GITNUX MARKETDATA REPORT 2024

Milk Industry Statistics

The milk industry statistics include data on production volumes, consumption trends, market share of different products, and economic impact on the overall agricultural sector.

Highlights: Milk Industry Statistics

  • In the United States, around 9.39 million cows were being used for milk production in 2021.
  • In 2020, each of these U.S. cows produced approximately 23432.3 pounds of milk.
  • The EU is the top producer of cow's milk worldwide, producing 148.26 million metric tons in 2021.
  • India was the second-largest producer of cow's milk worldwide in 2021, with about 94.57 million metric tons.
  • China is the leading country in terms of milk consumption, with over 54 million metric tons in 2021.
  • In 2021, the United States generated over $42.7 billion in milk sales.
  • In 2020, the average price of milk in the U.S. was 3.66 U.S. dollars per gallon.
  • Whole milk accounted for 40 percent of milk retail sales in the U.S. in 2021.
  • The organic milk market in the U.S. was valued at $1.6 billion in 2020.
  • Almond milk is the most popular plant-based milk in the U.S. with sales amounting to nearly $1.5 billion in 2020.
  • About 21% of total U.S. milk sales in 2020 were flavored milk products.
  • The dairy industry in Australia is worth around $4.4 billion AUD.
  • The dairy industry in New Zealand represents 3% of global trade in dairy products, contributing to 28% of New Zealand's goods exports.
  • The milk production in Russia reached 31.59 million tons in 2020.
  • Brazil produced approximately 33.5 billion liters of milk in 2019.
  • Dairy consumption in Canada amounted to 65.99 litres per capita in 2020.
  • The dairy processing industry in the UK contributes around £8.8 billion to the country's economy.
  • In 2020, the total dairy export from the Netherlands was worth about €7.6 billion.

Discover our favorite AI Writing Tool

Write scientific papers in minutes thanks to AI

Jenni's AI-powered text editor helps you write, edit, and cite with confidence. Save hours on your next paper

Table of Contents

The Latest Milk Industry Statistics Explained

In the United States, around 9.39 million cows were being used for milk production in 2021.

The statistic indicates that in 2021, approximately 9.39 million cows were utilized in the United States specifically for milk production purposes. This data highlights the substantial scale of the dairy industry in the country and underscores the significant role that cows play in meeting the ongoing demand for milk and dairy products. The statistic serves as a key metric for tracking the production capacity of the dairy sector, providing valuable insights into the agricultural landscape and economic activities related to milk production. Furthermore, it emphasizes the importance of the dairy industry in contributing to the overall food supply chain and meeting consumer needs for dairy products in the United States.

In 2020, each of these U.S. cows produced approximately 23432.3 pounds of milk.

The statistic “In 2020, each of these U.S. cows produced approximately 23432.3 pounds of milk” refers to the average milk production per cow in the United States during the year 2020. This figure provides valuable insight into the efficiency and productivity of the dairy industry in the U.S., highlighting the substantial output of milk generated by each individual cow. This statistic is important for dairy farmers, policymakers, and consumers alike, as it emphasizes the significant contribution of dairy cows to the overall milk supply chain, as well as the potential impact on pricing and market dynamics. Additionally, monitoring and analyzing such statistics can help in assessing trends in dairy production, improving breeding and management practices, and ultimately enhancing the sustainability and profitability of the dairy sector.

The EU is the top producer of cow’s milk worldwide, producing 148.26 million metric tons in 2021.

The statistic that the EU is the top producer of cow’s milk worldwide, generating 148.26 million metric tons in 2021, highlights the significant contribution of the European Union to the global dairy industry. This statistic signifies the EU’s dominance in milk production, outpacing other major dairy-producing countries. The substantial quantity of cow’s level of milk output not only highlights the EU’s agricultural capabilities but also underscores the region’s importance in supplying dairy products to meet global demand. This statistic underscores the EU’s strong position in the global dairy market and its significant role in shaping the industry’s dynamics.

India was the second-largest producer of cow’s milk worldwide in 2021, with about 94.57 million metric tons.

The statistic that India was the second-largest producer of cow’s milk worldwide in 2021, with about 94.57 million metric tons, indicates the significant contribution of the Indian dairy industry to the global supply chain. This data reflects the country’s large population of dairy cows and the strong agricultural practices in place to support milk production. The high volume of cow’s milk production in India not only fulfills domestic demand but also plays a crucial role in international trade, highlighting the country’s importance in the global dairy market. Additionally, this statistic underscores the economic and nutritional significance of the dairy sector in India, showcasing its impact on both local livelihoods and food security.

China is the leading country in terms of milk consumption, with over 54 million metric tons in 2021.

