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2026 Developments
Dairy products and alternatives in China experiences a contraction in retail value in 2026, reflecting persistent demographic and economic headwinds. This contrasts with earlier regional momentum and highlights the challenges posed by an ageing population, declining birth rates, and cautious consumer spending. Despite these pressures, the landscape remains dynamic, supported by innovation in fresh milk, functional cheese, and plant-based dairy, alongside growing consumer demand for health, transparency, and convenience. Competition is intensifying as leading players such as Inner Mongolia Yili Industrial Group and Inner Mongolia Mengniu Dairy Industry face share erosion, while international brands, emerging domestic players, and private label products gain ground by responding to evolving consumer preferences. This shift underscores the increasing importance of differentiation and targeted innovation in a maturing space. For businesses, China continues to offer opportunities for companies that can deliver science-backed functional benefits, leverage emerging distribution channels, and target growth niches such as senior nutrition, fitness-focused dairy, and clean-label plant-based products. Success will depend on effective product innovation, regulatory compliance, and agile channel strategies that address both changing demographics and heightened consumer value consciousness.
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Overview:
Understand the latest market trends and future growth opportunities for the Dairy Products and Alternatives industry in China with research from Euromonitor International's team of in-country analysts – experts by industry and geographic specialisation.
Key trends are clearly and succinctly summarised alongside the most current research data available. Understand and assess competitive threats and plan corporate strategy with our qualitative analysis, insight and confident growth projections.
Data and analysis in this report provides further detailed coverage dedicated to a comprehensive range of core packaged food categories.
If you're in the Dairy Products and Alternatives industry in China, our research will help you to make informed, intelligent decisions; to recognise and profit from opportunity, or to offer resilience amidst market uncertainty.
The Dairy Products and Alternatives in China report includes:
- Analysis of key supply-side and demand trends
- Detailed segmentation of international and local products
- Historic volume and value sizes, company and brand market shares
- Five year forecasts of market trends and market growth
- Robust and transparent research methodology, conducted in-country
This report answers:
- What is the market size of Dairy Products and Alternatives in China?
- Which are the leading brands in Dairy Products and Alternatives in China?
- How are products distributed in Dairy Products and Alternatives in China?
- How is the rise of e-commerce and/or the expansion of modern grocery retail impacting traditional retail?
- What are the key health and wellness concerns driving, or challenging, sales in Dairy Products and Alternatives?
- How significant are vegan and vegetarian dietary requirements in determining sales growth in China?
- Where is future growth expected to be most dynamic?
- How significant will values-based claims, such as sustainability and ethical labelling, be in supporting future growth and brand equity?
Dairy Products and Alternatives in China
2026 Developments
Key Data Insights
Chart 1 Key Industry Trends for Dairy Products and Alternatives
Demographic and Demand Pressures Weigh on China's Dairy Landscape
Clinical Nutrition Reshapes Product Innovation across Life Stages
Chart 2 Clinical Nutrition for Healthy Ageing
Functional Indulgence Expands Snacking and Flavour-Led Innovation
Chart 3 Functional Indulgence in Snacking
Chart 4 Value Sales 2021-2031
Chart 5 Value Sales by Category 2026
Product Shifts Expected to Create Contrasting Growth Prospects
Localised Plant-Based Products Set to Broaden Everyday Consumption
Cautious Spending to Raise the Threshold for Premiumisation
Chart 6 Analyst Insight for Dairy Products and Alternatives
Chart 7 Forecast Value Sales 2021-2031
Chart 8 Forecast Value Sales by Category 2026-2031
Leaders Face Growing Pressure From Premium and Value-Focused Players
Acquisitions and Portfolio Optimisation Reshape Corporate Strategies
