Market Forecast By Category (Butter, Cheese, Cream, Dairy Desserts, Milk, Yogurt), By Distribution Channel (Off-Trade, On-Trade) And Competitive Landscape
| Product Code: ETC7541344 | 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 |
India`s dairy import market in 2024 continued to be dominated by top exporting countries such as Poland, UK, Netherlands, and Switzerland. Despite a concerning high concentration level indicated by the Herfindahl-Hirschman Index (HHI), the market experienced a significant decline in Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of -20.02% from 2020 to 2024. The growth rate in 2024 also saw a sharp decline of -75.37%, reflecting challenges and changes in the industry landscape. Monitoring market trends and factors influencing these statistics will be crucial for stakeholders in the dairy import sector.

According to 6Wresearch internal database and industry insights, the India Dairy Market is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.2% during the forecast period from 2026 to 2032.
The India 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 market drivers, helping stakeholders align their strategies with current and future market dynamics.
| Report Name | India Dairy Market |
| Forecast Period | 2026–2032 |
| CAGR | 5.2% |
| Growing Sector | Dairy |
The India Dairy Market shows continuous development as consumers increasingly demand milk and processed dairy products which include yogurt, butter and cheese. The market gains advantages from technological advancements in dairy processing which enable better product quality, extended shelf life and meeting the rising demand for organic and protein-rich products. The market shows increasing activity as more people start using plant-based dairy alternatives. The Indian market for dairy products keeps growing as people recognize the health benefits of these products which form a crucial part of their traditional diet.
Below mentioned are some prominent drivers and their impact on the market dynamics:
| Drivers | Primary Segments Affected | Why It Matters (Evidence) |
| Rising Demand for Processed Dairy | Milk, Yogurt, Cheese, Dairy Desserts | Urbanization and the increasing demand for convenience products are leading to higher consumption of processed dairy. |
| Health Consciousness and Preference for Organic Products | Milk, Yogurt, Butter, Cheese | Consumers are progressively choosing healthier, organic dairy products that align with their wellness objectives. |
| Technological Advancements in Dairy Processing | All Dairy Categories | The dairy industry experiences enhanced operational efficiency through the development of new refrigeration technologies and improved packaging systems which represent major advancements in dairy technology. |
| Growing Popularity of Plant-Based Dairy Alternatives | Milk, Butter, Cheese | As vegan and health-conscious consumers rise, there is a growing demand for dairy substitutes like soy milk and almond-based products. |
| Government Initiatives Promoting Dairy Development | All Dairy Categories | Government support through subsidies and initiatives is encouraging the growth of the dairy sector, particularly in rural areas. |
The India Dairy Market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 5.2% from 2026 to 2032. The India Dairy Market is expanding due to three main factors which include the increased demand for processed dairy products. The second factor is the advancements in technology. The third factor is the growing awareness of dairy health benefits. The market is growing as consumers increasingly favor plant-based products and organic alternatives, while also showing greater interest in functional and organic dairy options. The Indian dairy industry is experiencing permanent expansion due to these developments and production technology improvements.
Below mentioned are some major restraints and their influence on the market dynamics:
| Restraints | Primary Segments Affected | What This Means (Evidence) |
| Price Sensitivity | Mass Market, Butter, Cheese | High prices of premium dairy products may limit accessibility for price-sensitive consumers, particularly in rural areas. |
| Supply Chain Challenges | Milk, Butter, Cheese | Inadequate cold storage and distribution infrastructure in rural areas may cause significant disruptions in the supply chain. |
| Competition from Non-Dairy Alternatives | Milk, Butter, Yogurt | The widespread adoption of almond and soy milk alternatives to dairy products is considerably undermining their hegemony. |
| Environmental Impact of Dairy Farming | All Dairy Categories | Concerns over the environmental impact of dairy farming, including methane emissions and water usage, could hinder growth in the sector. |
| Regional Disparities in Dairy Consumption | Milk, Yogurt, Cheese | The differences in dairy consumption across regions, especially between rural and urban areas, may restrict overall growth. |
The India Dairy Industry faces multiple challenges, such as price sensitivity in rural areas where dairy products are viewed as a luxury. Environmental concerns, including high water usage and methane emissions from dairy farming, create significant long-term difficulties. Technological limitations in rural cold storage and distribution further hinder market growth. To overcome these, the industry will need continued government backing, sustainable advancements, and better pricing approaches. In addition, improving infrastructure and raising consumer awareness will be key to driving long-term success.
