 | Canada |
| 20 | Schreiber Foods | 5.1 | USA |
| 21 | Müller | 5.1 | Germany |
1. Nestlé
Nestlé ranks number 1 on our list of the top 10 dairy companies in the world in 2020. Nestlé generates USD 24.3 billion in revenues from dairy products. Nestlé is also responsible for 1.6% of the world’s milk production — making it one of the biggest dairy companies in the world by revenue and milk production. Nestlé is a Swiss multinational food and drinks processing conglomerate corporation headquartered in Vevey, Vaud, Switzerland. It is the largest food company in the world, measured by revenue and other metrics, since 2014. Nestlé has 447 factories, operates in 189 countries, and employs around 339,000 people. Aside from dairy products, Nestlé’s products include baby food, medical food, bottled water, breakfast cereals, coffee and tea, confectionery, dairy products, ice cream, frozen food, pet foods, and snacks. Twenty-nine of Nestlé’s brands have annual sales of over USD 1.1 billion.
- Founded: 1866
- Nestlé Headquarters: Vevey, Vaud, Switzerland
- Nestlé Dairy Revenue: USD 24.3 billion
- Nestlé Market Share of Milk Production (World): 1.6%
- Nestlé Number of Employees: 352,000
2. Lactalis
Lactalis ranks 2nd on this list of the largest dairy processors in the world in 2020. Lactalis is a French multinational dairy products corporation, owned by the Besnier family and based in Laval, Mayenne, France. Lactalis owns brands such as Parmalat, Président, Siggi’s Dairy, Skånemejerier, Rachel’s Organic, and Stonyfield Farm. Lactalis generates USD 20.8 billion from dairy products — making it one of the top dairy producers in the world by revenue. Lactalis also produces 2.4% of the world’s milk.
- Founded: 1933
- Lactalis Headquarters: Laval, Mayenne, France
- Lactalis Dairy Revenue: USD 20.8 billion
- Lactalis Market Share of Milk Production (World): 2.4%
- Lactalis Number of Employees: 75,000
3. Danone
Danone ranks 3rd on this list of the top 10 dairy companies in the world in 2020. Danone S.A. is a French multinational food-product corporation based in Paris and founded in Barcelona, Spain. Danone generates USD 18 billion from dairy products annually and is responsible for 1% of the world’s total milk production.
- Founded: 1919
- Danone Headquarters: Paris, France
- Danone Dairy Revenue: USD 18 billion
- Danone Market Share of Milk Production (World): 1%
- Danone Number of Employees: 102,449
4. Fonterra
Fonterra ranks 4th on this list of the top 10 largest dairy companies in the world in 2020. Fonterra is a New Zealand multinational publicly traded dairy co-operative owned by around 10,500 New Zealand farmers. The company is responsible for approximately 30% of the world’s dairy exports. Fonterra revenues from the dairy industry generated USD 14.3 billion last year — making Fonterra New Zealand’s largest company. Fonterra is responsible for 2.8% of the world’s milk production.
- Founded: 2001
- Fonterra Headquarters: Auckland, New Zealand
- Fonterra Dairy Revenue: USD 14.3 billion
- Fonterra Market Share of Milk Production (World): 2.8%
- Fonterra Number of Employees: 21,400
5. FrieslandCampina
FrieslandCampina ranks 5th on this list of the top dairy companies in the world. FrieslandCampina is a Dutch multinational dairy cooperative that is based in Amersfoort, Netherlands. FrieslandCampina has branch offices in 33 countries and employs a total of 21,927 people. FrieslandCampina’s main brands are Friesche Vlag (or Frisian Flag in Indonesian market), Chocomel, Fristi, Friso, Dutch Lady, Milner, Campina, Landliebe, Optimel, and Mona. FrieslandCampina’s products are sold in more than 100 countries. FrieslandCampina generates USD 13.8 billion and produces 1.6% of the world’s milk — making it one of the largest dairy companies in the world in 2020.
- Founded: 2008
- FrieslandCampina Headquarters: Amersfoort, Netherlands
- FrieslandCampina Dairy Revenue: USD 13.8 billion
- FrieslandCampina Market Share of Milk Production (World): 1.6%
- FrieslandCampina Number of Employees: 22,000
6. Dairy Farmers of America
What is the largest dairy farm in the US? Dairy Farmers of America is the largest dairy farm in the USA and 6th on this list of the top 10 dairy companies in the world in 2020. airy Farmers of America Inc. (DFA) is a national milk marketing cooperative in the United States. It is owned by and serves more than 14,500 dairy farmer-members representing more than 8,500 dairy farms in 48 states. DFA markets members’ raw milk and sells milk and derivative products (dairy products, food components, ingredients, and shelf-stable dairy products) to wholesale buyers both domestically and abroad. Dairy Farmers of America produces 3.5% of the world’s milk — making it the largest producer of milk in the world in 2020.
