Global Dairy Leaders to Gather in Chile for IDF World Dairy Summit 2025
With just months remaining before the world’s leading dairy experts descend on Santiago, the International Dairy Federation (IDF) has unveiled an ambitious programme for its 2025 World Dairy Summit. The event, scheduled for 20–23 October, marks the first time the summit will be held in South America — a symbolic milestone for both Chile and the region’s growing dairy ambitions.
Octavio Oltra, the IDF’s National Secretary in Chile, credited the Consorcio Lechero — the national dairy consortium — for orchestrating what promises to be a globally diverse and intellectually rich gathering. Some 1,000 participants from over 60 countries are expected to attend, drawn by a speaker lineup that spans continents and adheres to IDF’s rigorous scientific and technical standards.
At the heart of this year’s summit lies the theme: “Nourishing a Sustainable World.” It is both a mission statement and a challenge. Dairy, increasingly scrutinised for its environmental footprint, is being recast as a pillar of sustainable nutrition. The programme aims to explore this tension — and potential — through a series of panels, forums, and technical presentations addressing the environmental, economic, and social dimensions of milk production.
Chile, whose southern regions are home to some of Latin America's most productive dairy farms, sees the summit as a chance to elevate its role in the global value chain. The post-summit technical tours will offer delegates a firsthand look at the country’s progress in sustainable dairy practices and rural development.
Laurence Rycken, Director General of the IDF, emphasised the importance of the event’s debut in South America: “This is more than a conference — it’s a platform for confronting global challenges with local solutions. It’s an opportunity to share knowledge, build alliances, and advance a sustainable vision for dairy.”
More information, including registration details, programme highlights, and sponsorship opportunities, can be found at www.idfwds2025.com.
About the IDF
Founded in 1903, the International Dairy Federation represents two-thirds of global milk production and brings together 1,200 scientific experts from 40 countries to promote safe, sustainable dairy worldwide.
About the Consorcio Lechero
Chile’s Consorcio Lechero connects producers, processors, academics, and service providers to foster competitiveness, innovation, and sustainability in the national dairy sector.
