Committed to Southeast Asia’s Success

U.S. Dairy’s sustainably produced milk supply assures a world-class portfolio of products and multi-functional ingredients to meet diverse and evolving needs. As a leading global supplier of quality dairy ingredients and cheeses, the U.S. dairy industry embraces providing nutritious, responsibly produced foods to nourish people and foster a sustainable future.

Since 1998, the U.S. Dairy Export Council (USDEC), a non-profit independent membership organization, has been working closely with Southeast Asian food and beverage industry professionals to help meet growing dairy demands in the region. Through its Singapore-based subsidiary, USDEC Singapore Ltd. and representative network across the ASEAN region, USDEC seeks to be a collaborative, long-term partner providing innovative, sustainable solutions, accelerating customer and end-user success with U.S. dairy products and ingredients. 

The Council (which represents the global trade interests of U.S. dairy producers, proprietary processors and cooperatives, ingredient suppliers, and export traders) is committed to enriching the well-being of people, communities, and the planet, and to sharing science-backed information on the health, nutritional and sustainability benefits U.S. dairy delivers.

The Made in U.S.A. Difference

U.S. dairy farmers and processors have a long legacy of producing high-quality products in an environmentally and economically responsible way. As the world’s largest producer of cow’s milk, the U.S. is well-positioned for continued growth and progress to meet rising demand.

Continually innovating, U.S. producers’ modern farming practices result in unmatched farm efficiency to produce more milk while also conserving the earth’s precious resources. This supports delivering a steady, year-round milk supply 365 days a year — a key difference from the seasonal supply fluctuations of other milk-producing nations. 

Commitment across the dairy production value chain and the United States’ highly tested and regulated food system provides assurance of quality U.S. dairy products and the versatility of ingredients offers exciting and seemingly endless possibilities for capitalizing on their nutritional advantages as well.

Producing world-class U.S. cheeses and dairy ingredients starts with wholesome milk and an unwavering attention to quality. Alongside such dedication, well-established laws and rigorous standards ensure a high benchmark for safe, great-tasting products—earning the trust of customers and consumers.
There is increasing interest across the entire food supply chain, in who grows our food, where it comes from and how it is made. Continual efforts by U.S. dairy farmers to adopt innovative farming practices and carefully manage resources have resulted in more efficient and sustainable dairy nutrition, enhancing lives while protecting the planet.
U.S. dairy ingredients and cheeses feature multifaceted benefits for innovating enticing products and dishes that align with Southeast Asia’s tastes. Local foods and flavours spark opportunities for exciting product and menu development with a portfolio that meets diverse formulation needs.

Sustainable Supply, Customer Success

Continuous Innovation at U.S. Dairy Farms

U.S. dairy farmers like Marilyn are excited to serve Southeast Asia’s consumers, as they sustainably contribute to a global food system. While her cows produce high-quality, nutritious milk, her farm’s methane digester benefits the environment.

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Access to a Reliable and Consistent Supply

With the U.S. dairy industry’s broad network of committed suppliers, customers such as Calli Ice Cream have ample choice for functional and nutritional U.S. dairy ingredients to fuel exciting innovations.

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Collaborating and Networking to Create Innovative Solutions

In addition to a high-quality, sustainable dairy supply, customers like Uno Nutrition can draw on USDEC knowledge, insights and networking opportunities to create winning products that delight consumers.

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Continuous Innovation at U.S. Dairy Farms

U.S. dairy farmers like Marilyn are excited to serve Southeast Asia’s consumers, as they sustainably contribute to a global food system. While her cows produce high-quality, nutritious milk, her farm’s methane digester benefits the environment.

Video not playing? Click here.

Access to a Reliable and Consistent Supply

With the U.S. dairy industry’s broad network of committed suppliers, customers such as Calli Ice Cream have ample choice for functional and nutritional U.S. dairy ingredients to fuel exciting innovations.

Video not playing? Click here.

