Top Milk Powder Companies Driving Global Dairy Innovation
13 May, 2025

Milk powder or dried milk is a dairy commodity that is obtained by evaporating liquid milk in order to dehydrate its water content. Drying the milk helps to maintain the milk for extended durations of time without being refrigerated, which makes transportation and storage simpler. Milk powder comes in a range of products including whole milk powder, skimmed milk powder, and dairy whitener, and it keeps all the health benefits of liquid milk, including proteins, calcium, and vitamins.

Powdered milk is extensively used in the food and beverage industry because it is highly versatile. It is a central ingredient in baked products, confectionery, and milk-based drinks. It is also applied in infant formulas, nutritional supplements, and instant foods. At home, it can be reconstituted with water to act as a substitute for milk. The prolonged shelf life, easy transportation, and affordability render milk powder extremely valuable in areas where there is poor access to fresh milk. It is a significant factor in both commercial food production and day-to-day consumer demands. The global milk powder market is anticipated to rise to US$ 51.96 billion in 2033 from US$ 33.69 billion in 2024, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.93% from 2025 to 2033.

Milk powder is made by drying pasteurized milk under vacuum or in spray form to remove the water content, making it have longer shelf life and easy storage and transportation. In the U.S., the milk powder market is growing due to its functional properties—such as thickening, gelling, and whipping—which make it ideal for cakes, mousses, ice cream, and marshmallows. It's also rich in vitamins A, D, E, and K, as well as minerals like calcium, magnesium, zinc, and potassium, making it a popular ingredient in smoothies, puddings, gravies, and beverages. Its convenience over liquid milk and increasing consumer knowledge of its nutritional benefits further fuel its demand. The United States milk powder market is expected to grow from US$ 10.56 billion in 2024 to US$ 15.92 billion by 2033, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.66% during 2025-2033.

Milk powder, produced by draining the liquid milk of moisture, provides long shelf life and convenient non-refrigerated storage. It preserves major nutrients such as protein, calcium, and vitamins, and can be in whole, skimmed, and non-fat forms. Used extensively in bakery, confectionery, infant formula, and processed foods, it is particularly useful in areas with poor cold storage. In Asia Pacific, the market for milk powder is growing fast as a result of increasing health consciousness, especially in China, which is increasing demand for organic and fortified versions. In nations such as India, the lack of refrigeration increases its attractiveness. Growing incomes and aging populations in urbanizing countries also fuel demand for high-quality dairy nutrition. The market is anticipated to increase from US$ 11.54 billion in 2024 to US$ 18.25 billion by 2033, at a CAGR of 5.22%.

The Saudi milk powder industry is developing consistently due to population expansion, expanding health awareness, and increasing retail infrastructure. A huge expatriate population and cultural orientations drive high demand, particularly for infant formulas. Government policies under Vision 2030 are encouraging food security and both local production and high-quality imports. Milk powder's shelf life and convenience also contribute to its popularity, even with competition from plant-based products. Greater availability through supermarkets, hypermarkets, and online shopping is increasing consumer access. In 2022, Saudi Arabia exported $32.6 million worth of dried milk, ranking 29th in the world, with major markets being Kuwait, Oman, the UAE, Bahrain, and Mauritania. The market is expected to rise from US$ 401.4 million in 2024 to US$ 699.17 million in 2033, with a CAGR of 6.36%.

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Top Global Milk Powder Manufacturers in 2025

Nestle (Switzerland)

Founding: 1866

Head office: Switzerland

Website: www.nestle.com

Nestlé SA is a food and beverage corporation that produces and sells a large variety of products such as baby food, bottled water, cereals, confectionery, coffee, dairy products, frozen and chilled food, plant-based alternatives, and pet care.

Note: "US$" means United States dollar. Its popular brands are Nescafé, Nespresso, Maggi, Milo, Kit Kat, Gerber, Purina, and Perrier. Nestlé's products meet various consumer requirements, ranging from nutrition to health and well-being. It has operations in several regions such as Asia, Oceania, the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, with a significant global presence in both emerging and developed economies.

Danone

Founding: 1919

Head Office: Spain

Website: www.danone.com

Danone SA is an international dairy and nutritional products manufacturer, with a large portfolio that includes fresh dairy, plant-based products, bottled water, early life, and medical nutrition. Its portfolio includes yogurt, fermented dairy, dairy specialties, plant-based drinks, and infant and elderly specialist foods. Danone also supplies packaged, flavored, and sparkling water. Its popular brands are Activia, Actimel, Danone, Oikos, Silk, Evian, Volvic, and Aqua. Danone sells its products in supermarkets, traditional retail stores, and specialty channels like hospitals and pharmacies. Danone has operations in the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and the Asia-Pacific.

Saputo Inc.

