Thailand Dairy Market Analysis

Thailand, situated in Southeast Asia, has a burgeoning dairy industry that caters to both domestic and international markets. Recently, U.S. dry whey exports to Thailand have surged by 80%, reflecting the country's growing demand for dairy products.

Milk Production and Dairy Cattle

As of the latest data, Thailand has approximately 550,000 dairy cattle producing around 1.4 million tonnes of milk per year. The dairy goat population is also notable, contributing to niche markets.

Milk Processing and Production

The volume of milk processing in Thailand stands at about 1.2 million tonnes annually. Cheese production is still developing, currently at approximately 5,000 tonnes per year. Efforts continue to meet both domestic consumption and international standards. Thailand also produces around 15,000 tonnes of milk powder and whey per year, with a significant portion being imported to meet the high demand.

Key Enterprises and Farms

The major players in Thailand's dairy market include:

• Thai Dairy Co., Ltd.
• Dutch Mill Co., Ltd.
• FrieslandCampina Thailand
• Maeil Dairies Thailand

Important dairy farms contributing to milk production are:

• Muaklek Dairy Farm
• Charoen Pokphand (CP) Group farms

Exports and Imports

Thailand's export of dairy products includes mainly milk powder and UHT (Ultra-High Temperature) milk, totaling around 20,000 tonnes per year. On the import side, Thailand brings in approximately 25,000 tonnes of dairy products annually to balance domestic consumption needs, including significant imports of milk powder and whey.

Significant Market Events

One of the most pivotal recent events in Thailand's dairy market is the 80% surge in U.S. dry whey exports. This growth underscores Thailand's increasing demand for high-quality dairy ingredients for both industrial use and direct consumption.

Fonterra, New Zealand’s dairy cooperative, is enhancing supply chain management to deliver stronger returns in Thailand.

References

• U.S. Dairy Export Council
• Thailand's Department of Livestock Development
• International Dairy Federation

Modified: 2025/02/05

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