Award-winning Yili dairy products are displayed at the 2026 Global Dairy Congress in Barcelona, Spain, June 17, 2026. (Xinhua/Meng Dingbo)
BARCELONA, Spain, July 3 (Xinhua) -- China's dairy industry is gaining increasing international recognition for its innovation capabilities, as companies expand beyond traditional dairy products into functional nutrition, product development and global research collaboration, industry experts said recently.
At the 2026 Global Dairy Congress held in Barcelona in June, Chinese dairy companies were among the participants recognized at the World Dairy Innovation Awards, reflecting the sector's growing international presence. Yili Group received two category awards, along with multiple finalist nominations and commendations. This year's competition attracted 177 entries across 23 categories.
Richard Hall, chairman of the Global Dairy Congress, said China's dairy industry has undergone significant development despite entering the global market later than many traditional dairy-producing countries.
"China started relatively late compared with some traditional dairy-producing countries, but it has learned extremely quickly," Hall told Xinhua in an interview.
Hall said the industry's progress reflects sustained investment in research, product development and technological innovation, adding that companies such as Yili demonstrate how Chinese dairy producers are moving from manufacturing-oriented growth toward innovation-driven development.
Industry executives said the dairy sector is entering a stage in which consumers increasingly seek products tailored to specific health needs rather than simply providing basic nutrition.
Ignatius Szeto, vice president of Yili, said product development is increasingly focused on areas such as bone health, muscle function, immune support and blood glucose management to meet changing consumer demand.
"As personalized health becomes more important worldwide, dairy products are evolving toward precision nutrition," Szeto said. "Innovation today is not only about improving taste or quality, but also about delivering targeted nutritional solutions for different stages of life."
Szeto also noted that expanding internationally requires companies to adapt to different regulatory systems, consumer preferences and market requirements.
To support research and product development, Chinese dairy companies have expanded cooperation with overseas universities and research institutions, while establishing innovation platforms in international markets. Yili, for example, has established innovation centers across Asia, Europe and Oceania and collaborates with research institutions including the University of Cambridge, Wageningen University & Research and Lincoln University, alongside Chinese universities and institutes. ■
Richard Hall (L), chairman of the Global Dairy Congress, presents an award to Ignatius Szeto, vice president of Yili Group, during the 2026 Global Dairy Congress in Barcelona, Spain, June 17, 2026. (Xinhua/Meng Dingbo)
Ignatius Szeto, vice president of Yili Group, delivers a speech at the 2026 Global Dairy Congress in Barcelona, Spain, June 17, 2026. (Xinhua/Meng Dingbo)
