A review of megatrends in the global dairy sector: what are the socioecological implications?

Abstract

The global dairy industry is undergoing a period of expansion and consolidation, alongside heightened critique and competition from non-dairy alternatives. This review identifies four key megatrends within the global dairy sector, focusing in on the socioecological challenges associated with each. The megatrends were identified through a literature review of recent publications within the dairy science and social science fields, as well as a review of grey literature from intergovernmental and institutional reports. Key findings include geographical range shifts in production and consumption of dairy milk from the Global North to the Global South; intensification of production agendas that strive for mechanisation, standardisation, and corporatisation of the sector; increasing awareness of the ecological impacts of intensive dairying; and finally, disruptions to the sector driven by plant-based milks and, potentially, synthetic milks. We identify under-researched socioecological challenges associated with each of these trends. Although dairy milk may be homogenous in its final form, the sector remains heterogenous in its impacts across spaces, places, and scales, as increasingly intensive dairying systems fundamentally reshape human–cattle relations. The combined impacts of these trends bring into question the mythologies of milk and the assumed desirability of ever-expanding dairy industries. Our review finds that the future of dairy is not clear nor uncontroversial and that more attention needs to be directed to maximising and broadening the social benefits of the dairy and dairy alternatives, minimising the human and non-human costs, and limiting contributions to global climate change.

Optimizing Milk Quality and Shelf Life: Investigating Refrigeration Effects on Fatty Acid and Protein Profiles

“…12 Contemporary consumers are increasingly concerned about the quality of food they consume, and this trend extends to dairy products, which have gained significant popularity in recent years. 13 Dairy products are known for their high nutritional value, primarily attributed to the presence of essential nutrients such as proteins, particularly whey proteins, as well as mono-and polyunsaturated fatty acids, which have been proven to have positive effects on human health. 14 For consumers, an important reference point is the use-by date, which indicates the recommended shelf life of a product when stored under ideal conditions.…”