News: Dairy
As the global dairy market continues to evolve, Foodcareplus identifies four trends that deserve particular attention. In this article, we summarise them, highlight the implications for your business, and present concrete solutions based on Foodcareplus’ expertise.
The GCC region is a rapidly growing outlet for European dairy products. In 2024, the Gulf region imported approximately 1.3 million tonnes of dairy products, valued at around USD 4.2 billion. Butter and cheese remain particularly popular imports.
At the same time, geopolitical tensions in the Middle East are increasing route sensitivity. Key maritime corridors such as the Red Sea and the Strait of Hormuz may be disrupted in the event of conflict. Such disruptions force delays or detours, significantly increasing transit costs and lead times. A smart logistics strategy is therefore essential to safeguard continuity in the Gulf region.
Foodcareplus supports dairy customers with risk & contingency management, ranging from scenario planning for route blockages to alternative shipping routes and consolidation via Antwerp. Antwerp serves as a strategic consolidation hub for many dairy exporters, allowing shipments from multiple European suppliers to be combined in reefer containers. This maximizes load factors and cost efficiency while minimizing the risk of route-related delays.
In Europe, milk production is peaking (higher volumes despite smaller herds), putting pressure on prices. At the same time, new trade opportunities are emerging. On 1 May 2026, for example, the EU–Mercosur trade agreement entered into provisional application, allowing up to 90% of products to enter the Mercosur market duty-free or at reduced tariffs over time. An EU–Indonesia agreement is also on the horizon.
Such deals create new export opportunities for dairy products, but they require thorough preparation, from customs compliance to supply chain adjustments. Proactive market access will be the key success factor.
Foodcareplus offers an integrated market access approach: identifying new opportunities, mapping import conditions, and planning the entire logistics chain. We ensure your dairy products meet all customs and veterinary requirements and provide hands-on support to operationalize exports to destinations such as Brazil and Indonesia. In addition, our central control tower model provides real-time visibility across all flows, enabling faster decision-making in a volatile market.
Regulations and customer expectations regarding sustainability and food safety continue to intensify – including greenhouse gas reduction and mandatory traceability. Dairy products are perishable: without proper monitoring, quality and shelf life deteriorate rapidly, leading to food waste and potential reputational damage. This is why “manage by exception” is becoming increasingly important: deviations in temperature or delays must be detected and addressed immediately.
Foodcareplus invests in advanced cold chain monitoring to provide true end-to-end visibility. Through sensor technology, we share real-time temperature data. Our manage-by-exception approach means refrigerated cargo is monitored 24/7, with immediate intervention in case of anomalies. This minimizes spoilage risks, supports compliance (food safety and sustainability standards), reduces waste, and ensures maximum product quality upon arrival, within a fully transparent supply chain.
After years of focus on China, more exporters are looking to diversify their sales markets. Africa and South(-East) Asia are emerging as key growth regions, driven by population growth and rising dairy demand. Meanwhile, China is importing less milk powder due to its drive for self-sufficiency, creating overcapacity that can be redirected to other markets.
However, Africa presents logistical challenges (infrastructure, customs complexity), while South-East Asia requires competitive positioning amid increasing market entrants.
Foodcareplus helps you establish a foothold in these markets. Drawing on deep local knowledge and strong partnerships, we handle end-to-end exports to new regions. Our Market Access & Integrated Execution services ensure rapid market entry and efficient shipment flows, including cross-docking and locally available temperature-controlled storage. This allows you to build a more diversified international customer base without disruption and reduce dependency on any single region.
