Hohhot Earns Title of 'World Dairy Capital' with $42 Billion Industry

The 2026 World Dairy Conference concluded with the official recognition of Hohhot, the capital of Inner Mongolia, as the 'World Dairy Capital'. This accolade was awarded due to the city's significant contributions to the dairy industry, which includes a $42 billion industrial chain.

Hohhot is home to the headquarters of two major global dairy firms, Yili Group and Mengniu Group. The city's strategic location amidst vast natural grasslands has been instrumental in its development as China's hub for milk production, processing, and technology.

International industry leaders, agricultural scientists, and corporate executives attended the conference to discuss sustainable development, carbon footprint reduction, and scientific innovation in the dairy sector. Pavinee Chinachoti, president-elect of the International Union of Food Science and Technology, highlighted Hohhot's advancements in sustainable production and food safety science.

The event also saw participation from global dairy players like New Zealand's Fonterra and packaging leader Tetra Pak, who expressed interest in enhancing cross-border commercial relationships. Fonterra's Chairman, Peter McBride, emphasized China's role as a driver of innovation in the dairy sector, aligning domestic health demands with sustainability goals.

Laurence Rychen, Director General of the International Dairy Federation, praised the technological advancements and smart processing models employed by Yili and Mengniu. These advancements position Hohhot as a central player in international dairy trade and set new standards for processing, catering to the growing demand for high-quality dairy nutrition in Asia.