In American dairy circles, Dairy Farmers of America (DFA) and its $13 billion in dairy sales is thought of as the top dog—the largest dairy cooperative in the country.
But in terms of dairy companies worldwide, DFA ranks only sixth—moving up one spot from 2011.
World-wide, Nestle (Switzerland) continues to rank #1, with global sales of $25.9 billion, according to a report “Global Dairy Top-20” released by Rabobank Monday. Two French companies, Danone ($19.5 billion) and Lactalis ($18.8 billion) rank second and third. New Zealand’s Fonterra falls to #4 (from the #3 spot in 2011) with sales of $15.7 billion. Rounding out the top five is FrieslandCampina from the Netherlands at $13.4 billion.
“The most notable shift at the top end is the continued rise of Lactalis,” says the report. “With ongoing sales growth and the acquisition of Parmalat and Skanemejerier, Lactalis…is now within striking distance of Danone.”
Four other U.S. companies make the top 20:
• #6 Dean Foods, $11.7 billion;
• #9 Kraft Foods, $7.7 billion;
• #19 Schreiber Foods, $4.5 billion (estimated),
• #20 Land O’Lakes, $4.3 billion.
