China Dairy Market (2026-2032) | Forecast, Size & Revenue, Trends, Growth, Companies, Value, Analysis, Share, Industry, Segmentation, Outlook, Competitive Landscape

Market Forecast By Category (Butter, Cheese, Cream, Dairy Desserts, Milk, Yogurt), By Distribution Channel (Off-Trade, On-Trade) And Competitive Landscape

Product Code: ETC6741034 Publication Date: Sep 2024 Updated Date: Feb 2026 Product Type: Market Research Report
Publisher: 6Wresearch Author: Vasudha No. of Pages: 75 No. of Figures: 35 No. of Tables: 20

China Dairy Market Growth Rate

According to 6Wresearch internal database and industry insights, the China Dairy Market is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.8% during the forecast period from 2026 to 2032.

Five-Year Growth Trajectory of the China Dairy Market with Core Drivers

Below is the evaluation of year-wise growth rate along with key drivers:

Year CAGR (%) Growth Drivers
2021 4.6% Stable domestic milk production and rising urban demand
2022 4.8% Increasing consumption of fortified and functional dairy products
2023 5% Expansion in cheese and yogurt consumption across households and foodservice
2024 5.2% Technological advancements in dairy processing and packaging improving shelf life
2025 5.5% Rising demand for premium, organic, and imported dairy products

Topics Covered in the China Dairy Market Report

The China Dairy Market report thoroughly covers the market by category and distribution channel, providing an unbiased and detailed analysis of ongoing market trends, opportunities, challenges, and growth drivers, helping stakeholders align their strategies with current and future market dynamics.

China Dairy Market Highlights

Report Name China Dairy Market
Forecast period 2026–2032
CAGR 5.8%
Growing Sector Dairy Products

China Dairy Market Synopsis

China Dairy Market is experiencing strong expansion as people now understand nutritional advantages and the country maintains consistent milk production and consumers show increasing interest in premium and functional dairy products. The market is expanding as people consume more yogurt, cheese and dairy desserts while processing, packaging and cold chain systems continue to advance. The Chinese dairy market experiences growth as people demand organic, fortified and imported dairy products which cities, rising incomes and changing eating patterns support.

Evaluation of Growth Drivers in the China Dairy Market

Below mentioned are some prominent drivers and their impact on the market dynamics:

Drivers Primary Segments Affected Why It Matters
Growing Urban Population Milk, Yogurt, Cheese Urban consumers drive demand for convenience and ready-to-consume dairy
Rising Demand for Functional Dairy Yogurt, Dairy Desserts Consumers prefer probiotic, fortified, and immunity-boosting dairy products
Technological Advancements Cheese, Cream, Milk Improved processing and packaging extend shelf life and product quality
Increasing Cheese & Yogurt Consumption Cheese, Yogurt Dietary shifts and foodservice growth drive higher consumption
Expansion of Retail Chains Milk, Yogurt, Butter Greater retail penetration improves accessibility and variety

China Dairy Market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 5.8% from 2026 to 2032. The China Dairy Market is driven by rising consumer awareness of nutrition and health, increasing disposable incomes, growing demand for premium, organic, and functional dairy products. Consumption of ready-to-eat, value-added dairy products such as yogurt, cheese and flavored milk is increasing such as urbanization and changing lifestyles. Market expansion receives additional support from technological progress in dairy processing, cold chain systems and retail development. The China Dairy Market expansion is driven by government programs which promote dairy consumption and establish better food safety standards.