The statistic indicates that China consumed over 54 million metric tons of milk in 2021, making it the top country in terms of milk consumption. This high consumption can be attributed to various factors such as the increasing population, urbanization trends, rising disposable incomes, and changing dietary preferences towards dairy products. The demand for milk and dairy products in China has been steadily growing due to the perceived health benefits associated with consuming dairy, as well as the influence of Western dietary habits. The significant volume of milk consumption in China not only reflects the country’s large population size but also its evolving dietary patterns and lifestyle changes.

In 2021, the United States generated over $42.7 billion in milk sales.

In 2021, the statistic indicates that the United States had a substantial dairy industry, with domestic milk sales exceeding $42.7 billion. This figure reflects the significant economic contribution of the dairy sector to the U.S. economy and highlights the high demand for milk and dairy products within the country. The statistic suggests that dairy remains a key agricultural commodity and a major revenue source for farmers and dairy processors across the nation, underlining the importance of the dairy industry as a major player in the overall food and beverage sector.

In 2020, the average price of milk in the U.S. was 3.66 U.S. dollars per gallon.

The statistic “In 2020, the average price of milk in the U.S. was 3.66 U.S. dollars per gallon” means that when considering all prices of milk across the United States in the year 2020, the average cost per gallon was $3.66. This figure provides a general indication of the pricing trend for milk during that year, serving as a reference point for consumers, policymakers, and producers within the dairy industry to understand the prevailing market conditions. It is important to note that this average price represents the mean value, which can be influenced by various factors such as geographical location, supply and demand dynamics, production costs, and economic conditions.

Whole milk accounted for 40 percent of milk retail sales in the U.S. in 2021.

The statistic indicates that of all the milk sold at retail stores in the United States in 2021, whole milk comprised 40 percent of the total volume. This means that consumers purchased whole milk more than any other type of milk, such as low-fat or skim milk. The data suggests that whole milk remains a popular choice among American consumers, potentially due to factors such as taste preferences, dietary habits, or cultural norms. This information can be valuable for dairy producers and retailers to understand consumer preferences and market trends in order to tailor their product offerings and marketing strategies accordingly.

The organic milk market in the U.S. was valued at $1.6 billion in 2020.

The statistic “The organic milk market in the U.S. was valued at $1.6 billion in 2020” represents the total monetary worth of organic milk sales within the U.S. for the specified year. This figure reflects the economic significance and scale of the organic milk industry, indicating a substantial market demand for organic milk products among consumers in the U.S. The value of $1.6 billion provides insight into the size of the organic milk market, highlighting the financial impact and relevance of organic dairy products in the country’s overall food and beverage industry. This statistic suggests that organic milk is a significant player in the U.S. dairy market and is a popular choice among consumers seeking organic and sustainable options.

Almond milk is the most popular plant-based milk in the U.S. with sales amounting to nearly $1.5 billion in 2020.

The statistic that almond milk is the most popular plant-based milk in the U.S. with sales amounting to nearly $1.5 billion in 2020 highlights the significant market share and consumer preference for this dairy alternative. The high sales figures suggest that almond milk is widely accepted and consumed by a large portion of the population, indicating a shift towards plant-based dietary choices. The substantial revenue generated by almond milk reflects the growing trend towards health consciousness, dairy intolerance, and environmental sustainability, as consumers seek alternatives to traditional dairy products. This statistic underscores the impact of almond milk in the U.S. market and its position as a leading player in the plant-based milk industry.

About 21% of total U.S. milk sales in 2020 were flavored milk products.

The statistic ‘About 21% of total U.S. milk sales in 2020 were flavored milk products’ indicates that flavored milk products accounted for approximately one-fifth of all milk sales in the United States in that year. This suggests a significant portion of consumers prefer flavored options over traditional plain milk. The popularity of flavored milk products may be driven by factors such as taste preferences, marketing efforts, and the perception of flavored milk as a more appealing or indulgent choice. Understanding and monitoring these trends in consumer behavior can provide valuable insights for dairy producers, retailers, and policymakers in the food industry.

The dairy industry in Australia is worth around $4.4 billion AUD.

The statistic “The dairy industry in Australia is worth around $4.4 billion AUD” indicates the total value of the dairy industry in Australia based on financial transactions within a specific time frame. This figure represents the combined revenue generated from various sectors within the dairy industry, including milk production, processing, and distribution. The value of $4.4 billion AUD reflects the economic importance and scale of the dairy industry in Australia, highlighting its significant contribution to the country’s overall economy. This statistic serves as a key indicator of the industry’s size and impact, providing valuable insights for policymakers, stakeholders, and investors interested in the Australian dairy sector.

