Thailand Dairy Market Analysis

Thailand, situated in Southeast Asia, has a burgeoning dairy industry that caters to both its domestic needs and international markets. Recently, there has been a notable 80% increase in U.S. dry whey exports to Thailand, indicating the country's growing demand for dairy products.

Milk Production and Dairy Cattle

As of the latest data, Thailand is home to approximately 550,000 dairy cattle that produce around 1.4 million tonnes of milk annually. The presence of dairy goats further enriches the niche market in the country.

Milk Processing and Production

The milk processing volume in Thailand is about 1.2 million tonnes per year. Although cheese production is still in its developmental phase, with around 5,000 tonnes produced annually, efforts are being made to meet both domestic consumption and international standards. Additionally, Thailand produces approximately 15,000 tonnes of milk powder and whey per year, supplementing domestic production with imports to fulfill high demand.

Key Enterprises and Farms

Leading companies in Thailand's dairy industry include:

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

Important dairy farms that play a significant role in milk production include:

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

Exports and Imports

Thailand’s dairy exports include mainly milk powder and UHT (Ultra-High Temperature) milk, totaling around 20,000 tonnes each year. In contrast, the country imports roughly 25,000 tonnes of dairy products annually, including substantial imports of milk powder and whey, to meet local consumption demands.

Significant Market Events

One of the most significant recent events in Thailand’s dairy market is the 80% surge in U.S. dry whey exports, highlighting the increasing demand for high-quality dairy ingredients for industrial and direct consumption. Additionally, Fonterra, a leading dairy cooperative from New Zealand, is focusing on enhancing supply chain management to deliver better returns in Thailand.

Thailand has secured a leading position as ASEAN’s top exporter of dairy products, with exports increasing by 11.5% in 2024 to a total value of $582 million.

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

Modified: 2025/03/11

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