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 502.82 million metric tons. Among the major producers, the United States was ranked second with a milk production amounting to over 96 million metric tons in 2016.

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 2016. 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 49.14 billion pounds in 2016. Within the category, reduced fat milk (2%) took the lion's share of retail sales.

On the consumer side, a recent survey revealed that 54 percent of Americans use milk and dairy as a high quality protein source. Nevertheless, per capita consumption is projected to decline significantly from 97.1 kilograms in 2010 to 86.6 kilograms by 2025. 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

510.09m t

Milk retail sales in the U.S.

45.48m lb
Milk market overview
Cow milk production worldwide 510.09m t Leading milk producer worldwide European Union Total milk production in the U.S. 215.4bn lb Leading U.S. state, based on number of milk cows California Milk production in California 39,798m lb Milk produced per cow in the U.S. 23,230lb 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. 45.48m lb Sales of refrigerated skin and low-fat milk in the U.S. 5.46m USD Sales of chocolate flavored milk in the U.S. 1.38m USD Retail price of milk (fresh, whole, fortified) in the U.S. 3.16 USD/gal
Milk consumption
Global milk consumption 223bn l Per capita consumption of whole milk in the U.S. 45.7lb Per capita consumption of skim milk in the U.S. 17.7lb Per capita consumption of flavored milk in the U.S. 13.9lb
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. 33.91%

Milk market in the U.S. - Important statistics

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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 510.09m t Leading milk producer worldwide European Union Total milk production in the U.S. 215.4bn lb Leading U.S. state, based on number of milk cows California Milk production in California 39,798m lb Milk produced per cow in the U.S. 23,230lb Leading dairy foods processor in North America Nestlé USA

Top 100 Companies: Beverages

Statista Toplist 2018
  • 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
Go to report

Manufacturing: Beverages in the U.S. 2018

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Retail facts
Milk retail sales in the U.S. 45.48m lb Sales of refrigerated skin and low-fat milk in the U.S. 5.46m USD Sales of chocolate flavored milk in the U.S. 1.38m USD Retail price of milk (fresh, whole, fortified) in the U.S. 3.16 USD/gal
Milk consumption
Global milk consumption 223bn l Per capita consumption of whole milk in the U.S. 45.7lb Per capita consumption of skim milk in the U.S. 17.7lb Per capita consumption of flavored milk in the U.S. 13.9lb
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. 33.91%

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Milk Market Infographic - American Milk Consumption Has Plummeted

Infographics on the topic

Milk Market Infographic - American Milk Consumption Has Plummeted

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