Evaluation of Restraints in the China Dairy Market

Below mentioned are some major restraints and their influence on the market dynamics:

Restraints Primary Segments Affected What This Means
High Production Costs Milk, Butter, Cheese Increased feed, labor, and energy costs affect product pricing
Competition from Plant-Based Alternatives Milk, Yogurt Non-dairy substitutes influence consumer choices
Regulatory Standards All Categories Compliance with food safety and labeling regulations increases operational costs
Consumer Lactose Intolerance Milk, Cream Limits consumption among sensitive populations
Import Competition Imported Dairy Products Competes with domestic production, impacting market share

China Dairy Market Challenges

China Dairy Market encounters various difficulties due to its expensive production costs, feed expenses, its need to compete against plant-based products and its strict government regulations. The market environment experiences disruption from two factors which include lactose intolerance among consumers and the availability of imported dairy products. Producers are focusing on innovation, sustainable farming practices, developing functional and value-added dairy products to overcome these challenges. The company will achieve its long-term growth objectives through three main strategies which include improving cold chain logistics, increasing processing efficiency, developing premium and fortified products.

China Dairy Market Trends

Here are some major trends changing the China Dairy Market Growth dynamics:

  • Growth in Functional and Fortified Dairy Products: Consumers are showing a growing preference for yogurt, probiotic drinks, and fortified milk due to health and immunity benefits.
  • Rising Popularity of Cheese and Imported Products: Rising urban lifestyles and shifting food preferences are driving higher cheese intake and interest in imported premium varieties.
  • Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Packaging: Firms implement sustainable packaging and recyclable materials to address regulatory mandates and consumer demand.
  • Expansion of E-Commerce and Digital Retail: Evolving strategies help retail businesses gain an edge amid growing focus on customer interaction by brands.

Investment Opportunities in the China Dairy Market

The China Dairy Market presents several investment opportunities, including:

  • Functional and Health-Focused Dairy Products: Health-focused customers drive the development of probiotic, lactose-free, and fortified dairy items.
  • Premium and Imported Dairy Expansion: Rising demand for imported and specialty dairy products opens new opportunities in export and distribution.
  • Sustainable Packaging and Processing: Funding sustainable materials and energy-saving processes helps the company strengthen environmental compliance and brand reputation.
  • Cold Chain and Logistics Innovations: Thus, integrating advanced refrigeration systems with effective monitoring and distribution techniques can benefit product quality and reduce waste.

Top 5 Leading Players in the China Dairy Market

Below is the list of prominent companies leading the China Dairy Market Share:

1. Yili Group

Company Name Yili Group
Established Year 1999
Headquarters Hohhot, China
Official Website Click Here

Description: Yili is one of China's largest dairy companies, producing milk, yogurt, cheese, and dairy desserts with strong focus on product quality and innovation.

2. Mengniu Dairy

Company Name Mengniu Dairy
Established Year 1999
Headquarters Hohhot, China
Official Website Click Here

Description: Mengniu offers a wide range of dairy products including milk, yogurt, and ice cream, emphasizing research, quality, and consumer health.

3. Bright Dairy & Food Co., Ltd.

Company Name Bright Dairy & Food Co., Ltd.
Established Year 1911
Headquarters Shanghai, China
Official Website -

Description: Bright Dairy produces milk, yogurt, and cheese, focusing on innovation, food safety, and premium product development.

4. Beingmate Baby & Child Food Co., Ltd.

Company Name Beingmate Baby & Child Food Co., Ltd.
Established Year 1992
Headquarters Hangzhou, China
Official Website Click Here

Description: Specializes in infant formula, dairy snacks, and value-added dairy products, prioritizing nutrition, safety, and quality.

5. China Modern Dairy Holdings Ltd.

Company Name China Modern Dairy Holdings Ltd.
Established Year 2007
Headquarters Beijing, China
Official Website -

Description: Focuses on large-scale milk production and high-quality processing, supporting sustainable and innovative dairy farming practices.

Government Regulations Introduced in the China Dairy Market

According to Chinese Government data, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs (MARA) together with the China Food and Drug Administration (CFDA) establish regulations that govern dairy safety standards, quality requirements and production guidelines. The regulations require pasteurization to be performed for all milk products and they mandate milk grading and product labeling together with safety inspections. The National Dairy Development Plan together with other governmental initiatives supports the establishment of modern dairy farms while promoting the production of functional high-quality dairy products and sustainable operations.

