Dairy Industry in the Philippines
The Philippines, strategically located in Southeast Asia, is becoming a vital participant in the global dairy industry. The country shows a clear commitment to growth, as evidenced by its dairy cattle population, which is approximately 615,000. This expansion is part of the country’s strategy to satisfy the increasing demand for dairy products.
Milk Production and Processing
In 2022, the Philippines produced around 24.38 million liters of milk. This increase in production is attributed to better farming techniques and the introduction of imported dairy cattle breeds. Of the total milk produced, approximately 23.5 million liters are processed annually. This reflects effective collaboration between cooperatives and private processing plants to maximize milk output.
Cheese and Milk Powder Production
Cheese production in the Philippines is on the rise, with about 1,500 metric tons produced annually. This caters to both local consumption and export markets. Furthermore, the country produces approximately 4,000 metric tons of milk powder each year, which is primarily consumed locally, with some quantities being exported.
Key Dairy Facilities
Prominent dairy plants in the Philippines include the Alaminos Dairy Cooperative, DVF Dairy Farm, Laguna Creamery, Inc., and the Philippine Carabao Center Dairy Farm. Notable dairy farms in the region include the Batangas Dairy Producers Cooperative, Bohol Dairy Cooperative, Gatas ng Kalabaw Farmers Cooperative, and Pantaleon Livestock & Poultry Farm.
Export and Import of Dairy Products
The Philippines exports around 3,000 metric tons of dairy products annually, including cheese, milk powder, and condensed milk, primarily to other Asian markets. To meet domestic needs, the country imports approximately 110,000 metric tons of dairy products each year, including milk powder, cheese, butter, and UHT milk. Key suppliers to the Philippines are New Zealand, the United States, and Australia.
Recent Events in the Dairy Industry
The Philippines is gaining attention in the global dairy market, as highlighted by Fonterra's decision to outsource financial services to Manila. The government's Dairy Industry Roadmap 2025 aims to boost local milk production and reduce import dependency. As of September, there has been a 34% increase in NFDM/SMP exports to Southeast Asia. The Philippines remains a prominent market for Malaysian palm oil and is among the top importers of South Korean ice cream, with imports valued at $1.1 million in July.
Darigold, Inc. has re-entered the Philippine market after a 50-year hiatus, while the Spanish brand Yolé has opened its first standalone store in Robinsons Place Manila. The USDA predicts increased demand for key dairy products like whole milk powder and cheese. Although US exports to the Philippines have declined by 12% due to trade tensions, the Philippines remains a significant market for US exports. Farm Fresh has increased its presence in the Philippines as part of its expansion in Southeast Asia. Ace International exports dairy products, including whey proteins and milk powder, to the Philippines, while Mengniu's ice cream brand 'Aice' is the second largest in the ready-to-eat ice cream market. Feihe has chosen the Philippines as its entry point into the Southeast Asian market.
A representative from the ALAFOP Federation of the Philippines participated in an important event, emphasizing the relevance of industrial automation for companies. The Philippines has emerged as the largest destination for Indonesian dairy products. Meanwhile, Uruguay is negotiating sanitary agreements with the Philippines, aiming to open export channels for beef and mutton to the region.
Modified: 2026/07/13