U.S. Milk Market - Statistics & Facts

“No matter how black a cow is, the milk is always white”, as the old saying goes. Milk is counted among the most essential staple foods, is an important part of a balanced diet and contains, among other vital nutrients, a high percentage of calcium. In 2017, worldwide milk production amounted to about 501.03 million metric tons. Among the major producers, the United States was ranked second with a milk production amounting to over 97.84 million metric tons in 2017.

California and Wisconsin represent the most important milk producing states in the U.S. milk market. Combined they accounted for a production volume of about 70 billion pounds of milk in 2017. Wisconsin is also known as “America’s Dairyland”, whereas California advertises with the slogan “Happy cows come from California”.

Nestlé USA, Dean Foods and Saputo Inc. constitute key market players in the competitive retail sector. U.S. milk retail sales amounted to 45.48 billion pounds in 2017. Within the category, reduced fat milk (2%) took the lion's share of retail sales.

On the consumer side, a recent survey revealed that 58 percent of Americans use milk and dairy as a high quality protein source. Nevertheless, per capita consumption is projected to decline significantly from 194.9 pounds in 2010 to 155.1 pounds by 2027. Contrary to the decline, premium-priced milk categories such as organic, plant-based or flavored products should assist in increasing American consumption once again.



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Cow milk production worldwide

505.2m t

Milk retail sales in the U.S.

47.08bn lb
Milk market overview
Cow milk production worldwide 505.2m t Leading milk producer worldwide European Union Total milk production in the U.S. 217.5bn lb Leading U.S. state, based on number of milk cows California Milk production in California 40,413m lb Milk produced per cow in the U.S. 23,173lb Leading dairy foods processor in North America Nestlé USA

Top 100 Companies: Beverages

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Retail facts
Milk retail sales in the U.S. 47.08bn lb Sales of refrigerated skim and low-fat milk in the U.S. 7.3bn USD Sales growth of Lala flavored milk in the U.S. 22.9 % Retail price of milk (fresh, whole, fortified) in the U.S. 2.85 USD/gal
Milk consumption
Global milk consumption 223bn l Per capita consumption of whole milk in the U.S. 47.9lb Per capita consumption of skim milk in the U.S. 15.6lb Per capita consumption of flavored milk in the U.S. 14.3lb
Consumer behavior
Share of people trying to consume milk and dairy as a protein source in the U.S. 58% Fresh milk and cream share of household dairy expenditure in the U.S. 32.67%

Milk market in the U.S. - Important statistics

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The whole topic in one document

Milk market in the U.S.
  • Edited and prepared
  • Download in PPT/PDF format
  • Instant access
  • From $365
View dossier
Milk market overview
Cow milk production worldwide 505.2m t Leading milk producer worldwide European Union Total milk production in the U.S. 217.5bn lb Leading U.S. state, based on number of milk cows California Milk production in California 40,413m lb Milk produced per cow in the U.S. 23,173lb Leading dairy foods processor in North America Nestlé USA

Top 100 Companies: Beverages

Statista Toplist
  • all top companies in a given industry or region
  • Includes contact details and key figures
  • available to download in Excel format for a seamless workflow
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Manufacturing: Beverages in the U.S. 2018

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Retail facts
Milk retail sales in the U.S. 47.08bn lb Sales of refrigerated skim and low-fat milk in the U.S. 7.3bn USD Sales growth of Lala flavored milk in the U.S. 22.9 % Retail price of milk (fresh, whole, fortified) in the U.S. 2.85 USD/gal
Milk consumption
Global milk consumption 223bn l Per capita consumption of whole milk in the U.S. 47.9lb Per capita consumption of skim milk in the U.S. 15.6lb Per capita consumption of flavored milk in the U.S. 14.3lb
Consumer behavior
Share of people trying to consume milk and dairy as a protein source in the U.S. 58% Fresh milk and cream share of household dairy expenditure in the U.S. 32.67%

Recommended statistics

Sales of the leading refrigerated skim and low-fat milk brands in the U.S. 2017
Top U.S. states based on milk production 2016-2018
Projected per capita fluid milk consumption in the U.S. 2010-2027

Infographics on the topic

Milk Market Infographic - American Milk Consumption Has Plummeted

Infographics on the topic

Milk Market Infographic - American Milk Consumption Has Plummeted

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