The dairy industry in New Zealand represents 3% of global trade in dairy products, contributing to 28% of New Zealand’s goods exports.

This statistic indicates that the dairy industry in New Zealand plays a significant role in the global dairy trade, accounting for 3% of total dairy product trade worldwide. At the same time, it highlights the disproportionate impact of this industry on New Zealand’s economy, with dairy exports contributing to 28% of the country’s total goods exports. This suggests that the dairy industry is a major driver of New Zealand’s export earnings and plays a crucial role in supporting the country’s economy. The high level of dependence on dairy exports also underscores the importance of the industry to New Zealand’s overall economic health and emphasizes the need to ensure its continued success and sustainability.

The milk production in Russia reached 31.59 million tons in 2020.

The statistic that the milk production in Russia reached 31.59 million tons in 2020 represents the total amount of milk produced within the country during that particular year. This figure provides valuable insights into the agricultural sector in Russia, highlighting the significant contribution of milk production to the economy and food supply. By quantifying the volume of milk output, policymakers, researchers, and stakeholders can assess trends in production, monitor the efficiency of dairy farming practices, and make informed decisions regarding supply chain management, trade policies, and resource allocation. Additionally, this statistic serves as a benchmark for comparing Russia’s performance in the dairy industry against previous years and with other countries in the global market.

Brazil produced approximately 33.5 billion liters of milk in 2019.

The statistic “Brazil produced approximately 33.5 billion liters of milk in 2019” provides a quantitative measure of the total milk output in Brazil for the specified year. This statistic indicates the significant scale of milk production operations in Brazil, highlighting the country’s importance as a major contributor to the global dairy industry. The data point serves as a key indicator of Brazil’s agricultural productivity and economic significance in the dairy sector, showcasing the country’s capacity to meet domestic demand and potentially export surplus milk products. Analyzing this statistic can provide insights into trends in milk production, consumption patterns, and market dynamics within Brazil and across international trade relationships in the dairy industry.

Dairy consumption in Canada amounted to 65.99 litres per capita in 2020.

The statistic “Dairy consumption in Canada amounted to 65.99 litres per capita in 2020” indicates the average amount of dairy products consumed by each individual in Canada over the course of the year 2020. This measurement includes all types of dairy products such as milk, cheese, yogurt, and butter. The per capita calculation allows for a comparison of dairy consumption levels among different countries or across different time periods, providing insight into the dietary habits and preferences of the Canadian population. The figure of 65.99 liters per capita serves as a quantitative indicator of the significance of dairy products in the Canadian diet and can be used by policymakers, researchers, and stakeholders to assess trends in dairy consumption and make informed decisions related to nutrition, agriculture, and trade.

The dairy processing industry in the UK contributes around £8.8 billion to the country’s economy.

The statistic indicates that the dairy processing industry in the UK plays a significant role in the country’s economy by contributing approximately £8.8 billion. This demonstrates the economic importance of the industry, providing jobs, income, and supporting businesses within the sector. The revenue generated from dairy processing activities not only supports the industry itself but also has wider impacts on the economy through value-added products, export opportunities, and overall economic growth. This statistic highlights the industry’s substantial contribution to the UK’s GDP, emphasizing its role as a key player in the nation’s economic landscape.

In 2020, the total dairy export from the Netherlands was worth about €7.6 billion.

This statistic indicates that in 2020, the Netherlands exported dairy products with a total estimated value of €7.6 billion. This suggests that dairy production is a significant component of the Dutch economy, contributing substantially to the country’s overall trade revenue. The figure reflects the importance of dairy exports as a source of income and economic growth for the Netherlands, highlighting its strong position in the global dairy market. The statistic also implies that the Netherlands has a well-developed dairy industry that is capable of meeting international demands and maintaining competitiveness in the global market.

References

0. – https://www.www.ibisworld.com

1. – https://www.www.statista.com

2. – https://www.dairy.ahdb.org.uk

3. – https://www.www.dcanz.com

4. – https://www.www.ota.com

How we write our statistic reports:

We have not conducted any studies ourselves. Our article provides a summary of all the statistics and studies available at the time of writing. We are solely presenting a summary, not expressing our own opinion. We have collected all statistics within our internal database. In some cases, we use Artificial Intelligence for formulating the statistics. The articles are updated regularly.

See our Editorial Process.

Table of Contents

... Before You Leave, Catch This! 🔥

Your next business insight is just a subscription away. Our newsletter The Week in Data delivers the freshest statistics and trends directly to you. Stay informed, stay ahead—subscribe now.

Sign up for our newsletter and become the navigator of tomorrow's trends. Equip your strategy with unparalleled insights!