Milk and Dairy Products

Milk and Dairy Products

Milk and its derived dairy products, vital elements in our diet, are celebrated for their impressive nutritional profiles, encompassing proteins, carbohydrates, essential vitamins, and minerals. These nutritional powerhouses are obtained from the milk of several animals, namely cows, goats, and sheep.

What is the Milk and Dairy Products Market?

The dairy market involves a multi-tiered process that includes the creation, processing, dissemination, and sales of milk and related products. The market's portfolio is extensive, offering everything from milk to various dairy derivatives: cheese, butter, yogurt, cream, ice cream, and a host of additional dairy items. These commodities are found in a multitude of formats - liquid, powder, concentrated - and the market also caters to niche requirements with offerings like lactose-free milk, vegan cheese, and nutritionally enhanced milk.

The Extent and Capacity of the Milk and Dairy Products Market

With its fragmentation on a global scale, the milk and dairy products market incorporates numerous small-scale producers from both developed and developing nations. The market is subject to an extensive regulatory framework, covering aspects of food safety and product labeling.

Anticipated market expansion in the coming years is propelled by a growing consumer demand for items like yogurt and cheese. The burgeoning popularity of plant-based dairy substitutes—almond milk, soy milk—contributes to market growth, and heightened health awareness propels an intensified focus on the nutritional aspects of milk and dairy products.

Dominant Entities in the Milk and Dairy Products Market

The milk and dairy products market experiences dominance by a handful of large multinational corporations. These entities offer a diverse assortment of products, spanning fluid milk to ice cream. Among the market leaders are Nestle, Lactalis, Danone, Fonterra, and Kraft Heinz.

Terms and Definitions

Milk is a white liquid produced by the mammary glands of mammals. It is a primary source of nutrition for young mammals before they are able to digest other types of food. In dairy production, milk is often obtained from cows, goats, sheep and buffalo.

Dairy products are foodstuffs that are created from the milk of mammals. These include cheese, yogurt, butter, ice cream, among others. They are known for containing rich sources of protein, vitamins and minerals.

Pasteurization is a process named after French scientist Louis Pasteur that involves heating milk to a particular temperature to kill harmful bacteria. It's carried out to make the milk safe for consumption and to extend its shelf life.

Lactose is a type of sugar found exclusively in milk and milk products. Some individuals may have difficulty digesting lactose and may be diagnosed as lactose intolerant, meaning they need to be cautious with their dairy intake or consume lactose-free dairy products.

Calcium is a mineral that is essential for various bodily activities. It's necessary for nerve function, muscle contraction and for the maintenance of healthy bones and teeth. Dairy products are a key dietary source of calcium.

These are live bacteria and yeasts that are beneficial to the human digestive system. They are often added to yogurts and other dairy products because they can aid in digestion and offer health benefits.

Homogenization is a process where milk is mechanically treated to ensure that the cream does not separate from the milk, resulting in a product with a uniform consistency. This makes the milk appear more appealing and also extends its shelf life.

A Dairy Allergy is a condition where the immune system has an abnormal reaction to milk and products containing dairy. Symptoms may range from mild to severe and can include skin reactions, digestive problems, and rarely, anaphylaxis.

In relation to dairy, fermentation is the process where microorganisms, such as bacteria or yeast, convert the lactose in milk into lactic acid, changing the texture and flavor of the product, as in the case of yogurt and cheese.

Lactase is an enzyme produced in the digestive system that is necessary to break down lactose, the sugar found in milk and other dairy products. Without this enzyme, an individual may be unable to properly digest dairy, leading to lactose intolerance.
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Canada: Value of Milk and Dairy Manufacturing Shipments, by year
Canada: Value of Milk and Dairy Manufacturing Shipments, by year
The value of milk and dairy manufacturing shipments in Canada varies year by year, reflecting shifts in production, demand, and overall industry trends.
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