Milk Powder Market Report by Types, Application, Country and Company Analysis 2025-2033

Milk Powder market is expected to reach US$ 51.96 billion by 2033 from US$ 33.69 billion in 2024, with a CAGR of 4.93 % from 2025 to 2033. Increased demand for products as a result of urbanization and population growth worldwide, the growing infant formula market, rising health consciousness that encourages the consumption of dietary supplements, the growth of the bakery and confectionery industries, and improved dairy technology are some of the factors driving the market.

Milk Powder Industry Overview

Since milk powder is an essential component of many food and drink items, the worldwide milk powder industry is crucial to the dairy industry. It is made by turning liquid milk into a dry powder through evaporation, which increases its shelf life and facilitates transportation. Growing consumer demand for long-lasting, handy dairy products, especially in developing nations where disposable incomes and consumption habits are shifting, is fueling the business. Important varieties include infant formula, skim milk powder, and whole milk powder; a sizable amount is sold to poor nations. New developments in packaging and processing methods are also advantageous to the sector. Health problems, sustainability concerns, and the trend toward plant-based diets present obstacles as well as chances for innovation in the industry.

Countries all around the world have started importing milk powder to suit their needs as a result of the rising demand for the product. According to the US Department of Agriculture, higher productivity in China led to an average 4% increase in milk output in 2021. Demand from customers drives the nation's importation of milk powder. Due to recent productivity declines and the government's aim to increase domestic dairy production, the majority of China's dairy needs are satisfied by imports. In fiscal year 2021, around 17,000 metric tons of milk powder were exported from India, according to the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying. There was an increase over the previous fiscal year. By year's end, the estimated volume of milk powder shipped during fiscal year 2022 was 37,000 MT.

Growth Drivers for the Milk Powder Market

Growing baby formula market

A key component of infant formula, a necessary food item for non-breastfed babies, is milk powder. Given its vital function in giving babies the vitamins, minerals, and nutrition they need, the growing infant formula business greatly drives the milk powder market. Rising worldwide birth rates, expanding numbers of working moms looking for convenient feeding options, and growing knowledge of the advantages of enriched infant formula are all driving this industry's expansion. The market is supported by the growing demand for premium milk powder as producers work to satisfy the strict quality and nutritional requirements needed for baby nourishment.

Urbanization and population growth

Due to increased demand for convenient, non-perishable food items brought on by worldwide urbanization and population growth, the milk powder industry is booming. Food items like milk powder that are easy to store and last a long time are preferred by urban lifestyles, which are defined by hectic schedules and smaller living areas. It provides a useful answer for customers looking for wholesome, easy-to-make solutions that blend in with the hectic pace of the city. The industry is growing because milk powder's longevity and storage effectiveness - which eliminates the need for refrigeration - perfectly match the urban need for food alternatives that are long-lasting and convenient.

Notable expansion in the confectionary and baking industries

Because it can improve the flavor, texture, and shelf life of goods like cakes, cookies, and chocolates, milk powder is essential to the bakery and confectionery sectors. The need for milk powder rises as these industries grow internationally. Its adaptability enables a variety of uses, ranging from enhancing baked goods' tenderness to acting as a crucial component in confections. The global demand for milk powder is fueled by the growing trend of artisanal and premium baked goods, the innovation of bakery and confectionery products, and the growing indulgence in sweets by consumers.

Challenges in the Milk Powder Market

Competition from Plant-Based Alternatives

The market for milk powder is becoming more and more competitive as plant-based dairy alternatives like soy, almond, oat, and coconut milk gain popularity. Due to their perceived sustainability and health benefits, customers who are concerned about their health - especially those who have lactose intolerance, milk allergies, or vegan preferences - are choosing these alternatives. In comparison to conventional dairy farming, plant-based milks are frequently promoted as being lower in calories, cholesterol-free, and more ecologically friendly because they use less water and have smaller carbon footprints. The milk powder sector is under pressure from this change in consumer behavior, particularly in regions where environmental and health trends are of utmost importance. Additionally, the market share of traditional dairy products is being further eroded by the fast diversification of plant-based goods, such as plant-based cheese, yogurt, and ice cream.

Environmental Sustainability

The environmental impact of dairy production is significant, as it contributes to soil degradation, excessive water use, and greenhouse gas emissions. Methane, a powerful greenhouse gas, is produced by cows, and the dairy industry is responsible for a sizeable portion of agricultural emissions worldwide. Because producing milk requires a lot of water, which affects areas with water scarcity, water usage is also a big challenge. Intensive dairy farming methods can also result in biodiversity loss, deforestation, and soil erosion. There is growing pressure on milk powder manufacturers to embrace more sustainable techniques as a result of these environmental issues. To lessen the industry's environmental impact and satisfy consumer and regulatory expectations for more environmentally friendly production methods, innovations including methane-reducing feed additives, better waste management, water-efficient technologies, and sustainable agricultural practices are being investigated.

Skimmed milk powder thrives as health-conscious consumers seek low-fat alternatives

Urbanization, higher earning, and changing diets drive global dairy demand, benefitting SMP with its extended shelf life and versatility in various food products. SMP's cost-effectiveness appeals to producers, and its sustainable manufacturing aligns with eco-conscious customer choices. In developing countries, SMP serves as a practical and inexpensive fresh milk alternative. The expanding worldwide infant formulation market, coupled with ongoing innovations, sustains SMP's increase. Increasing consciousness of SMP's nutritional benefits fuels demand throughout various applications, consisting of confectionery and bakery products.