Here are some major trends changing the India Dairy Market Growth dynamics:
The India Dairy Market presents several investment opportunities, including:
Below is the list of prominent companies leading the India Dairy Market Share:
| Company Name | Amul |
|---|---|
| Established Year | 1946 |
| Headquarters | Anand, Gujarat, India |
| Official Website | Click Here |
Amul is a leading dairy cooperative in India, offering a wide range of dairy products, including milk, butter, cheese, and yogurt, with a strong emphasis on quality and affordability.
| Company Name | Mother Dairy |
|---|---|
| Established Year | 1974 |
| Headquarters | New Delhi, India |
| Official Website | Click Here |
Mother Dairy is one of the largest producers of milk and dairy products in India, providing fresh milk, flavored milk, yogurt, and ice cream with a focus on customer trust and product safety.
| Company Name | Britannia Industries |
|---|---|
| Established Year | 1892 |
| Headquarters | Kolkata, India |
| Official Website | Click Here |
Britannia is a renowned Indian food company that offers dairy-based products, including cheese and butter, with an emphasis on product innovation and quality.
| Company Name | Danone India |
|---|---|
| Established Year | 1993 |
| Headquarters | Gurgaon, Haryana, India |
| Official Website | Click Here |
Danone India is a subsidiary of the global food company Danone, specializing in dairy products such as yogurt, flavored milk, and functional dairy products.
| Company Name | Parag Milk Foods |
|---|---|
| Established Year | 1992 |
| Headquarters | Pune, Maharashtra, India |
| Official Website | - |
Parag Milk Foods is a leading dairy company in India, known for its wide range of milk and dairy products, including cheese, butter, and milk-based beverages, with a focus on quality and consumer health.
According to Indian Government data, the Ministry of Fisheries Animal Husbandry and Dairying established multiple standards for the Indian dairy sector according to the Government of India. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has established regulations which ensure the safety and quality standards of dairy products. Through the National Dairy Plan (NDP) and various government initiatives, milk output is boosted, and dairy product standards are improved across India. The Dairy Processing and Infrastructure Development Fund (DIDF) further supports dairy farmers and processors by offering financial aid to upgrade their supply chain systems.
The India Dairy Market shows positive future growth prospects due to three factors which include new developments in dairy processing and the increasing popularity of health-oriented dairy products and the rising demand for plant-based food alternatives. The market will expand as higher disposable incomes will enable health-oriented customers to spend more on products. The government programs which assist the dairy industry will support market growth as they will help rural areas. The industry will experience continuous growth as these factors work together to establish a solid growth foundation.
The report offers a comprehensive study of the following market segments and their leading categories:
According to Ritika Kalra, Senior Research Analyst, 6Wresearch Milk is expected to dominate the India Dairy Market due to its integral role in the Indian diet and the large-scale consumption of fresh milk across the country. Among the various types, flavored milk is becoming increasingly popular among consumers.
The off-trade channel, particularly supermarkets, hypermarkets, and grocery stores, is expected to dominate the India Dairy Market due to its wide reach and the convenience it offers to consumers in accessing dairy products.
