Ultra-High Temperature (UHT) milk, also known as long-life milk, has grown increasingly popular due to its extended shelf life, convenience, and expanding demand in both developed and emerging markets. In 2024, the UHT milk industry continues to thrive, with several key global players dominating the market.
According to data from Pristine Market Insights, here’s a detailed breakdown of the global UHT milk products market by company revenue share in 2024.
🥛 Top Global Players in UHT Milk (2024)
🥇 1. Nestlé S.A. – 12.5%
Nestlé, the world's largest food and beverage company, leads the UHT milk segment with 12.5% of the global market. Their strong global supply chain and trusted dairy brands help maintain dominance across continents.
🥈 2. Groupe Lactalis – 11.2%
French dairy heavyweight Lactalis comes in second with 11.2%, leveraging its diverse dairy portfolio and global distribution network to serve millions of consumers daily.
🥉 3. Danone S.A. – 10.6%
French multinational Danone holds 10.6% of the market, known for high-quality milk products and strong branding in Europe, Latin America, and parts of Asia.
Notable Contenders:
Fonterra Co-operative – 9.2%New Zealand-based Fonterra continues to expand UHT milk exports, particularly to Asia-Pacific markets.
Yili Group – 8.1%
As China’s largest dairy company, Yili is making waves globally with its innovative UHT products and rising international presence.
China Mengniu Dairy – 7.4%
Another Chinese giant, Mengniu, has been expanding rapidly across Asia and beyond, with a strong foothold in shelf-stable milk.
Arla Foods – 6.2%
Danish co-operative Arla continues to push its UHT offerings in Europe, the Middle East, and Asia.
Saputo Inc. – 5.3%
The Canadian dairy processor, Saputo, has diversified its dairy operations to include shelf-stable milk in key markets.
FrieslandCampina – 3.6%
The Dutch co-op FrieslandCampina remains a strong UHT player, especially in Southeast Asia and Africa.
Dairy Farmers of America (DFA) – 2.7%
U.S.-based DFA contributes to the growing demand for long-life milk domestically and in export markets.
Others – 23.2%
A substantial chunk of the market is held by regional brands, local cooperatives, and private labels catering to niche or localized consumer bases.
Why Is UHT Milk Booming?
- Long Shelf Life: Ideal for areas with limited refrigeration or inconsistent supply chains.
- Convenience: Perfect for urban lifestyles, on-the-go consumption, and institutional use.
- Global Demand: Rising in emerging markets, especially in Asia-Pacific, Africa, and Latin America.
- Sustainability: Less food waste and more efficient logistics compared to fresh milk.
Looking Ahead
As global populations grow and urbanize, demand for UHT milk products is expected to increase, particularly in markets where refrigeration infrastructure is lacking or consumer habits are shifting toward convenience.
Major brands will likely continue investing in innovation (like lactose-free and fortified UHT milk), sustainability, and market penetration in developing regions.
With fierce competition and dynamic shifts in consumer behavior, the UHT milk sector is one to watch in the broader dairy industry.
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