Chart 9 Company Shares 2026
Chart 10 Brand Shares 2026
Declining Relevance of Supermarkets Reshapes Dairy Retailing
Specialist and Value-Led Formats Broaden Their Appeal
Online-To-Offline Services Accelerate Online Retail Growth
Chart 11 Retail Channels 2021-2026
Wellness, Protein and Clean Labels Steer Innovation
Recent Launches Showcase Precision Nutrition and Active Living
Competition Intensifies and Retail Channels Fragment
Chart 12 Economic Context for Dairy Products and Alternatives
Chart 13 Real Gdp Growth 2021-2031
Chart 14 Inflation 2021-2031
Chart 15 Consumer Context for Dairy Products and Alternatives
Chart 16 Population 2021-2031
Chart 17 Population by Generation 2026
Chart 18 Consumer Expenditure 2021-2031
Baby Food in China
Key Data Insights
Baby Food Summary
Chart 19 Key Industry Trends for Baby Food
Biostime’S Premium Innovation Raises the Competitive Benchmark
Chart 20 Biostime’S Pai Xing Premium Formula
Milk Formula Leads Sales While Other Baby Food Posts Fastest Growth
Guanghe Xingqiu Redefines Snacking through Functional Indulgence
Chart 21 Guanghe Xingqiu Promotes Functional Indulgence
Chart 22 Value Sales 2021-2031
Chart 23 Value Sales by Category 2026
Premium Complementary Foods Projected to Drive Growth Amid Demographic Decline
Allergy Management Expected to Support Specialised Formula Demand
Chart 24 Analyst Insight for Baby Food
Chart 25 Forecast Value Sales 2021-2031
Chart 26 Forecast Value Sales by Category 2026-2031
Premium Positioning Strengthens Leading Baby Food Brands
Chart 27 Company Shares 2026
Chart 28 Brand Shares 2026
Retail E-Commerce Captures Parents by Delivering Value and Selection
Chart 29 Retail Channels 2021-2026
Compressed R&D Cycles and Cross-Sector Science Reshape Product Development
Multi-Patent Formulations and Everyday-Use Engineering Define Recent Launches
Scientific Credibility and Consolidation Reshape Competitive Dynamics
Chart 30 Economic Context for Baby Food
Chart 31 Real Gdp Growth 2021-2031
Chart 32 Inflation 2021-2031
Chart 33 Consumer Context for Baby Food
Chart 34 Population 2021-2031
Chart 35 Population by Generation 2026
Chart 36 Consumer Expenditure 2021-2031
Butter and Spreads in China
Key Data Insights
Butter and Spreads Summary
Chart 37 Key Industry Trends for Butter and Spreads
Western Cooking and Baking Habits Support Steady Growth
Domestic Butter Gains Ground as Consumers Prioritise Value
Chart 38 Value Driven Domestic Butter
La Conviette Taps Premium Demand
Chart 39 Premium Butter Remains Niche
Chart 40 Value Sales 2021-2031
Chart 41 Value Sales by Category 2026
Western Cooking Habits Expected to Support Sustained Butter Demand
Premium and Value Butter to Outperform While Margarine Loses Relevance
Chart 42 Analyst Insight for Butter and Spreads
Chart 43 Forecast Value Sales 2021-2031
Chart 44 Forecast Value Sales by Category 2026-2031
Fonterra Remains the Leader as Domestic Brands and Private Label Gain Share
Chart 45 Company Shares 2026
Chart 46 Brand Shares 2026
O2o Delivery Accelerates E-Commerce Growth as Traditional Retail Loses Ground
Chart 47 Retail Channels 2021-2026
Health and Wellness Priorities Reshape Product Development
Recent Launches Showcase Functional and Flavour-Led Formats
Innovation Strengthens Differentiation and Brand Loyalty
Chart 48 Economic Context for Butter and Spreads
Chart 49 Real Gdp Growth 2021-2031
Chart 50 Inflation 2021-2031
Chart 51 Consumer Context for Butter and Spreads
Chart 52 Population 2021-2031
Chart 53 Population by Generation 2026
Chart 54 Consumer Expenditure 2021-2031
Cheese in China
Key Data Insights
Cheese Summary
Chart 55 Key Industry Trends for Cheese
Cheese Performance Remains Constrained by Dependence on Children’S Products
Adult Snacking Occasions Broaden the Role of Cheese
Chart 56 Crispy Cheese Targets Adult Snacking
Functional Indulgence Drives Premium Cheese Innovation
Chart 57 Liquid Cheese Supports Functional Indulgence
Chart 58 Value Sales 2021-2031
Chart 59 Value Sales by Category 2026
Cheese Forecast to Expand beyond Children’S Products
Local Flavour Adaptation and Functional Innovation Set to Drive Premiumisation
Chart 60 Analyst Insight for Cheese
Chart 61 Forecast Value Sales 2021-2031
Chart 62 Forecast Value Sales by Category 2026-2031
Milkground Targets Adult Breakfast Occasions to Reinforce Its Leadership
Chart 63 Company Shares 2026
Chart 64 Brand Shares 2026
Douyin Leverages Educational Content to Accelerate E-Commerce Growth
Chart 65 Retail Channels 2021-2026
