Global Dairy Demand Expected to Surpass Production over the Next Decade

The Dairy Council for Northern Ireland, led by Chief Executive Ian Stevenson, has reported an optimistic future for the dairy sector, as global demand is expected to exceed production over the next ten years. This was a key message from the recent World Dairy Summit held in Chile.

At the summit, Dr. Thanawat Tiensin, Assistant Director General of the Food and Agriculture Organisation, emphasized the vital role of dairy in sustainable global nutrition. Reinforcing this sentiment, Gilles Froment, President of the International Dairy Federation, noted that the anticipated growth in dairy demand will outstrip production capabilities.

Stevenson pointed out that current market conditions have led to an oversupply, with production surpassing demand. However, this is seen as a temporary cycle. He stated, "Production is still powering on. I don’t think it has slowed that much up to this point."

Despite short-term fluctuations, the dairy industry is poised to maintain its critical role in communities worldwide, providing essential nutrients and supporting economic stability. Stevenson remarked, "Dairy is now universally regarded as a uniquely powerful source of nutrition, meeting the needs of people at all stages in their lives."

The combination of a growing global population and increasing per capita dairy consumption is driving this positive outlook for the dairy sector.