India's Dairy Products Per Capita Consumption Is Forecast To Reach 171 kg By 2023

Developing countries are expected to display positive dynamics in per capita consumption of dairy products, due to robust income growth, expanding populations and a further globalization of diets.

Milk and dairy products have become an essential part of the diet in some parts of the world where little milk was consumed in the past, owing to rising incomes and increasing population, especially in Asia.

According to OECD Publishing, by 2023, per capita consumption of fresh dairy products in India is expected to increase to approximately 171 kg per capita, which is the highest level among major consumers. It will be followed by Australia (104 kg), the EU (93 kg), New Zealand (86 kg), Canada (75 kg), the USA (72 kg) and China (26 kg).

Dairy products can be rightfully called an essential part of Indian cuisine. These products are divided into two categories: curdled and non-curdled dairy products. The most well-known Indian curdled product is paneer, non-melting farmer cheese.

It is worth noting that the largest share of milk and dairy product consumption is in the form of fresh dairy products, taking up no less than 70% of total milk production. Due to milk production boost in developing countries, this share keeps growing.

Nevertheless, total consumption of dairy products in milk equivalent is substantially higher in developed countries than in developing ones, due to the fact that per capita cheese consumption is more than tenfold in developed countries compared to developing ones.

Not only are dairy products a vital source of nutrition, they also present livelihood opportunities for farmers. Moreover, dairy animals can be used for traction and provide manure for use as both fertilizer and fuel.

Source: World: Milk - Market Report. Analysis And Forecast To 2020