Asia Pacific Milk Powder Market Size and Share Analysis - Growth Trends and Forecast Report 2025-2033

Asia Pacific Milk Powder Market Trends & Summary

Asia Pacific Milk Powder Market is expected to reach US$ 18.25 billion by 2033 from US$ 11.54 billion in 2024, with a CAGR of 5.22% from 2025 to 2033. Increased urbanization, the increased shelf life of powdered milk, the increasing number of infants, the emerging food and beverage industry, the demand for convenient dairy alternatives, and rising demand in emerging economies due to changing dietary habits are the key drivers driving the milk powder market.

The report Asia Pacific Milk Powder Market & Forecast covers by Types (Whole, Skimmed, Dairy Whitene, Buttermilk, Fat-Filled, and Other), Application (Nutritional Food, Infant Formulas, Confectionaries, Baked Sweets, Savories, and Others), Countries and Company Analysis 2025-2033.

Asia Pacific Milk Powder Industry Overview

A milk product known as milk powder, or powdered milk, is produced by evaporating the water content of liquid milk. Milk can be stored for longer periods without refrigeration due to this process, making it ideal for transport and storage. Most of the proteins, calcium, and vitamins present in fresh milk are preserved in milk powder. It is available in whole, skimmed, and non-fat milk powder, among others. It is widely used as a fresh milk replacement in bakery, confectionery, infant formulae, and processed foods, especially where there is poor dairy infrastructure or refrigeration.

The Asian Pacific market for milk powder is growing rapidly due to a variety of significant reasons. Organic and fortified milk powder consumption is growing among consumers over regular milk powder consumption due to increasing health and nutrition awareness, especially in countries such as China. The long shelf life and convenience of milk powder make it ideal for countries such as India where refrigeration facilities and storage space could be limited. Additionally, demographic trends such as China's aging population are fueling the demand for adult and elderly-specific dairy nutrition. The area's economic expansion and rapid urbanization are boosting disposable incomes, which in turn is increasing demand for value-added and premium dairy products.

Growth Drivers for the Asia Pacific Milk Powder Market

Convenience and long shelf life

The convenience and long shelf life of milk powder are the key drivers of the market's significant growth in the Asia Pacific region. Because milk powder is not required to be refrigerated as fresh milk is, it's ideal for areas with poor cold-chain infrastructure and reduces storage and shipping costs. This feature is particularly beneficial in developing countries where new dairy products might be difficult to obtain. In addition, milk powder's longer shelf life minimizes wastage and spoilage, which is apt for the region's busy lives and increasing urbanization. The flexibility and longevity of milk powder continue to fuel its demand in a broad spectrum of applications, ranging from infant formulae to nutritional supplements and many food products, as consumers seek economical and healthy dairy alternatives.

Growing number of infants

The increasing number of infants, especially in populous countries such as China and India, is one of the key drivers of the Asia Pacific milk powder market. Due to its lengthy shelf life, high nutritional value, and ease of application, milk powder is also commonly employed in infant formula and is part of the key component of feeding a newborn baby. China had a birth rate in 2024 of 6.77 per 1,000, up 0.38 per thousand from last year, said the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS). This growth indicates that demand for infant-related dairy products, including milk powder, can rise. Demand for high-quality, fortified milk powder is on the rise across the region as governments promote child health and nutrition.

E-commerce and modern retail expansion

Modern retail growth and e-commerce are two key drivers fueling the growth of the Asia Pacific milk powder market. Consumers are opting for convenience of online buying for home staples, like milk powder, with growing internet penetration and smartphone penetration. Online channels enhance consumer accessibility and frequency of purchase by offering a wide choice of brands, easy price comparisons, home delivery, and discounts. Concurrently, greater shelf space and opportunities for brand promotion are introduced through the growth of modern retail facilities such as supermarkets, hypermarkets, and specialty stores. Foreign and premium milk powder items also become available through them. Contemporary retail and e-commerce are collaboratively transforming distribution channels, helping producers better access both urban and rural consumers, and driving regional market growth.

