IDFA Launches Interactive Tool to Expand U.S. Dairy Export Diversification Efforts

IDFA Launches Interactive Tool to Expand U.S. Dairy Export Diversification Efforts

Part of IDFA's Project Diversify initiative, new tool allows dairy leaders to pinpoint emerging markets with long-range growth potential for dairy exports

WASHINGTON, Oct. 8, 2026-The International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) today launched a new interactive web tool for informing the U.S. dairy industry's export strategy. The tool, an interactive map, is the latest in IDFA's Project Diversify, a data-driven initiative designed to identify more diversified and resilient export markets for U.S. dairy. Introduced earlier this year, Project Diversify also features in-depth reports that analyze dairy export opportunities in regions with long-term growth potential. The interactive tool converts global research into an interactive experience, allowing users to compare information across countries, regions and dairy products.

"U.S. dairy is competing from a position of strength. However, sustaining that momentum and continuing our growth trajectory requires us to look ahead and understand where the next generation of growth may come from," said Michael Dykes, D.V.M., president and CEO of IDFA. "Project Diversify puts data and market intelligence directly into the hands of dairy leaders and policymakers, helping them make more informed decisions about the future opportunities for U.S. dairy trade."

U.S. dairy exports have grown from less than $1 billion in 2000 to nearly $10 billion annually. These exports account for nearly 20% of all U.S. produced milk. At the same time, 58% of all U.S. dairy exports go to just five countries. Now more than ever, the U.S. dairy industry must expand its global customer base while preserving and strengthening access to existing markets.

"U.S. dairy companies have built a strong foundation in global markets, and continued success will depend on expanding into new markets, strengthening existing partnerships and pursuing growth opportunities wherever they emerge around the world," said Becky Rasdall Vargas, senior vice president of trade and workforce policy at IDFA. "This tool brings disparate market data points into one accessible, easy-to-use resource where our members can explore potential markets and product opportunities associated with emerging markets for U.S. dairy. We are excited that the insights are beneficial to policymakers, too, as they can use the analysis to inform trade negotiations and market-access priorities."

Bringing Research to Life

Project Diversify evaluates markets through a mix of quantitative and qualitative data drawn from U.S. and international sources. The underlying framework considers indicators of market strength, including import dependence, market size and growth, economic stability, purchasing power, dairy demand, infrastructure, and the broader regulatory and investment environment.

The interactive tool builds on IDFA's first two Project Diversify reports released earlier this year:

• Western Africa: The inaugural analysis identified Nigeria, Senegal and Côte d'Ivoire as markets warranting further evaluation based on factors including demand growth, import reliance and market stability.
• Central Asia: The second report identified Uzbekistan as the region's strongest near-term opportunity as well as Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan as markets with longer-term potential.

The tool and reports are intended to support informed decision-making and constructive discussion. They do not replace the market-specific due diligence companies undertake when evaluating commercial opportunities.

Explore Project Diversify

As the initiative's body of research grows, Project Diversify will continue to expand with updated data and additional reports planned into 2027. The interactive tool, reports and more can be found online at www.idfa.org/project-diversify.

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Contact: [email protected]

The International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA), Washington, D.C., represents the nation's dairy manufacturing and marketing industry, which supports more than 3 million jobs that generate $198 billion in wages and $779 billion in overall economic impact. IDFA's diverse membership ranges from multinational organizations to single-plant companies, from dairy companies and cooperatives to food retailers and suppliers, all on the cutting edge of innovation and sustainable business practices. Together, they represent most of the milk, cheese, ice cream, yogurt and cultured products, and dairy ingredients produced and marketed in the United States and sold throughout the world. Delicious, safe and nutritious, dairy foods offer unparalleled health and consumer benefits to people of all ages.