- Founded: 1998
- Dairy Farmers of America Headquarters: Kansas City, Kansas, United States
- Dairy Farmers of America Dairy Revenue: USD 13.6 billion
- Dairy Farmers of America Market Share of Milk Production (World): 3.5%
- Dairy Farmers of America Number of Employees: 6,000
7. Arla Foods
Arla Foods ranks 7th on this list of the top 10 largest dairy companies in the world in 2020. Arla Foods is a Danish-Swedish multinational cooperative based in Viby, Denmark, and the largest producer of dairy products in Scandinavia. Arla Foods generates USD 12.4 billion annually from dairy products. Arla Foods is responsible for 1.7% of the world’s milk production.
- Founded: 2000
- Arla Foods Headquarters: Viby, Denmark
- Arla Foods Dairy Revenue: USD 12.4 billion
- Arla Foods Market Share of Milk Production (World): 1.7%
- Arla Foods Number of Employees: 18,765
8. Yili Group
Yili Group ranks 8th on this list of the top 10 dairy companies in the world by revenue. Yili Group generates USD 11.2 billion in revenues, making it the 8th largest dairy company in the world by dairy revenues. Yili Group is a Chinese dairy products producer headquartered in Hohhot, Inner Mongolia. Yili Group produces 0.9% of the world’s total milk.
- Founded: 1993
- Yili Group Headquarters: Hohhot, Inner Mongolia, China
- Yili Group Dairy Revenue: USD 11.2 billion
- Yili Group Market Share of Milk Production (World): 0.9%
9. Saputo Inc.
Saputo Inc. ranks 9th on this list of the biggest dairy companies in the world by revenue. Saputo Inc. is a Montreal-based Canadian dairy company founded in 1954 by the Saputo family. Currently, Saputo produces, markets, and distributes a wide array of dairy products, including cheese, fluid milk, extended shelf-life milk, and cream products, cultured products, and dairy ingredients. Saputo is the largest dairy producer in Canada. Saputo Inc. generates USD 11 billion from dairy annually and is responsible for 1.2% of the world’s total milk production.
- Founded: 1954
- Saputo Inc. Headquarters: Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Saputo Inc. Dairy Revenue: USD 11 billion
- Saputo Inc. Market Share of Milk Production (World): 1.2%
- Saputo Inc. Number of Employees: 16,800
10. Mengniu Dairy
Rounding out BizVibe’s list of the top 10 dairy companies in the world is Mengniu Dairy. Mengniu Dairy is a Chinese manufacturing and distribution company of dairy products and ice cream. Mengniu Dairy is headquartered in Hohhot, Inner Mongolia, and manufactures dairy products under the Mengniu brand. Mengniu Dairy generates USD 10.3 billion in revenues from dairy products annually and is responsible for 0.8% of the world’s total milk production.
- Founded: 1995
- Mengniu Dairy Headquarters: Hohhot, Inner Mongolia, China
- Mengniu Dairy Dairy Revenue: USD 10.3 billion
- Mengniu Dairy Market Share of Milk Production (World): 0.8%
- Mengniu Dairy Number of Employees: 30,000
This is BizVibe’s list of the top 10 dairy companies in the world in 2020 based on revenue figures. These companies are directly contributing to the stellar growth of the global dairy market.
Reach out to the biggest dairy companies in the world on BizVibe
Top Dairy Producers by Milk Production Market Share
Which companies produce the most milk in the world? This is BizVibe’s list of the top dairy companies in the world ranked by their market share of the world’s milk production.
Rank |
Dairy Company |
Milk Production Market Share |
Country |
| 1 | Dairy Farmers of America | 3.5% | USA |
| 2 | Fonterra | 2.8% | New Zealand |
| 3 | Lactalis | 2.4% | France |
| 4 | Arla Foods | 1.7% | Denmark/Sweden |
| 5 | Nestlé | 1.6% | Switzerland |
| 6 | FrieslandCampina | 1.6% | Netherlands |
| 7 | Saputo Inc. | 1.2% | Canada |
| 8 | Dean Foods | 1.1% | USA |
| 9 | Amul | 1.1% | India |
| 10 | Danone | 1.0% | France |
| 11 | Yili Group | 0.9% | China |
| 12 | Mengniu Dairy | 0.8% | China |
| 13 | Agropur | 0.8% | Canada |
| 14 | Sodiaal | 0.6% | France |
| 15 | Müller | 0.6% | Germany |
| 16 | Savencia Fromage & Dairy | 0.5% | France |
| 17 | Schreiber Foods | 0.5% | USA |
- Dairy Farmers of America produces the most milk in the world. Dairy Farmers of America produces 3.5% of the world’s milk.
- Fonterra is responsible for 2.8% of the world’s milk production — the world’s 2nd biggest milk producer.
The Future of the Global Dairy Market
Looking past 2020, consumption of dairy isn’t expected to decline anytime soon as milk continues to play a vital part in good health and nutrition. Milk truly is a global commodity and expect the market to continue being led by the top 10 dairy companies in the world.