Challenges in the Asia Pacific Milk Powder Market

Fluctuating Raw Material Prices

In the Asia Pacific milk powder sector, fluctuating raw material prices pose a serious problem. One important element, milk, is very sensitive to weather, feed prices, and disease outbreaks that impact dairy farms. Demand may be impacted by these swings since they may result in higher manufacturing costs that are passed on to customers. Furthermore, producers' long-term pricing strategies are complicated by raw material price fluctuation, which breeds market uncertainty.

Skin Irritation and Sensitivity

One of the biggest obstacles in the Asia Pacific milk powder business is fierce competition. Price wars and narrow profit margins result from the market's overabundance of domestic and foreign brands. Pricing and brand uniqueness are under more pressure as new competitors keep appearing despite the dominance of established businesses. Businesses must constantly innovate, enhance the quality of their products, and spend money on marketing if they want to stay competitive. Achieving long-term profitability and brand loyalty is challenging due to this fierce competition.

China Milk Powder Market

Growing consumer desire for wholesome and practical food products has made China's milk powder market one of the biggest and most vibrant in the Asia Pacific area. The market is growing because of the expanding population, the growing emphasis on newborn nutrition, and the health-conscious middle-aged and older consumers. A noteworthy development occurred in December 2022 when the Chinese dairy company Junlebao introduced a new line of milk powders called "Le Gai" with the goal of promoting middle-aged and older consumers' absorption of calcium. According to its marketing, this product has twice as much calcium as ordinary whole milk powder, with 1200 mg per 100 g of milk powder. The increasing need for dairy products that are both functional and health-conscious, especially for an older population, is reflected in this innovation. China's milk powder business is growing and diversifying as customer tastes shift toward goods with extra health benefits, such higher calcium levels.

India Milk Powder Market

The rising demand for dairy products in both urban and rural areas is driving the steady growth of the milk powder market in India. This expansion is a result of shifting food patterns, increased health consciousness, and rising disposable incomes. One of the top dairy companies in India, Amul, invested a substantial INR 415 crore (USD 55.7 million) on four new projects in November 2021, one of which was a new milk powder factory at AmulFed Dairy. Amul was able to meet the growing demand for milk powder in both domestic and foreign markets thanks to this development, which increased the factory's milk processing capacity from 35 lakh liters per day to 50 lakh liters per day. India is now one of the world's biggest markets for milk powder due to the growing demand for the commodity in a variety of applications, including infant formula and nutrition goods.

Japan Milk Powder Market

The market for milk powder in Japan is expanding steadily due to a number of important factors. Fortified milk powders that address the health requirements of senior citizens are becoming more and more popular as the population ages. The desire for easy, shelf-stable items, such as milk powders, is also influenced by busy lives. Consumers are also gravitating for milk powders enhanced with probiotics, vitamins, and minerals due to health trends. These products are now more widely available in both urban and rural locations because to the growth of e-commerce platforms. A major factor is product innovation, with companies providing niche products like milk powders for adult nutrition.

Asia Pacific Milk Powder Market Segments:

Type

1. Whole

2. Skimmed

3. Dairy Whitener

4. Buttermilk

5. Fat-Filled

6. Others

Application

1. Nutritional Food

2. Infant Formulas

3. Confectionaries

4. Baked Sweets

5. Savories

6. Others

Countries

1. China

2. Japan

3. India

4. South Korea

5. Thailand

6. Malaysia

7. Indonesia

8. Australia

9. New Zealand

10. Rest of Asia Pacific

All companies have been covered from 4 viewpoints:

• Overview
• Key Persons
• Recent Development
• Financial Insights

Company Analysis

1. Nestle SA

2. China Mengniu Dairy Company Limited

3. Fonterra Co-Operative Group Ltd

4. Hatsun Agro Product Ltd

5. Saputo Inc.

6. Arla Foods

7. Royal FrieslandCampina N.V.

8. Ausnutria Dairy Corp Ltd