Innovation Responds to Shifting Consumption Occasions
Recent Launches Showcase Format and Formulation Breakthroughs
Product Innovation Reshapes Competitive Dynamics and Growth Prospects
Chart 66 Economic Context for Cheese
Chart 67 Real Gdp Growth 2021-2031
Chart 68 Inflation 2021-2031
Chart 69 Consumer Context for Cheese
Chart 70 Population 2021-2031
Chart 71 Population by Generation 2026
Chart 72 Consumer Expenditure 2021-2031
Drinking Milk Products in China
Key Data Insights
Drinking Milk Products Summary
Chart 73 Key Industry Trends for Drinking Milk Products
Value-Led Competition Shapes Performance in Drinking Milk Products
Chart 74 Walmart Expands Private Label Milk
Private Label Expansion Intensifies Value-For-Money Competition
Chart 75 M-Plus Targets Fitness Consumers
Health-Driven Innovation and Fresh Milk Adoption Reshape Demand
Chart 76 Value Sales 2021-2031
Chart 77 Value Sales by Category 2026
Pricing Projected to Support Value Growth Despite Demographic Constraints
Fresh Milk and Powder Milk Set to Lead Changing Demand Patterns
Innovation, Trust and Efficiency to Become Critical for Long-Term Success
Chart 78 Analyst Insight for Drinking Milk Products
Chart 79 Forecast Value Sales 2021-2031
Chart 80 Forecast Value Sales by Category 2026-2031
Fresh Milk Drives Shifts in Company Rankings
Private Label Expansion and M&A Activity Reshape Competition
Chart 81 Company Shares 2026
Chart 82 Brand Shares 2026
Small Local Grocers Overtake Supermarkets as Retail Dynamics Shift
O2o Development and Logistics Improvements Support E-Commerce Growth
Chart 83 Retail Channels 2021-2026
Value Pressure and Health Focus Steer Innovation Agendas
Fresh Formats and Platform Brands Lead Recent Launches
Innovation Redistributes Share and Reshapes Strategy
Chart 84 Economic Context for Drinking Milk Products
Chart 85 Real Gdp Growth 2021-2031
Chart 86 Inflation 2021-2031
Chart 87 Consumer Context for Drinking Milk Products
Chart 88 Population 2021-2031
Chart 89 Population by Generation 2026
Chart 90 Consumer Expenditure 2021-2031
Yoghurt and Sour Milk Products in China
Key Data Insights
Yoghurt and Sour Milk Products Summary
Chart 91 Key Industry Trends for Yoghurt and Sour Milk Products
Sales Decline Slows Despite Continued Economic Pressures
Everyday Wellness Drives Demand for Plain and Greek Yoghurt
Chart 92 Greek Yoghurt Supports Everyday Wellness
Regional Flavours and Textures Drive Innovation
Chart 93 Regional Flavours Drive Differentiation
Chart 94 Value Sales 2021-2031
Chart 95 Value Sales by Category 2026
Flavour Innovation to Help Support Chilled Yoghurt Performance
Functional Nutrition Expected to Become a Central Innovation Platform
Chart 96 Analyst Insight for Yoghurt and Sour Milk Products
Chart 97 Forecast Value Sales 2021-2031
Chart 98 Forecast Value Sales by Category 2026-2031
Junlebao Gains Momentum as Chilled Yoghurt Reshapes Competition
Chart 99 Company Shares 2026
Chart 100 Brand Shares 2026
Supermarkets Lose Ground as Convenience and E-Commerce Gain Momentum
Channel-Exclusive Launches Gain Importance
Chart 101 Retail Channels 2021-2026
Strain Science and New Consumption Occasions Drive Innovation
Recent Launches Show Strain Precision and Design Ambition
Innovation Redefines Competitive Advantage and Consumer Reach
Chart 102 Economic Context for Yoghurt and Sour Milk Products
Chart 103 Real Gdp Growth 2021-2031
Chart 104 Inflation 2021-2031
Chart 105 Consumer Context for Yoghurt and Sour Milk Products
Chart 106 Population 2021-2031
Chart 107 Population by Generation 2026
Chart 108 Consumer Expenditure 2021-2031
Other Dairy in China
Key Data Insights
Other Dairy Summary
Chart 109 Key Industry Trends for Other Dairy
Consumer Shifts and Pricing Pressures Drive Continued Contraction
Mengniu Targets Premium Dessert and Foodservice Opportunities
Chart 110 Premium Dessert Innovation
New Cream Standards Accelerate Compliance and Industry Consolidation
Chart 111 New Standards Build Trust
Chart 112 Value Sales 2021-2031
Chart 113 Value Sales by Category 2026
Local Innovation Expected to Drive Product Upgrading
Cream Expected to Outperform as Food Culture Evolves
B2b Channels to Become the Key Engine of Future Growth
Chart 114 Analyst Insight for Other Dairy
Chart 115 Forecast Value Sales 2021-2031
Chart 116 Forecast Value Sales by Category 2026-2031
Nestlé Maintains Leadership in a Highly Concentrated Landscape
Chart 117 Company Shares 2026
Chart 118 Brand Shares 2026
Retail E-Commerce Overtakes Supermarkets as the Leading Sales Channel