Collaborating and Networking to Create Innovative Solutions

In addition to a high-quality, sustainable dairy supply, customers like Uno Nutrition can draw on USDEC knowledge, insights and networking opportunities to create winning products that delight consumers.

Video not playing? Click here.

USDEC Southeast Asia Milestones

The launch of the U.S. CDE in 2020 begins an exciting new chapter for U.S. Dairy in Southeast Asia, a key milestone on a journey which began more than two decades ago. Explore this interactive timeline to see how our regional presence has deepened and evolved along the way, supporting nutrition, innovation and customers’ business growth and success.

Total Value US$63 million                     . . . . . .

USDEC initiates presence in Southeast Asia, opening an office in Bangkok, Thailand to connect with the region and better understand how U.S. Dairy can help meet local needs and demands. U.S. Dairy exports to the region total US$63 million.

1998

. . . . . .

Market development programs, including whey buyers’ mission to the U.S., introduce dairy ingredients’ (especially whey and milk powder) functionality to end-users as well as educate suppliers about opportunities in the region. USDEC’s participation in prominent regional trade shows including Food Ingredients Asia helps grow relationships between buyers and sellers.

1999

Total Value US$92 million                     . . . . . .

A significant growth in U.S. dairy exports brings the year-end total to US$92 million.

2000

. . . . . .

Participation in the Food and Hotel Asia show furthers engagement with the region’s customers, introducing the wide variety of high-quality cheeses from the U.S. USDEC trade missions bring cheese and milk powder buyers to the U.S. to better understand U.S. Dairy’s advantageous portfolio.

2002

Total Value US$256 million                     . . . . . .

Building on continued interest in opportunities with U.S. Dairy, the industry records US$256 million in exports to the region.

2005

. . . . . .

USDEC opens a second office in Southeast Asia to further deliver on diverse market needs in the region, establishing a team in Vietnam.

2006

Total Value US$696 million                     . . . . . .

USDEC initiates presence in Southeast Asia, opening an office in Bangkok, Thailand to connect with the region and better understand how U.S. Dairy can help meet local needs and demands. U.S. Dairy exports to the region total US$63 million.

2010

. . . . . .

USDEC Southeast Asia base moves from Bangkok to Singapore. Programming expands focus on innovation to help end users capitalize on the breadth of local product development opportunities. USDEC kicks off permeate technical training efforts, introducing exciting opportunities with the versatile ingredient.

2014

Total Value US$848 million                     . . . . . .

The value of exports to Southeast Asia continues to grow, reaching US$848 million. USDEC hosts its first U.S. Dairy Business Conference in SEA (Singapore), embarking on a path for closer connection with customers, academia, and key influencers.

2015

. . . . . .

USDEC begins nutrition and health professional engagement programs in Southeast Asia, marked by the first U.S. Dairy Nutrition Conference hosted in Bali, Indonesia. Emphasis on health and wellness dovetails with growing consumer health consciousness in the region as well as the public health importance of addressing the double burden of malnutrition.

2016

. . . . . .

USDEC initiated two key strategic partnerships in the region, partnering with Food Innovation and Resource Centre at Singapore Polytechnic to deepen dairy knowledge and develop innovative food products for the Southeast Asian market as well as partnering with the World Gourmet Summit to showcase culinary innovations with delicious U.S. cheeses.

2018

. . . . . .                    Total Value US$1.26 billion

The U.S. Center for Dairy Excellence opens in Singapore, USDEC’s first overseas physical investment beginning a new chapter in future-minded innovation in the region. U.S. dairy exports to Southeast Asia exceed US$1.26 billion in value, a new all-time record.

2020

Total Value US$1.68 billion                     . . . . . .

First in-person workshops held at the U.S. Center for Dairy Excellence with customers from across Southeast Asia. U.S. dairy export value reaches another new record, reaching US$1.68 billion in value.