Confectioneries hold the largest market share for milk powder worldwide

Milk powder is a critical and versatile element in confectionery, improving the smooth texture and delicate flavor of candies, sweets, fillings, glazes, and ice cream. Beyond flavor, it serves as a stabilizer, extending shelf life by stopping moisture absorption at some stage in transportation and garage. Its cost-effectiveness in comparison to other dairy components, coupled with retained vitamins like protein and calcium, makes it economically feasible for big-scale confectionery production. With clean label appeal aligning with client choices, milk powder caters to numerous nutritional needs, including vegan and dairy-free options. As the worldwide confectionery market grows, pushed by urbanization and changing options, the call for milk powder is about to surge, also fueled by ongoing innovation within the confectionery industry.

Milk Powder Market Overview by Regions

By countries, the global Milk Powder market is divided into United States, Canada, Germany, United Kingdom, France, Italy, Spain, Switzerland, Japan, China, India, South Korea, Indonesia, Australia, Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, South Africa, and Rest of World.

United States Milk Powder Market

A significant sector of the dairy industry, the US milk powder market is fueled by both exports and domestic demand. Dairy-based substances, infant formula, and a variety of food products employ milk powder, including whole milk powder (WMP) and skim milk powder (SMP). The market gains from rising use in the beverage and food processing industries as well as a growing need for easy, shelf-stable dairy products. The market is confronted with obstacles, meanwhile, including competition from plant-based substitutes and growing environmental worries about the carbon footprint of dairy farming. Profitability is also impacted by changes in the price of feed and raw milk. The market is anticipated to increase in the upcoming years due to advancements in processing and packaging as well as rising global demand, especially in Asia.

The country is anticipated to produce 1.30 million tons of skim milk powder in 2024, an 11% increase from current levels, due to increased milk production and an abundance of skim milk available for drying, according to a recent report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Global Agricultural Information Network (GAIN).
Additionally, exports are expected to rise by 3% to 838,000 tons. After a minor decline in exports in 2023, this comeback is the result of a rise in exportable supplies and a resurgence of shipments to price-sensitive markets in East and Southeast Asia.

Germany Milk Powder Market

Due to robust export growth and consistent local demand, the German milk powder market accounts for a sizeable portion of the European dairy industry. Dairy components, infant formula, and culinary products all frequently contain milk powder, especially whole milk powder (WMP) and skim milk powder (SMP). Germany benefits from its high standards of production and sophisticated dairy farming methods as a major dairy producer. Innovations in processing technology and the growing desire for convenient, long-lasting dairy products are driving the industry. Consumer preferences are being influenced by issues including the growing competition from plant-based dairy substitutes and worries about the environmental effects of dairy farming. More environmentally friendly procedures are being adopted by milk powder producers as a result of the increased demand for organic and sustainable products. Export markets continue to be important growth engines, particularly in Asia and Africa.

China Milk Powder Market

Due to the strong demand for dairy products, particularly infant formula and nutritional supplements, the Chinese milk powder industry is one of the biggest and fastest-growing in the world. The demand for milk powder has increased as a result of the nation's expanding middle class, growing health consciousness, and rising disposable incomes. Because of previous scandals and worries about the safety of native milk, Chinese customers are increasingly looking for high-end, international milk powder brands. In food goods, whole milk powder (WMP) and skim milk powder (SMP) are frequently utilized, but infant formula continues to be a significant growing area. However, plant-based substitutes and persistent issues with the sustainability of dairy farming pose a threat to the business. With an emphasis on quality and safety standards, rising urbanization and government assistance for the dairy sector are anticipated to further drive market expansion.

Saudi Arabia Milk Powder Market

The growing population of Saudi Arabia and the growing need for handy, long-lasting dairy products are driving the country's milk powder market's expansion. Saudi Arabia, a significant importer of milk powder, depends on both domestic production and imports from other countries to meet its demands, particularly for skim milk powder (SMP) and whole milk powder (WMP). Growing health consciousness, particularly in metropolitan areas, is driving the market, and customers prefer milk powder because of its versatility and shelf stability in food goods, beverages, and baby formula. But issues like water scarcity and the effects of dairy production on the environment have spurred attempts to implement more environmentally friendly methods. Furthermore, the popularity of plant-based dairy substitutes is beginning to affect consumer preferences. The continued demand for high-end, foreign milk powder brands contributes to the expansion of the Saudi Arabian market.

By Type - Milk Powder

1. Whole
2. Skimmed
3. Dairy Whitener
4. Buttermilk
5. Fat-Filled
6. Other

By Application

1. Nutritional Food
2. Infant Formulas
3. Confectionaries
4. Baked Sweets
5. Savories
6. Others

By Country

1. North America
1.1 United States
1.2 Canada
2. Europe
2.1 Germany
2.2 United Kingdom
2.3 France
2.4 Italy
2.5 Spain
2.6 Switzerland
3. Asia Pacific
3.1 Japan
3.2 China
3.3 India
3.4 South Korea
3.5 Indonesia
3.6 Australia
4. Latin America
4.1 Mexico
4.2 Brazil
4.3 Argentina
5. Middle East & Africa
5.1 Saudi Arabia
5.2 United Arab Emirates
5.3 South Africa
6. Rest of World

All companies have been covered from 3 viewpoints:

• Overview
• Recent Development
• Revenue

Company Analysis:

1. Nestle (Switzerland)
2. Danone
3. Saputo Inc.,
4. Arla Foods amba
5. The Kraft heinz company (U.S)
6. Royal FrieslandCampina N.V.,
7. Land O'Lakes, Inc
8. China Mengniu Dairy Company Limited
9. Ausnutria Dairy Corporation Ltd. (Netherlands)