Future Insights of the China Dairy Market

The future of China Dairy Market outlook shows positive growth as urban demand continues to increase, premium and functional dairy consumption rises and new processing and packaging technologies emerge. The market experiences growth as consumers show increasing demand for imported organic dairy products and fortified dairy items. The combination of retail channel expansion, e-commerce platform growth and cold chain logistics development creates better product availability and wider market distribution. The combination of these elements demonstrates consistent long-term expansion which supports research and development efforts while enhancing product distribution and satisfying changing consumer demands throughout urban and rural areas across the country.

Market Segmentation Analysis

The report offers a comprehensive study of the following market segments and their leading categories:

By Category – Milk to Dominate the Market

According to Ritika Kalra, Senior Research Analyst, 6Wresearch, Milk is expected to dominate the China Dairy Market due to its staple consumption, nutritional value, and widespread use across households and foodservice. The milk market maintains its leading position due to strong domestic production and increasing consumer knowledge about the protein and calcium content of milk products.

By Distribution Channel – Off-Trade to Dominate the Market

Off-trade channels, including supermarkets, hypermarkets, and convenience stores, are expected to dominate due to their broad accessibility, competitive pricing, and variety of dairy products. Expansion of online grocery and digital retail platforms further strengthens this segment.

Key Attractiveness of the Report

  • 10 Years Market Numbers.
  • Historical Data Starting from 2022 to 2025.
  • Base Year: 2025.
  • Forecast Data until 2032.
  • Key Performance Indicators Impacting the Market.
  • Major Upcoming Developments and Projects.

Key Highlights of the Report:

  • China Dairy Market Outlook
  • Market Size of China Dairy Market, 2025
  • Forecast of China Dairy Market, 2032
  • Historical Data and Forecast of China Dairy Revenues & Volume for the Period 2022- 2032
  • China Dairy Market Trend Evolution
  • China Dairy Market Drivers and Challenges
  • China Dairy Price Trends
  • China Dairy Porter's Five Forces
  • China Dairy Industry Life Cycle
  • Historical Data and Forecast of China Dairy Market Revenues & Volume By Category for the Period 2022- 2032
  • Historical Data and Forecast of China Dairy Market Revenues & Volume By Butter for the Period 2022- 2032
  • Historical Data and Forecast of China Dairy Market Revenues & Volume By Cheese for the Period 2022- 2032
  • Historical Data and Forecast of China Dairy Market Revenues & Volume By Cream for the Period 2022- 2032
  • Historical Data and Forecast of China Dairy Market Revenues & Volume By Dairy Desserts for the Period 2022- 2032
  • Historical Data and Forecast of China Dairy Market Revenues & Volume By Milk for the Period 2022- 2032
  • Historical Data and Forecast of China Dairy Market Revenues & Volume By Yogurt for the Period 2022- 2032
  • Historical Data and Forecast of China Dairy Market Revenues & Volume By Distribution Channel for the Period 2022- 2032
  • Historical Data and Forecast of China Dairy Market Revenues & Volume By Off-Trade for the Period 2022- 2032
  • Historical Data and Forecast of China Dairy Market Revenues & Volume By On-Trade for the Period 2022- 2032
  • China Dairy Import Export Trade Statistics
  • Market Opportunity Assessment By Category
  • Market Opportunity Assessment By Distribution Channel
  • China Dairy Top Companies Market Share
  • China Dairy Competitive Benchmarking By Technical and Operational Parameters
  • China Dairy Company Profiles
  • China Dairy Key Strategic Recommendations

Market Covered

The report offers a comprehensive study of the subsequent market segments:

By Category:

  • Butter
  • Cheese
  • Cream
  • Dairy Desserts
  • Milk
  • Yogurt

By Distribution Channel:

