The shape of things to come: Global dairy markets
We look at production, consumption and trade developments across major dairy-producing regions including the US, the EU, India, and China
Markets
What’s driving EU food and beverage exports?
We look at how key consumer trends and business objectives are shaping demand for EU produce in the bloc’s largest export market
EU-Mercosur FTA spells opportunities for EU agri-food producers
The ‘ground-breaking partnership’ paves the way for tariff-free access for European food and drinks products. Here’s where the opportunities lie
‘Pick low-hanging fruits’: Three key opportunities that can unlock Asia’s agrifood potential
Asia’s agrifood sector has three untapped opportunities: precision agriculture, farmer empowerment through financial inclusion, and food waste reduction.
Five takeaways from the latest USDA dairy consumption data
From butter’s best year on record to ice cream’s worst, here are the main takeaways from the latest US annual dairy consumption data
British farmers are facing a catch 22, experts say
From inheritance tax on farmland to a freeze on sustainability grants, British farmers are headed for a perfect storm of policy issues.
Egg dollar sales jump 51% in October on avian flu concerns, as listeria slices into lunch meat sales
Egg prices drove up dairy market dollar sales in October, while shoppers pulled back on deli meats over concerns of listeria ahead of the Thanksgiving and winter holiday season, according to Circana data shared in a recent International Dairy Deli Bakery...
Trump’s trade, immigration policies could spell trouble for US dairy
The incoming president has threatened tariffs on Mexico, Canada and China: all key markets for US dairy
How buoyant are global compound feed and agtech sectors?
Aidan Connolly, president of Agritech Capital, weighs in
Optimism among US producers in October
The latest Purdue University/CME Group Ag Economy Barometer recorded ‘an unexpected surge’ in farmer sentiment.
Asian dairy drive: Lactose-free milk innovation could be key for Nordic firms to gain foothold in region – Valio
Finnish dairy co-operative Valio believes a focus on lactose-free milk innovation with an identical taste profile to regular dairy is the way to gain more prominent recognition within the Asian dairy market.
‘Sunburnt and discoloured’: Japan steps up efforts to mitigate global warming impact on food security and quality
Japan is seeking to alleviate the impact of global warming on its domestic food supply chain after new data showed how rising temperatures are hitting crops and increasing food loss.
USDA wants more organic dairy in US schools: what this means for producers
A new promotional initiative will create business opportunities for small and mid-sized organic dairies.
The US spent €1.5bn more on EU food imports and here’s why
The US has bolstered agri-food imports, making it the largest value increase of all nations buying in EU produce. China, however, reduced value imports more than any other nation.
Wisconsin Cheese is challenging what 'American cheese' means to Europeans
At SIAL Paris 2024, the State of Cheese showcased some of its finest products. But are Europeans ready to embrace US-made specialty cheese?
US farmer sentiment weakest since COVID-19 pandemic
Ahead of November’s US presidential election, farmer sentiment has dipped to levels not since April 2020 – with key indices at their lowest in 8 years.
The Milky Way: Transformation of Nepal’s dairy sector 'an example' for Asian countries seeking modernisation
The Milky Way Program, which aims to modernise Nepal’s dairy sector by improving dairy herd genetics, farming practices, and milk quality, could provide a blueprint for other low and middle-income countries.
WHO infant nutrition guidelines spark controversy over complementary feeding and formula policies in Australia
World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines have ignited debate in Australia over when to introduce complementary food into an infant’s diet, and the policies governing of infant formula manufacturers.
How EU’s butterfat shortage is influencing global dairy markets
Market seasonality typically means that cream availability improves in November and December as milk output increases and fresh demand softens – but demand for cheese is set to keep EU butterfat supplies tight.
Arla, First Milk, Muller raise farmgate milk prices amidst ‘positive momentum’ in commodity markets
Dairy processors have increased the prices paid to milk suppliers thanks to a rebound in the global dairy market.
Labor shortages squeeze farmers, Arla Foods UK data shows
Data released by the UK’s largest dairy co-op revealed producers continue to grapple with recruitment challenges, impacting milk production and farmer outlook.
Will EU artisanal cheesemakers lose out from the new US-Chile FTA?
US cheese exporters will be allowed to use terms such as ‘parmesan’ to market products in Chile – but where does that leave EU producers that export GI-protected cheeses?
USDA raises dairy wholesale price forecasts, revises down production
The US Department of Agriculture has lowered some of its inventory and production forecasts but raised its wholesale price forecasts.
'Sustainable products have to win the health battle,' Mintel on environmental trends in food, beverage
As greenwashing leads to "greenhushing," consumers are focusing on sustainable food and beverage claims that tap into their sense of health and self-preservation, with air quality and water conservation attributes set to take off in the US, Mintel shared...
How is China’s growing milk supply affecting global dairy exports?
The world’s largest dairy importer has turned increasingly dairy self-sufficient. How is this impacting key commodity exports?
Butter, sugar and bakery prices rocket in Germany
Despite Germany’s producer prices dropping overall, some commodities have risen by over a third.
