International Dairy Federation (IDF)

Established in 1903, the International Dairy Federation (IDF) is a leading organization in the global dairy industry. Headquartered in Brussels, Belgium, the IDF is strategically positioned near key European and international institutions. This location facilitates its mission to unite national committees and dairy experts worldwide.

Leadership and Management

Under the leadership of President Gilles Froment, the IDF has significantly enhanced its influence across the global dairy sector. President Froment is a strong advocate for international collaboration among dairy experts and emphasizes the importance of sustainable practices within the industry.

Significant Events

During President Froment's tenure, a major event was the IDF World Dairy Summit held in Paris. This summit brought together industry leaders to assess the current state of dairy production and explore future advancements. A notable achievement highlighted during this event was Denmark's win of the 2025 Yves Boutonnat International Milk Promotion Trophy, in collaboration with the International Milk Promotion (IMP) Group.

Additionally, the IDF hosted the 9th Symposium on Sheep, Goat, Camel & Other Non-Bovine Milk at the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) in Anand, India. This symposium focused on the latest science, technology, and policy shaping one of the fastest-growing segments in dairy, emphasizing diversified and climate-resilient dairy systems.

Future Plans

The IDF is committed to advancing sustainability, nutrition, and food safety in the dairy industry. The organization invests in scientific research and innovation to improve the health and efficiency of the global dairy supply chain. One of the key upcoming events is the World Dairy Summit 2025 in Santiago, Chile. This summit will focus on digital transformation and decarbonization in the dairy sector and aims to address the profitability gap in dairy farming, the need for decarbonization, and future consumer demands. It will be held in collaboration with the Consorcio Lechero, Fedeleche, and the Chilean Ministry of Agriculture, highlighting food security and sustainable milk production.

Looking further ahead, the IDF World Dairy Summit 2026 in Auckland, New Zealand, will provide a platform for discussions on innovation, sustainability, and market trends.

Industry Forecast

The IDF has released the World Dairy Situation (WDS) Report 2025, predicting that global dairy demand will surpass milk production over the coming decade. President Gilles Froment emphasized this expected growth, noting that dairy demand is set to outstrip production capabilities.

As a leading organization representing the global dairy sector, the IDF brings together national dairy organizations, companies, scientists, and policymakers from more than 40 countries, covering the majority of global milk production. It plays a key role in developing international dairy standards and guidance, promoting science-based nutrition and food safety policies, supporting sustainability and responsible dairy production, and facilitating global dialogue on the future of dairy.

The IDF serves as a bridge, connecting scientific expertise, industry experience, and regulatory authorities across the globe. It develops globally harmonized standards and guidelines, provides authoritative scientific evidence to inform policymaking, and fosters dialogue and cooperation among countries.

Modified: 2026/02/21