  • Off-Trade
  • On-Trade 

China Dairy Market (2026-2032): FAQs

The China Dairy Market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 5.8% between 2026–2032.
Milk will maintain leading market position as people consume it on a regular basis and it provides essential nutrients while customers use it throughout their homes.
Functional and fortified dairy, premium products, e-commerce growth, and sustainable packaging.
MARA and CFDA regulations, milk quality grading, pasteurization standards, and modern dairy development programs.
6Wresearch actively monitors the China Dairy Market and publishes its comprehensive annual report, highlighting emerging trends, growth drivers, revenue analysis, and forecast outlook. Our insights help businesses to make data-backed strategic decisions with ongoing market dynamics. Our analysts track relevent industries related to the China Dairy Market, allowing our clients with actionable intelligence and reliable forecasts tailored to emerging regional needs.
Yes, we provide customisation as per your requirements. To learn more, feel free to contact us on sales@6wresearch.com

1 Executive Summary

2 Introduction

2.1 Key Highlights of the Report

2.2 Report Description

2.3 Market Scope & Segmentation

2.4 Research Methodology

2.5 Assumptions

3 China Dairy Market Overview

3.1 China Country Macro Economic Indicators

3.2 China Dairy Market Revenues & Volume, 2022 & 2032F

3.3 China Dairy Market - Industry Life Cycle

3.4 China Dairy Market - Porter's Five Forces

3.5 China Dairy Market Revenues & Volume Share, By Category, 2022 & 2032F

3.6 China Dairy Market Revenues & Volume Share, By Distribution Channel, 2022 & 2032F

4 China Dairy Market Dynamics

4.1 Impact Analysis

4.2 Market Drivers

4.2.1 Increasing awareness about the health benefits of dairy products

4.2.2 Rising disposable income leading to higher consumption of dairy products

4.2.3 Growing urbanization and changing dietary preferences towards dairy products

4.3 Market Restraints

4.3.1 Stringent regulations and quality control measures in the dairy industry

4.3.2 Fluctuating prices of raw materials such as milk

4.3.3 Competition from plant-based dairy alternatives

5 China Dairy Market Trends

6 China Dairy Market, By Types

6.1 China Dairy Market, By Category

6.1.1 Overview and Analysis

6.1.2 China Dairy Market Revenues & Volume, By Category, 2022- 2032F

6.1.3 China Dairy Market Revenues & Volume, By Butter, 2022- 2032F

6.1.4 China Dairy Market Revenues & Volume, By Cheese, 2022- 2032F

6.1.5 China Dairy Market Revenues & Volume, By Cream, 2022- 2032F

6.1.6 China Dairy Market Revenues & Volume, By Dairy Desserts, 2022- 2032F

6.1.7 China Dairy Market Revenues & Volume, By Milk, 2022- 2032F

6.1.8 China Dairy Market Revenues & Volume, By Yogurt, 2022- 2032F

6.2 China Dairy Market, By Distribution Channel

6.2.1 Overview and Analysis

6.2.2 China Dairy Market Revenues & Volume, By Off-Trade, 2022- 2032F

6.2.3 China Dairy Market Revenues & Volume, By On-Trade, 2022- 2032F

7 China Dairy Market Import-Export Trade Statistics

7.1 China Dairy Market Export to Major Countries

7.2 China Dairy Market Imports from Major Countries

8 China Dairy Market Key Performance Indicators

8.1 Number of dairy product launches in the market

8.2 Consumer engagement with dairy brands on social media platforms

8.3 Adoption rate of new dairy technologies in production and distribution

8.4 Percentage of dairy products meeting quality standards

8.5 Consumer satisfaction levels with dairy products

9 China Dairy Market - Opportunity Assessment

9.1 China Dairy Market Opportunity Assessment, By Category, 2022 & 2032F

9.2 China Dairy Market Opportunity Assessment, By Distribution Channel, 2022 & 2032F

10 China Dairy Market - Competitive Landscape

10.1 China Dairy Market Revenue Share, By Companies, 2025

10.2 China Dairy Market Competitive Benchmarking, By Operating and Technical Parameters

11 Company Profiles

12 Recommendations

13 Disclaimer

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