Protection push: China opens anti-subsidy investigation into EU-imported dairy products after industry demands
The Chinese Ministry of Commerce (MoC) has agreed to local dairy industry demands for an anti-subsidy investigation to be conducted on certain dairy products imported from the European Union (EU).
UK bank HSBC offers farmers discounted loan fees to support sustainable practices
Farming businesses on the journey to more sustainable practices can now receive discounts on loan fees as part of a new HSBC UK initiative.
US farmer sentiment nosedives over low commodity prices
Declining crop prices have dragged down farmer sentiment in the August 2024 Purdue University/CME Group Ag Economy Barometer.
EU food industry pushes for transparency in gene editing regulations
Over 370 food companies and retailers from 16 countries are urging the EU Agriculture Council to prioritize transparency, labelling, and fair competition in the forthcoming regulations on NGTs.
Dairy majors’ combined turnover flattens on weak milk prices, poor M&A activity
Rabobank’s global dairy top 20 reveals the impact of lower milk prices in 2023 as fewer than half of the companies maintained their place in the standings.
US dairies gain a new route into the US carbon markets
The dairy soils programs launched by Truterra, Land O’Lakes’ sustainability business, can bring benefits to both suppliers and eco-conscious food manufacturers alike.
‘Anything could change’: Dairy-producing states remain key in US election race as Harris takes the lead
We look at the latest polling data across some of the major dairy states and what it means for the 2024 US presidential election.
US expects strong corn, soybean yield with ‘positive’ milk over feed margins
Milk over feed margins are ‘in the best spot they’ve been in years’ according to Ever.Ag analysts, while US corn and soybean production is set to grow.
As US farmer sentiment improves, low livestock prices worry producers
The Ag Economy Barometer improved in July as farmers were upbeat on both current and future prospects.
British dairy continues to consolidate as producer numbers slip
Around 6% of Britain’s dairy farmers have left the industry in the past year, according to AHDB data. What’s driving this – and is there a way around it?
Effects of heat stress on dairy cows ‘expected to intensify’
There’s a ‘pressing need’ to explore alternative strategies for managing heat stress in the US dairy herd, experts told us.
How US dairy states hold the keys to the White House
The 2024 US presidential election is set to be a close contest – and key dairy-producing states may be the difference between winning or losing.
First B-Corp certified farm in Europe leads on sustainability and animal welfare
A dairy farm in Europe has been certified B Corp, the first in Europe to acquire the coveted certification. How did they do it?
Made in New Zealand: LittleOak launching ready-to-drink goat milk for 0-4-year-olds
LittleOak is set to launch a ready-to-drink (RTD) goat milk product in Asia, which it claims to be the first in the region not to contain palm oil.
How Ireland got a handle on its agriculture emissions
Ireland's enteric emissions are at their lowest level since 2018 while GHG from manure and soils have been consistently decreasing. What’s driving this?
Dairy descriptors: Taiwan drafts new regulations to ensure milk product clarity for consumers
Taiwanese authorities have drafted a new set of regulations for milk product labelling in the country, in the hope of reducing consumer confusion regarding the various items available on supermarket shelves.
Urgent need for ag-food sector in middle-income countries to ramp up emissions reduction efforts: World Bank report
The global ag-food system has the potential to significantly reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, with middle-income countries (MICs) in particular needing to reverse their collective role as the world’s largest emitters of GHGs related to ag-food.
China Focus: Coconut yoghurt brand Yeyo, new packaging rules, cage-free eggs, and growth in the baijiu and dairy sectors
In this edition of China Focus, we feature coconut yoghurt brand Yeyo’s expansion plans, new packaging rules for tea, ensuring authenticity of cage-free eggs, incentivising the baijiu and dairy sectors, and how distribution gains are driving China’s...
USDA lowers egg production forecast amid bird flu outbreaks; higher egg prices to seep into 2025
The USDA has lowered its US egg production forecast due to recent discoveries of avian influenza in commercial laying flocks.
Are food producers making the most of the cottage cheese trend?
Cottage cheese is growing in both volume and pricing in the US, making the category ripe for innovation. But are manufacturers taking advantage – and why should they?
Canada to invest CA$1.7m to improve beef and dairy cattle genetics
The funding will be put towards artificial intelligence, machine learning and other new technologies able to capture genetic traits data more efficiently.
‘Clear direction’ needed: Thailand drafts new alt-protein policies that ban certain animal-related terms for plant-based products
The Thai government has published draft regulations on governance over the alternative proteins industry starting with the plant-based sector, and has suggested banning certain animal-related terms but allowing others.
‘Very different markets’: China’s immense protein needs continue to propel plant-based dairy demand – experts
China’s large population and enormous protein requirements has given the local plant-based dairy sector room to continue to grow in a ‘very different’ way from plant-based meat, according to local industry leader Yeyo.
Nutri-Score for animal welfare? Food agency proposes A-E labelling
A five-level classification labelling system for animal welfare is being proposed in France.