Year of establishment: 1954

Head office: Canada

Website: www.saputo.com

Saputo Inc. is an international dairy business that manufactures, distributes, and markets a large number of different dairy products. Its range of products encompasses cheese, fluid milk, flavored milk, extended shelf-life milk, dairy ingredients, cultured products, functional dairy blends, and cream products. Armstrong, Alexis de Portneuf, Willow, Utterly Butterly, Stella, Vitalite, Neilson, Devondale, and Baxter are some of the company's renowned brands among many others. Saputo has manufacturing plants in Australia, Canada, and the US, while business operations stretch across Canada, Europe, Argentina, the US, Australia, and the UK. The company is committed to providing excellent dairy products to varied markets worldwide.

Arla Foods amba

Establishment: 2000

Headquarters: Denmark

Website: www.arla.com

Arla Foods amba is an international manufacturer and distributor of dairy products. It has a large portfolio of products consisting of milk, milk powder, butter, yogurt, cheese, and other dairy products. The company distributes its products under leading brands like Anchor, Lurpak, Castello, Lactofree, Apetina, Baby and Me Organic, Dano, and Cheasy, among others. Arla Foods has a business model that involves farmers, cows, milk collection, production, and packaging. It supplies its products to varied customers such as supermarket chains, foodservice, and B2B customers. The organization sells its products in major regions such as Asia-Pacific, North America, Europe, and the Middle East.

The Kraft heinz company (U.S)

Date of establishment: 1869

Country of headquarters: United States

Company website: https://www.kraftheinzcompany.com/

The Kraft Heinz Co (Kraft Heinz) is a top food and beverage product manufacturer and marketer. The firm specializes in the manufacture and distribution of grocery products like condiments, sauces, cheese, dairy, meals, meats, refreshment drinks, and coffee. It produces a variety of products under popular brands like Kraft, Oscar Mayer, Heinz, Philadelphia, Lunchables, Velveeta, Ore-Ida, Maxwell House, Kool-Aid, and Jell-O. Kraft Heinz deals with various industries like hotels, restaurants, hospitals, and government institutions. Its goods are sold by its sales organizations, brokers, agents, and independent distributors. The company is spread across several countries, including Australia, Canada, China, the UK, the US, and many others.

Royal FrieslandCampina N.V.

Establishment:

Headquarters: Netherlands

Website: www.frieslandcampina.com

Royal FrieslandCampina NV (FrieslandCampina), owned by Zuivelcooperatie FrieslandCampina UA, is a prominent manufacturer and distributor of dairy products. The company's portfolio of diverse products consists of milk-based drinks, condensed milk, cream, nutritionals, yogurt, butter, milk powders, cheese, desserts, and functional ingredients. FrieslandCampina sells its products through renowned brands like Edam, Gouda, Maasdam, Dutch Lady, Frico, and Milli. It supplies a broad spectrum of professional customers, including pastry chefs, bakers, restaurants, caterers, chocolate confectioners, and manufacturers in the infant nutrition, food, and pharmaceutical industries. The firm has operations all over the world, with a presence in the Americas, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Africa, and the Middle East.

Land O'Lakes, Inc

Formation: 1921

Head Office: United States of America

Website: www.landolakesinc.com

Land O'Lakes Inc (Land O'Lakes) is a leading supplier of dairy products, feeds, and crop inputs. Its product offerings consist of butter, spreads, refrigerated desserts, cheese, non-fat dry milk, raw milk, and animal feed ingredients. Besides, the company also sells feed, seed, crop nutrients, and crop protection. Land O'Lakes sells its products under famous brands like LAKES, Cow's Match, Saute Express, Kozy Shack, Dekalb, Maxi Care, AgriSolutions, Chow, Alpine Lace, Indian Maiden, and Alpine Lace. The company also assists farmers and local cooperatives by selling a range of farm supplies and products to boost farming productivity.

China Mengniu Dairy Company Limited

Establishment: 1999

Headquarters: China

Website: www.mengniuir.com

China Mengniu Dairy Co Ltd (China Mengniu) is a major producer and distributor of dairy products. China Mengniu produces and distributes various dairy products, such as liquid milk, ice cream, milk formula, and cheese. China Mengniu sells its products under brands like Milk Deluxe, Just Yoghurt, Champion, Yoyi C, Shiny Meadow, Suibian, Mood for Green, Reeborne, and Bellamy's. With production plants throughout China, the company has operations in Mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau, Singapore, and Mongolia.

Ausnutria Dairy Corporation Ltd. (Netherlands)

Establishment: 2003

Headquarters: China

Website: https://www.ausnutria.com.hk/en

Ausnutria Dairy Corporation Ltd is a Hong Kong-listed firm dealing in dairy and nutrition products. The firm has two main segments: Dairy and Related Products, and Nutrition Products. It has a variety of cow and goat-based infant milk formulas sold under brands such as Kabrita, Hyproca 1897, and Neolac. Ausnutria also manufactures goat milk ingredients like full cream and skimmed milk powder, butter, and cream under the brand CBM. Ausnutria has been producing dairy products for more than 100 years and has a global presence with operations in China, the Netherlands, Australia, the Middle East, and other parts of the world.