Milk
The term “milk” refers to a liquid produced by mammals during lactation, it contains proteins, minerals, vitamins and fats. Milk is one of the most important sources of nutrition for humans. It provides essential nutrients for infants’ development, including calcium, protein, vitamin D, phosphorus, zinc, iron, iodine, selenium and potassium. For adults, milk is an excellent source of energy, carbohydrates, fat, protein, vitamins A and B12, riboflavin and niacin. In addition, milk is rich in bioactive substances, such as immunoglobulins, hormones, enzymes, oligosaccharides, fatty acids, peptides, amino acids and polyunsaturated fatty acids.
Milk and milk products
There are three main types of milk: cow milk, sheep milk and goat milk. Cow milk is the most common type of milk consumed worldwide. Sheep milk is mainly used for cheese making. Goat milk is widely used in some Asian countries, especially for infant formula.
In 2016, global milk production reached 2,722 million tonnes. Of this total, about 80% was produced by cows. Other major contributors include goats, buffalo, camels, water buffaloes and sheep.
Worldwide production of milk and milk products grew steadily over the last few decades; however, there are still significant differences between regions. Developing countries produce less milk than industrialized nations.
Demand for milk and milk products is increasing rapidly in both developing and developed economies. In 2010, world milk production exceeded 200 billion litres. By 2050, the volume could reach 300 billion litres. In 2025, the global demand for milk and milk derivatives is expected to grow by 7% per annum.
This increase in demand for milk and milk produces opportunities for farmers and processors, particularly in emerging markets where income levels are growing faster than in developed countries.
Milk production around the world
Milk is one of the most widely consumed foods in the world. In 2016, global demand for dairy products exceeded global supply by about 14 million tonnes. This imbalance is expected to increase further over the next decade. Despite the growing demand, there are still many regions where milk supplies exceed demand.
In fact, according to FAO data, the average annual per capita milk supply across the globe is 152 kilograms. But it varies considerably depending on the region. For example, the average annual per capa ctit milk supply in Asia is just 28 kilograms, while in South America, it is 565 kilograms.
The highest per capita milk supply is found in Argentina, where the average annual per capita intake is nearly 300 kilograms. The lowest is in sub-Saharan Africa, where the average annual intake is less than 20 kilograms.
Approximately 150 million households around the world produce milk. In most developing countries, it is produced by smallholder farmers, contributing to household incomes, food security and nutrition, and providing a relatively quick return for small-scale producers. Dairy products provide relatively high returns compared to other livestock products, such as meat and eggs. However, in some developing countries, milk production is constrained by poor quality feed resources, diseases, lack of access to markets and services, and low genetic potential for milk yield.
Mixing elements for Milk Processing
Versatile Propeller Mixer for Milk Processing
The Propeller is a workhorse in milk processing, keeping raw and pasteurized milk in uniform suspension inside milk silos and standardization tanks. Its axial flow prevents settling and ensures consistent distribution of every component throughout the batch. Energy-efficient and reliable, it adapts to the viscosity changes typical of milk processing without loss of performance.
High-Capacity Hydroprop for Milk Processing
The Hydroprop delivers outstanding pumping capacity with minimal energy input, making it ideal for large milk silos and standardization tanks in milk processing. It ensures complete tank turnover, eliminates temperature gradients, and keeps raw and pasteurized milk in a stable, homogeneous state. Its streamlined design cuts operating costs while supporting continuous, high-volume milk processing.
Robust Flatblade Turbine for Milk Processing
The Flatblade turbine generates strong radial flow and turbulence, tackling temperature uniformity and gentle handling head-on in milk processing. It breaks up agglomerates, disperses additives, and homogenizes raw and pasteurized milk even when viscosity fluctuates. Its rugged construction handles the mechanical demands of industrial milk processing with proven reliability.
High-Flow Hydrofoil for Milk Processing
The Hydrofoil generates high-volume axial flow, making it a powerful solution for large milk silos and standardization tanks in milk processing. It prevents thermal stratification and keeps raw and pasteurized milk in steady motion with minimal turbulence. The optimized blade profile turns drive power into fluid motion efficiently, supporting consistent homogenization at industrial scale.
Reinforced Hydrofoil Pin for Demanding Milk Processing
The Hydrofoil Pin combines proven hydrofoil performance with reinforced pins for tougher substrates encountered in milk processing. Its structural design handles high-viscosity and high-solids zones where standard impellers might struggle, particularly when temperature uniformity and gentle handling becomes critical. It delivers reliable mixing where raw and pasteurized milk are demanding to handle.
