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For World Milk Day on June 1, we’re celebrating dairy industry innovation that’s shaping the future to embrace the needs of sustainability-minded, health-conscious consumers.
World Milk Day, established by the UN Food and Agriculture Organization in 2001, is a day that highlights the vital role of milk in nutrition and livelihoods. An exciting variety of events, from conferences and seminars to farm tours, exhibitions, and tastings marks this internationally celebrated day!
Dairy touches lives in so many ways. It plays a crucial role in nutrition, providing essential nutrients like high-quality protein, calcium, vitamin D, and potassium that are needed for growth, development, and overall health. Around the world, milk and dairy products are a key part of balanced diets, supporting the nutritional needs of people of all ages, at all stages of life.
Beyond nutrition, dairy contributes significantly to global food security by offering a consistent, affordable, and accessible source of nourishment. It also supports livelihoods for millions of farmers and workers, strengthening rural economies.
A prime example of dairy’s importance is India, the world’s most populous nation and the leading dairy consumer. Here, dairy is a major part of rural life, providing millions of families with a reliable source of income and nourishment and contributing to the long-term resilience of the food system through an increasing focus on sustainable agriculture.
| Country | Annual Consumption (in 1,000 metric tons) |
|---|---|
| India | 89,000 |
| EU | 23,600 |
| US | 20,400 |
| China | 17,000 |
| Brazil | 11,000 |
| Russia | 6,700 |
| UK | 6,170 |
| Mexico | 4,260 |
| Japan | 3,820 |
| Ukraine | 3,490 |
| Canada | 2,775 |
Glanbia’s commitment to sustainable dairy farming practices is far-reaching. We aim to protect the environment through responsible stewardship, reducing carbon in our operations (while also reducing water use and waste), and taking action on climate change through science-based targets.
Over the past year, nutritional value has become a more important factor for nearly one in three consumers when purchasing foods and beverages.¹ For dairy consumption, the top health-related motivations are bone and joint health (48%), protein intake (43%), and digestive health (37%).²
Consumers are especially drawn to clean-label dairy products featuring non-GMO and natural claims, with "free from additives" claims also ranking highly.³ Interest in specific attributes has risen sharply over the last two years, with more consumers attracted to low and no-fat (up +10 percentage points), organic (+11 ppt), and lactose-free options (+12 ppt).⁴
Lactose awareness among consumers ranks relatively high in growth regions, with a sizable proportion of consumers limiting lactose in their diets in Mexico (25%), India (20%), and Brazil (18%).5
| Product Claim | % of Consumers (global) |
|---|---|
| Non-GMO | 71% |
| Natural | 71% |
| Free from additives | 66% |
| Less sugar/sugar-free | 59% |
| Low fat/no fat | 44% |
| Lactose-free | 38% |
| Organic | 34% |
While dairy alternatives are growing in popularity, they continue to occupy a relatively niche segment of the market. In the US, when dairy consumers were asked to evaluate 14 potential attributes of dairy products, plant-based options ranked lowest in terms of purchase intent and willingness to pay a premium.⁶
Meanwhile, enthusiasm for traditional, animal-based dairy remains strong; nearly two-thirds of consumers report there is nothing that limits their dairy consumption.⁷
Consumer preferences continue to drive innovation at Glanbia Nutritionals. As dairy ingredient experts, we meet consumer demand through products such as organic and non-GMO cheeses and specially processed whey protein isolates (WPI) with very low lactose and fat.
Consumers’ desire for natural, additive-free dairy reflects a return to the expectation of traditional, wholesome milk and is motivated by health. However, other clean label attributes such as non-GMO and organic span health and environmental concerns.
Glanbia’s R&D continuously innovates to address evolving consumer preferences and is proud to offer a full line of Certified Organic Cheeses that includes Cheddar, Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, Parmesan, Colby Jack, and Mozzarella. Non-GMO Project verified and pasture-fed certificates are also available.
Another aspect of consumers’ changing preferences is the interest in adapting dairy to their specific dietary needs, such as fat-, sugar-, or lactose-free. While we achieve organic, non-GMO, and pasture-fed options through a rigorous focus on agricultural practices, adjusting milk’s nutritional profile relies on ingredient processing technology.
To produce our low-lactose, low-fat Provon® Whey Protein Isolates, for example, we use an advanced cross-flow microfiltration process. This creates a highly pure WPI that retains the full spectrum of undenatured proteins naturally found in whey and is soluble in a wide range of pHs.
As we move to advance the industry through a combination of science and sustainability, we invite you to join us and share the benefits of dairy industry innovation with your consumers!
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