Chart 119 Retail Channels 2021-2026
Wellness and Indulgence Pull Innovation in Two Directions
Plant-Based and Sugar-Free Launches Translate Trends into Products
Functionality and Quality Overtake Price as the Basis for Competition
Chart 120 Economic Context for Other Dairy
Chart 121 Real Gdp Growth 2021-2031
Chart 122 Inflation 2021-2031
Chart 123 Consumer Context for Other Dairy
Chart 124 Population 2021-2031
Chart 125 Population by Generation 2026
Chart 126 Consumer Expenditure 2021-2031
Plant-Based Dairy in China
Key Data Insights
Plant-Based Dairy Summary
Chart 127 Key Industry Trends for Plant-Based Dairy
Plant-Based Dairy Records a Polarised Performance
Local Flavours Create New Consumption Occasions
Chart 128 Oatly Launches Matcha-Flavored Oatmilk
Functional Ingredients Drive Product Development
Chart 129 Freenow Launches Rye Milk Product
Chart 130 Value Sales 2021-2031
Chart 131 Value Sales by Category 2026
Heritage Ingredients Set to Drive Differentiation and Premiumisation
Convenience and Everyday Consumption Occasions to Support Future Growth
Chart 132 Analyst Insight for Plant-Based Dairy
Chart 133 Forecast Value Sales 2021-2031
Chart 134 Forecast Value Sales by Category 2026-2031
Health-Focused Innovation Reshapes the Competitive Landscape
Chart 135 Company Shares 2026
Chart 136 Brand Shares 2026
E-Commerce Strengthens Its Role in Plant-Based Dairy Distribution
Chart 137 Retail Channels 2021-2026
Hybrid Formats and Functional Fortification Lead the Next Wave of Innovation
Whey-Enriched Blends and a National Quality Standard Mark a Turning Point
Channel Expansion and Rising Expectations Reshape Competitive Advantage
Chart 138 Economic Context for Plant-Based Dairy
Chart 139 Real Gdp Growth 2021-2031
Chart 140 Inflation 2021-2031
Chart 141 Consumer Context for Plant-Based Dairy
Chart 142 Population 2021-2031
Chart 143 Population by Generation 2026
Chart 144 Consumer Expenditure 2021-2031
Country Reports Disclaimer
The following categories and subcategories are included:
Dairy Products and Alternatives
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- Dried Baby Food
- Prepared Baby Food
- Other Baby Food
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- Liquid Standard Milk Formula
- Powder Standard Milk Formula
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- Liquid Follow-on Milk Formula
- Powder Follow-on Milk Formula
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- Liquid Growing-Up Milk Formula
- Powder Growing-Up Milk Formula
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- Liquid Special Baby Milk Formula
- Powder Special Baby Milk Formula
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- Butter
- Cooking Fats
- Margarine and Spreads
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- Spreadable Cheese
- Processed Cheese excl Spreadable
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- Packaged Hard Cheese
- Unpackaged Hard Cheese
- Soft Cheese
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- Dairy Only Flavoured Milk Drinks
- Flavoured Milk Drinks with Fruit Juice
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- Fat-free Fresh Milk
- Semi Skimmed Fresh Milk
- Full Fat Fresh Milk
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- Fat-free Shelf Stable Milk
- Semi Skimmed Shelf Stable Milk
- Full Fat Shelf Stable Milk
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- Goat Milk
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- Powder Milk
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- Sour Milk Products
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- Drinking Yoghurt
- Flavoured Yoghurt
- Plain Yoghurt
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- Chilled Dairy Desserts
- Shelf Stable Dairy Desserts
- Chilled Snacks
- Coffee Whiteners
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- Flavoured Condensed Milk
- Plain Condensed Milk
- Evaporated Milk
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- Cream
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- Flavoured Fromage Frais and Quark
- Plain Fromage Frais and Quark
- Savoury Fromage Frais and Quark
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- Soy Drinks
- Other Plant-based Milk
- Plant-based Yoghurt
- Plant-based Cheese
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This report originates from Passport, our Dairy Products and Alternatives research and analysis database.
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