Chile Targets Indonesia to Open a Dairy Market
Fedeleche, Chile’s dairy federation, has identified Indonesia as a target for expanding the country’s dairy exports. The organisation said it would work with the government on the permits and authorisations required to facilitate commerce between the two countries.
The proposed market strategy focuses on premium and higher-value dairy products. Fedeleche said additional export destinations could broaden the commercial options available to Chilean producers. Its president, Marcos Winkler, said the farm-gate milk price had been almost unchanged for three years, while production costs had continued to rise.
Fedeleche is also working with the Ministry of Agriculture on a public-private campaign to increase dairy consumption in Chile. The initiative will emphasise the nutritional properties of milk and dairy products. National consumption is currently estimated at 140-145 litres per person a year, according to figures presented by the federation.
The sector’s agenda includes measures for small-scale and family farmers. Fedeleche wants investment in improved irrigation to address production gaps, and is proposing stronger producer associations and co-operatives. These arrangements are intended to support joint purchasing of inputs, economies of scale and the exchange of knowledge and technology.
Regulatory discussions cover labelling, environmental rules, water availability and sanitary conditions. The talks involve bodies including the General Directorate of Water and the Agricultural and Livestock Service. Fedeleche said the regulatory framework should accommodate production growth while retaining environmental and sanitary objectives.
Chile’s milk collection reached 2.546bn litres in 2025, up 5.9% from the previous year and the highest recorded level, according to the sector’s 2025 indicators. The federation has identified Indonesia, other export destinations and stronger domestic demand as parts of its market-development agenda. The programme also includes preparations for the Seventh Pan-American Young Dairy Farmers’ Meeting, which Chile is due to host in October 2027.
