International Dairy Federation (IDF)
The International Dairy Federation (IDF), established in 1903, plays a crucial role in the global dairy industry. The organization is headquartered in Brussels, Belgium, strategically positioned near European and international institutions to facilitate its mission of uniting national committees and dairy experts worldwide.
Leadership and Management
Under the leadership of President Gilles Froment, IDF is enhancing its influence in the global dairy sector. President Froment advocates for international collaboration among dairy experts and emphasizes sustainable practices within the industry.
Significant Events
During President Froment's tenure, one of the major events 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 was Denmark's win of the 2025 Yves Boutonnat International Milk Promotion Trophy, in collaboration with the International Milk Promotion (IMP) Group.
Additionally, IDF hosts the 9th IDF Symposium on Sheep, Goat, Camel & Other Non-Bovine Milk, focusing on the latest science, technology, and policy shaping one of the fastest-growing segments in dairy.
Future Plans
IDF is committed to advancing sustainability, nutrition, and food safety in the dairy industry. The organization is investing in scientific research and innovation to improve the health and efficiency of the global dairy supply chain. An important upcoming event is the World Dairy Summit 2025 in Santiago, Chile, which will focus on digital transformation and decarbonization in the dairy sector. This summit 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 highlighted this expected growth, emphasizing that dairy demand will outstrip production capabilities.
As a leading organization representing the global dairy sector, 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.
IDF serves as a bridge, connecting scientific expertise, industry experience, and regulatory authorities across more than 40 countries. It develops globally harmonized standards and guidelines, provides authoritative scientific evidence to inform policymaking, and fosters dialogue and cooperation among countries.
Modified: 2026/02/01