Dairy products: outlook & growth drivers in 2026

Global: a fast-moving category driven by value and innovation

The global dairy market is estimated at €1.074 trillion in 2024, on track to reach $1.243 trillion by 2028. The main value hubs in 2024 are India (~€159bn), China (~€157bn) and the United States (~€95bn). On the production side, the European Union accounts for 38% of volumes, ahead of Oceania (27%) and North America (11%).

Looking to 2032, global consumption is set to rise +14% in volume, while retail sales are expected to gain +28% in value by 2028—momentum that confirms premiumisation, stronger foodservice usage (6.1 Mt of cheese expected in foodservice by 2028) and the rise of alternatives (e.g. plant-based “cheeses”). Organic dairy remains a solid growth lever ($24bn in 2022, +4.8% vs 2021).

France: a solid market moving up the value curve

The dairy sector generated €27bn in sales in 2024 in France, with around 70% coming from cheese. On exports, the industry remains assertive: +3% in value ($9.3bn) despite a –4.8% drop in volume (2022 vs 2021). France is the #2 cheese exporter worldwide (approx. $6bn in 2023). Performance is underpinned by trading-up, product innovation (fresh, desserts, butter & spreads) and out-of-home. demand.

Note: In 2024, SIAL Paris partnered with the International Dairy Federation (IDF/FIL) and CNIEL (World Dairy Summit and the joint whitepaper “Dairy products: central to food sustainability and safety”), helping scale best-practice CSR across the French dairy sector.

Key trends to watch in 2025–2026

Smart premiumisation & usage value


retail value per purchase is set to rise (+28% worldwide, 2023–2028), powered by more technical propositions (affinage, fermentation, high-protein) and buoyant foodservice demand (6.1 Mt of cheese consumed in 2028). In France, expect more highly differentiated SKUs (AOP/PGI, origin-specific milks, clean-label recipes).

Naturalness, clean label & traceability


CSR commitments and end-to-end transparency are now decisive in retail/foodservice tenders: fewer additives, clear milk origin, lower-impact packaging. Flagship initiatives (RSE visitor paths, SIAL for Change) boost the visibility of credible programmes.

Organic & positive nutrition


organic dairy remains a growth lever ($24bn in 2022, +4.8% vs 2021), driven by high-value segments (cheese, functional yogurts, premium butters). Winning brands link health benefits and taste with proof of impact (footprint, animal welfare).

Foodservice & snacking reinvented


the out-of-home rebound is lifting the category (cheese ingredients, culinary creams, ready-to-serve desserts), with practical, multi-use formats and improved shelf life.

Alternatives & portfolio cohabitation


plant-based cheese alternatives are exploding, reshaping shelves and spurring “best-of-both-worlds” innovation (hybrid recipes, precision fermentation, shorter ingredient lists). Leading dairy players leverage fermentation and affinage know-how to defend taste, texture, and nutrition.

Selective export push


France’s competitiveness in cheese is a solid asset to secure growth relays across Europe, North America and Asia, with premium positioning and tight logistics (shelf life, optimised packaging).

Why exhibit at SIAL Paris as a dairy player?

The global business rendezvous for the dairy industry

SIAL Paris is the world’s marketplace for dairy—cheese, butter, cream, yogurts, desserts and alternatives.

With 295,000 professionals from 194+ countries (70% international), the show connects global leaders (Carrefour, Lactalis, Danone, Bel, Metro, Migros, etc.) with buyers seeking innovation and value.

It’s the go-to event to spot what’s next: fermentation, clean label, functional proteins, snacking and sustainable alternatives.

A growth and export accelerator

The global dairy market totals €1.074 trillion in 2024 and continues to grow (+14% in volume by 2032).

SIAL Paris brings together major international buyers and gives direct access to high-potential markets: Asia, Latin America and Northern Europe.

Each exhibitor secures on average 150 qualified meetings, and 88% close export deals. 

A global innovation showcase

The SIAL Innovation – Dairy Products award highlights the boldest concepts each year: fermented recipes, crunchy formats, functional ingredients.

SIAL for Change shines a light on leading CSR and sustainability initiatives, in connection with CNIEL and the World Dairy Summit.

Always-on global visibility

Exhibiting at SIAL Paris means unique media and digital reach: 755 journalists, 1.1M website visits and 100,000+ qualified contacts via the SIAL ecosystem.

Liquid milk poured into a metal spoon on an orange background

Exhibiting at SIAL Paris – dairy means you will:

  • Tap into a high-performing sector at the show: 407 dairy exhibitors, 86% international, 93% satisfied with the business climate.
  • Meet the most influential buyers in the global dairy industry.
  • Showcase your know-how and sustainability commitments: origin, animal welfare, traceability, CSR.
  • Grow sales and exports across high-potential markets.
  • Present your dairy, fermented or alternative innovations to international decision-makers.
  • Join the global dairy community, where tradition, innovation and sustainability meet.

Book your stand now and shape the future of dairy.

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