Top 20 Dairy Companies In The World

According to Rabobank, the combined turnover of the top 20 dairy companies on the list jumped by 21% in euro terms since last year, as a result of inflation, a stronger US dollar and tight market conditions. In US dollar terms, the combined turnover was up 7.4%.

Just five companies, including market leader Lactalis, have held on to their positions since last year, as a result of significant merger and acquisition activity in the dairy sector, with almost 25 deals taking place.

Commenting on the findings, report authors Mary Ledman and Richard Scheper said,

“Looking ahead, we expect weakening dairy and retail prices will make 2023 a challenging year in terms of profitability for some companies in the ranking. Farmgate milk prices remain relatively high in some regions, which squeezed margins in 1H 2023.

“In terms of turnover, we expect more muted growth in 2023, with some companies unlikely to match the double-digit percentage revenue gains they experienced in 2022.”

Here’s an overview of the top twenty dairy companies in the world, according to their most recently-available full-year turnover.

Top 20 Dairy Companies In The World

1. Lactalis (France) – €27.2 Billion*
2. Dairy Farmers of America (USA) – €23.3 Billion
3. Nestlé (Switzerland) – €22.1 Billion*
4. Danone (France) – €20.1 Billion*
5. Yili (China) – €17.3 Billion*
6. Arla Foods (Denmark/Sweden) – €13.8 Billion
7. FrieslandCampina (Netherlands) – €13.7 Billion*
8. Mengniu (China) – €13.7 Billion*
9. Fonterra (New Zealand) – €13.4 Billion*
10. Saputo (Canada) – €13.0 Billion
11. Unilever (Netherlands/UK) – €7.9 Billion
12. Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation Ltd (India) – €6.7 Billion
13. Savencia (France) – €6.6 Billion
14. Müller (Germany) – €6.2 Billion*
15. Agropur (Canada) – CAD 6.2 Billion
16. Schreiber Foods (USA) – €6.2 Billion*
17. Sodiaal (France) – €5.5 Billion
18. DMK (Germany) – €5.3 Billion*
19. Froneri (UK) – €5.1 Billion
20. Glanbia (Ireland) – €4.8 Billion*

*denotes estimated turnover

ESM