Reliable Axial Flow Turbine for Milk Processing
The Axial Flow Turbine is a dependable all-rounder for milk processing, ensuring even distribution of heat and additives throughout milk silos and standardization tanks. It prevents stagnant zones and keeps raw and pasteurized milk in consistent motion across the vessel. Its cost-effective, robust design makes it a go-to choice for stable, continuous operation in milk processing.
Heavy-Duty Welded Turbine for Milk Processing
Built for maximum durability in continuous milk processing, this welded turbine eliminates bolted connections for superior mechanical integrity. Its smooth profile resists buildup of raw and pasteurized milk and simplifies cleaning and maintenance in milk silos and standardization tanks. It is the preferred choice for industrial-scale milk processing that demand long service intervals and high reliability.
Axial Flow Turbine Pin for Challenging Milk Processing
Adapted for milk processing involving fibrous materials or high solids content, this turbine uses reinforced pins to cut through temperature uniformity and gentle handling. It maintains an effective mixing zone even when the composition of raw and pasteurized milk varies from batch to batch. An essential element for facilities handling inconsistent or demanding substrates in milk processing.
Cup Mixer for Gentle Milk Processing Blending
The Cup Mixer creates a controlled, enclosed flow pattern that is ideal for milk processing where gentle handling is key. It homogenizes raw and pasteurized milk without introducing excessive shear or air, protecting delicate emulsions and suspensions in milk silos and standardization tanks. A trusted element where product quality depends on minimal mechanical stress.
Anchor Mixer for High-Viscosity Milk Processing
The Anchor mixer is designed for milk processing with high viscosity, where raw and pasteurized milk tend to build up on the tank walls. Its close-clearance blades sweep the walls of milk silos and standardization tanks, promoting heat transfer and preventing local hot spots or fouling. The ideal solution wherever intensive wall-to-wall homogenization is required.
Hermetic Magnetic Mixer for Safe Milk Processing
The Magnetic Mixer delivers a completely sealed mixing process, making it the preferred choice in milk processing where leak-tight operation is essential. By eliminating mechanical seals, it prevents contamination of raw and pasteurized milk inside milk silos and standardization tanks and keeps the batch fully enclosed. The ultimate solution for hygienic, hazardous, or zero-leakage requirements in milk processing.
Did you know that the world milk production doubled since 1980?
In the last three decades, the amount of milk produced around the globe has grown dramatically, increasing by more than 59 percent from 530 million tonnes in 1990 to 843 million tonnes today. This increase has largely come from the developing world, where it now accounts for almost half of global production. The largest increases have occurred in India, China, Pakistan and Bangladesh.
The biggest single contributor to the rise in global milk production has been South Asia, which now produces about 22 percent of total global output. Growth in milk production in this region has been driven by the rapid population growth there, particularly in urban areas. However, the overall pace of growth in South Asian milk production has slowed over recent years, partly due to the fact that many rural households are no longer able to afford the high cost of dairy products.
Milk production in Sub-Saharan Africa grew more slowly during the period, contributing just 3 percent of global milk production in 2018. Despite being home to nearly 40 percent of the world’s poor people, Africa accounted for less than 2 percent of global milk production.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is milk and its nutritional importance?
Milk is a liquid produced by mammals, rich in proteins, minerals, vitamins, and fats. It’s essential for human nutrition, particularly for infants, providing calcium, vitamin D, and protein. For adults, it serves as a valuable energy source, contributing significant vitamins and bioactive compounds beneficial for health.
What are the main types of milk?
The primary types of milk include cow, sheep, and goat milk. Cow milk is the most widely consumed globally, while sheep milk is often used in cheese-making. Goat milk is popular in some Asian countries, notably for infant formulas.
How much milk was produced globally in 2016?
In 2016, global milk production reached 2,722 million tonnes, with cows responsible for about 80% of this total output. Other contributors include goats, buffaloes, and sheep, with global production steadily increasing over recent decades.
What is the future demand for milk?
Global demand for milk and milk products is expected to grow rapidly, with projections estimating a 7% annual increase by 2025. By 2050, production could reach 300 billion liters due to rising demand in emerging markets.
What challenges do milk producers face in developing countries?
In developing countries, smallholder farmers produce much of the milk. However, they face challenges like poor-quality feed, diseases, limited market access, and low genetic milk yield potential, impacting their ability to meet growing demand and enhance livelihoods.
Food & Beverages Contacts
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Tom Pruymboom
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Teun van der Spek