The report offers a comprehensive study of the subsequent market segments:
| 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 India Dairy Market Overview |
| 3.1 India Country Macro Economic Indicators |
| 3.2 India Dairy Market Revenues & Volume, 2022 & 2032F |
| 3.3 India Dairy Market - Industry Life Cycle |
| 3.4 India Dairy Market - Porter's Five Forces |
| 3.5 India Dairy Market Revenues & Volume Share, By Category, 2022 & 2032F |
| 3.6 India Dairy Market Revenues & Volume Share, By Distribution Channel, 2022 & 2032F |
| 4 India Dairy Market Dynamics |
| 4.1 Impact Analysis |
| 4.2 Market Drivers |
| 4.2.1 Increasing consumer awareness about the health benefits of dairy products |
| 4.2.2 Rising disposable income leading to higher spending on dairy products |
| 4.2.3 Growing population creating a larger consumer base for dairy products |
| 4.3 Market Restraints |
| 4.3.1 Fluctuating prices of raw milk impacting profit margins for dairy companies |
| 4.3.2 Competition from alternative plant-based dairy products affecting market share |
| 4.3.3 Challenges in maintaining quality and safety standards in the dairy supply chain |
| 5 India Dairy Market Trends |
| 6 India Dairy Market, By Types |
| 6.1 India Dairy Market, By Category |
| 6.1.1 Overview and Analysis |
| 6.1.2 India Dairy Market Revenues & Volume, By Category, 2022- 2032F |
| 6.1.3 India Dairy Market Revenues & Volume, By Butter, 2022- 2032F |
| 6.1.4 India Dairy Market Revenues & Volume, By Cheese, 2022- 2032F |
| 6.1.5 India Dairy Market Revenues & Volume, By Cream, 2022- 2032F |
| 6.1.6 India Dairy Market Revenues & Volume, By Dairy Desserts, 2022- 2032F |
| 6.1.7 India Dairy Market Revenues & Volume, By Milk, 2022- 2032F |
| 6.1.8 India Dairy Market Revenues & Volume, By Yogurt, 2022- 2032F |
| 6.2 India Dairy Market, By Distribution Channel |
| 6.2.1 Overview and Analysis |
| 6.2.2 India Dairy Market Revenues & Volume, By Off-Trade, 2022- 2032F |
| 6.2.3 India Dairy Market Revenues & Volume, By On-Trade, 2022- 2032F |
| 7 India Dairy Market Import-Export Trade Statistics |
| 7.1 India Dairy Market Export to Major Countries |
| 7.2 India Dairy Market Imports from Major Countries |
| 8 India Dairy Market Key Performance Indicators |
| 8.1 Average daily consumption of dairy products per capita |
| 8.2 Number of new dairy product launches in the market |
| 8.3 Investment in research and development for dairy product innovation |
| 9 India Dairy Market - Opportunity Assessment |
| 9.1 India Dairy Market Opportunity Assessment, By Category, 2022 & 2032F |
| 9.2 India Dairy Market Opportunity Assessment, By Distribution Channel, 2022 & 2032F |
| 10 India Dairy Market - Competitive Landscape |
| 10.1 India Dairy Market Revenue Share, By Companies, 2025 |
| 10.2 India Dairy Market Competitive Benchmarking, By Operating and Technical Parameters |
| 11 Company Profiles |
| 12 Recommendations |
| 13 Disclaimer |
Export potential enables firms to identify high-growth global markets with greater confidence by combining advanced trade intelligence with a structured quantitative methodology. The framework analyzes emerging demand trends and country-level import patterns while integrating macroeconomic and trade datasets such as GDP and population forecasts, bilateral import–export flows, tariff structures, elasticity differentials between developed and developing economies, geographic distance, and import demand projections. Using weighted trade values from 2020–2024 as the base period to project country-to-country export potential for 2030, these inputs are operationalized through calculated drivers such as gravity model parameters, tariff impact factors, and projected GDP per-capita growth. Through an analysis of hidden potentials, demand hotspots, and market conditions that are most favorable to success, this method enables firms to focus on target countries, maximize returns, and global expansion with data, backed by accuracy.
By factoring in the projected importer demand gap that is currently unmet and could be potential opportunity, it identifies the potential for the Exporter (Country) among 190 countries, against the general trade analysis, which identifies the biggest importer or exporter.
To discover high-growth global markets and optimize your business strategy:
Click Here