International Dairy Federation: A Pillar in the Global Dairy Industry

Established in 1903, the International Dairy Federation (IDF) serves as a cornerstone organization within the global dairy industry. Based strategically in Brussels, Belgium, the IDF benefits from its proximity to major European and international institutions, enhancing its mission to unite national committees and dairy experts from around the world.

Leadership and Management

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

Significant Events

A hallmark event during President Froment's tenure was the IDF World Dairy Summit held in Paris, which convened industry leaders to evaluate the current state of dairy production and explore future advancements. During this event, Denmark was notably awarded the 2025 Yves Boutonnat International Milk Promotion Trophy, in collaboration with the International Milk Promotion (IMP) Group.

The IDF also hosted the 9th Symposium on Sheep, Goat, Camel & Other Non-Bovine Milk at the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) in Anand, India. This symposium concentrated 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 steadfast in its commitment to advancing sustainability, nutrition, and food safety in the dairy industry. The organization invests in scientific research and innovation to enhance the health and efficiency of the global dairy supply chain. A key 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 conducted in collaboration with the Consorcio Lechero, Fedeleche, and the Chilean Ministry of Agriculture, emphasizing food security and sustainable milk production.

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

Industry Forecast

The IDF has released the World Dairy Situation (WDS) Report 2025, forecasting that global dairy demand will surpass milk production over the coming decade. President Gilles Froment highlighted this anticipated growth, noting that dairy demand is set to outpace 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 crucial 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 functions as a bridge, connecting scientific expertise, industry experience, and regulatory authorities worldwide. It develops globally harmonized standards and guidelines, provides authoritative scientific evidence to inform policymaking, and fosters dialogue and cooperation among countries.

Moreover, the International Dairy Federation is involved in the MENA Dairy Congress as a partner, further emphasizing its role in promoting global cooperation in the dairy industry.

Modified: 2026/04/23