Teodora Lyubomirova

Fonterra has unveiled a new leadership structure under CEO Richard Allen as it pivots to a B2B-focused model. Here’s what the appointments mean for Ingredients, Foodservice and future growth.

Global milk growth is slowing in 2026 as Big 7 dairy exporters shift more milk into cheese, whey and higher-value proteins amid volatile export demand.

From the US and Europe to Asia-Pacific, lactose-free dairy is gaining momentum as consumers embrace premium, health-focused products, driving growth across multiple categories.

High-protein dairy is outperforming the wider market, with strong growth in yogurt, cottage cheese and milk as consumers seek premium nutrition and functional benefits.

Lifeway dominates the fast-growing US kefir market, benefiting from demand for gut health, protein-rich nutrition and probiotic foods as functional dairy moves mainstream.

New Zealand startup Four Leaves Co is elevating functional dairy through Lullaa, a clean-label milk blending prebiotics, collagen, botanicals and mānuka honey.

Middle East tensions could keep fertiliser prices elevated, raising nitrogen costs and increasing pressure on dairy forage production and farm margins.

As protein demand surges, dairy processors are using CIP optimisation, membrane efficiency and AI tools to increase whey production without major capital investment.

Record grain crops in Argentina and South Africa are boosting supply, but falling stocks, regional shortages and rising import demand could keep dairy feed prices firm in 2026/27.