International Dairy Federation (IDF)

The International Dairy Federation (IDF), established in 1903, plays a critical role in the global dairy industry. It has its headquarters strategically located in Brussels, Belgium, which positions it close to key European and international institutions. This proximity supports its mission of uniting national committees and dairy experts worldwide to enhance international collaboration and advocacy efforts.

Leadership and Management

Under the recent leadership of President Gilles Froment, who brings a wealth of experience and strategic vision, IDF is poised to strengthen its global influence. President Froment emphasizes the importance of international collaboration among dairy experts and advocates for sustainable practices within the industry.

Significant Events

A major event during President Froment's tenure was the IDF World Dairy Summit held in Paris, which gathered industry leaders to evaluate the current state of dairy production and explore future advancements. Another notable event was the announcement of Denmark as the winner of the 2025 Yves Boutonnat International Milk Promotion Trophy, in collaboration with the International Milk Promotion (IMP) Group.

Future Plans

IDF is committed to advancing sustainability, nutrition, and food safety in the dairy industry. The organization is heavily investing in scientific research and innovation to enhance the health and efficiency of the global dairy supply chain. An important upcoming event is the World Dairy Summit 2025 in Santiago, Chile, focusing on digital transformation and decarbonization in the dairy sector. This summit will address the profitability gap in dairy farming, the need for decarbonization, and future consumer demands. In collaboration with the Consorcio Lechero, Fedeleche, and the Chilean Ministry of Agriculture, it will emphasize food security and sustainable milk production.

Looking further ahead, the IDF World Dairy Summit 2026 is set to take place in Auckland, New Zealand, offering a platform for discussions on innovation, sustainability, and market trends. IDF is also engaged in global initiatives to establish standards for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and water consumption, essential for the sector's long-term viability and consumer trust.

Industry Forecast

The IDF has released the World Dairy Situation (WDS) Report 2025, which predicts that global dairy demand will surpass milk production over the coming decade. President Gilles Froment highlighted the expected growth in dairy demand, emphasizing that it will outstrip production capabilities.

Modified: 2025/12/22