Thailand Dairy Market Overview

Thailand, situated in Southeast Asia, hosts a burgeoning dairy market that caters to both domestic and international appetites. Recent data showcases a remarkable expansion, particularly highlighted by an 80% uptick in U.S. dry whey exports, underlining a growing appetite for high-quality dairy products.

Milk Production and Dairy Cattle

The Thai dairy industry supports approximately 550,000 dairy cattle, contributing to an annual milk production of around 1.4 million tonnes. Additionally, the presence of dairy goats boosts niche dairy segments within the country.

Milk Processing and Dairy Production

Annually, about 1.2 million tonnes of milk is processed in Thailand. The cheese industry, though nascent, produces around 5,000 tonnes per year. The production of milk powder and whey stands at roughly 15,000 tonnes, with imports bridging the gap in domestic demand.

Key Enterprises and Farms

Noteworthy enterprises shaping Thailand's dairy landscape include:

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

Significant contributors to milk production are:

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

Exports and Imports

Thailand's dairy exports, predominantly comprising milk powder and UHT milk, reach around 20,000 tonnes annually. The country also imports roughly 25,000 tonnes of dairy products each year, underscoring a considerable need for imported milk powder and whey to satisfy high domestic consumption.

Significant Market Events

Crucial developments in the Thai dairy sector include a striking 80% increase in U.S. dry whey exports, aligning with a trend towards premium dairy materials for both industrial and consumer applications. Furthermore, Fonterra aims to enhance its supply chain operations to boost market presence. Thailand maintains its leading position as ASEAN’s chief dairy exporter, with a reported 11.5% growth in exports in 2024, totaling a revenue of $582 million. Nestlé's expansion of its Nescafé ready-to-drink cold coffee lineup in Thailand signifies a growing diversification in the nation’s dairy product offerings.

Sources: U.S. Dairy Export Council, Thailand’s Department of Livestock Development, International Dairy Federation.

Modified: 2025/04/17

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