2022

Quality

U.S. dairy farmers, processors, government representatives and institutions work to ensure products meet strict U.S. regulatory standards and surpass customer and consumer expectations for quality and safety. Safe, quality milk starts at the farm, and U.S. dairy farmers excel at keeping healthy, well-tended cows, so they consistently produce wholesome, high-quality milk. Multi-layer protection steps support consistent delivery of wholesome dairy products from farms in the United States to tables around the world. 

This uncompromising commitment not only assures safety and quality, but also produces exceptional products. U.S. Dairy has developed an impressive and ever-evolving portfolio of ingredients and award-winning cheeses in high demand around the world. From skim milk powder with specifications fitting a range of applications, to dairy proteins, permeate and more, the ingredients portfolio’s quality is key to enjoyment. U.S. cheesemakers’ craftsmanship continues to shine on the global stage, as more discover their exceptional artisanship. 

The nutritional quality for dairy products and foods further adds to their enjoyment. Dairy proteins provide a  high-quality, complete source of protein containing all the essential amino acids, whereas dairy permeates offer a functional punch by providing nourishing minerals and sodium reduction capability. This is just scratching the surface of dairy’s support for nutritional quality. Learn more  here.

Sustainability

U.S. dairy farmers, processors, government representatives and institutions work to ensure products meet strict U.S. regulatory standards and surpass customer and consumer expectations for quality and safety. Safe, quality milk starts at the farm, and U.S. dairy farmers excel at keeping healthy, well-tended cows, so they consistently produce wholesome, high-quality milk. Multi-layer protection steps support consistent delivery of wholesome dairy products from farms in the United States to tables around the world. 

This uncompromising commitment not only assures safety and quality, but also produces exceptional products. U.S. Dairy has developed an impressive and ever-evolving portfolio of ingredients and award-winning cheeses in high demand around the world. From skim milk powder with specifications fitting a range of applications, to dairy proteins, permeate and more, the ingredients portfolio’s quality is key to enjoyment. U.S. cheesemakers’ craftsmanship continues to shine on the global stage, as more discover their exceptional artisanship. 

The nutritional quality for dairy products and foods further adds to their enjoyment. Dairy proteins provide a  high-quality, complete source of protein containing all the essential amino acids, whereas dairy permeates offer a functional punch by providing nourishing minerals and sodium reduction capability. This is just scratching the surface of dairy’s support for nutritional quality. Learn more  here.

Versatility

Taste is critical for success, and U.S. dairy offers a broad portfolio for formulating products and recipes that can deliver the flavors, textures and formats Southeast Asians crave. U.S. dairy ingredients give innovators a canvas to create taste adventures that wow consumers. 

U.S. dairy ingredients can provide an array of desired product characteristics for wide-ranging tastes and applications, fitting perfectly into everyday diets. This seamless integration into everything from snacks and baked goods to beverages and desserts can align with Halal preferences as well as support lifestyle and nutrition goals. Explore the portfolio of offerings  here

U.S. cheesemakers produce hundreds of types of cheeses, ranging from soft, fresh options to hard, aged varieties. This extensive variety brings with it an equally wide range of Southeast Asian culinary innovation possibilities.

Continuous Innovation at U.S. Dairy Farms

U.S. dairy farmers like Marilyn are excited to serve Southeast Asia’s consumers, as they sustainably contribute to a global food system. While her cows produce high-quality, nutritious milk, her farm’s methane digester benefits the environment.

Video not playing? Click here.

Access to a Reliable and Consistent Supply

With the U.S. dairy industry’s broad network of committed suppliers, customers such as Calli Ice Cream have ample choice for functional and nutritional U.S. dairy ingredients to fuel exciting innovations.

Video not playing? Click here.

Collaborating and Networking to Create Innovative Solutions

In addition to a high-quality, sustainable dairy supply, customers like Uno Nutrition can draw on USDEC knowledge, insights and networking opportunities to create winning products that delight consumers.

Video not playing? Click here.