GF SECURITIES·2026-02-13 09:32Investment Rating - The industry investment rating is "Buy" [2] Core Insights - The dairy processing industry in China is entering a new development stage, driven by low raw milk prices, increasing demand for processed dairy products, and supportive government policies [25][41][46] - The per capita consumption of dairy products in China is significantly lower than that of developed countries, indicating substantial growth potential in the market, particularly for processed dairy products like cheese and butter [31][34][40] - The global market for cheese is projected to reach nearly $200 billion by 2025, with significant growth expected in butter and cream markets as well [52][56][59] Summary by Sections 1. Development of Dairy Processing in China - Dairy processing involves complex processes to convert raw milk into high-value products, with a focus on separating and purifying effective components [15] - The current structure of dairy consumption in China is heavily skewed towards liquid milk, with processed products like cheese and butter having a much lower market share compared to developed countries [25][30] 2. Global Perspective on Dairy Products - The market for basic processed dairy products, such as butter, cream, and cheese, is large, and Chinese companies should focus on freshness and customization to differentiate themselves [47][48] - The global cheese market is expected to grow significantly, with Europe being the largest consumer market, driven by demand in the food service sector [52][53] 3. Domestic Expansion of Dairy Processing - Over 20 dairy companies are currently expanding or building new processing lines, with an expected increase in raw milk processing capacity of over 300,000 tons from 2026 to 2027 [25] - The long-term competition in the dairy processing industry will hinge on resource allocation, technology, and distribution channels, with leading companies likely to maintain a competitive edge [25][46] 4. Government Support and Market Trends - The Chinese government is actively promoting the development of dairy processing, with policies aimed at increasing the consumption of processed dairy products [41][45] - The trend towards higher consumption of processed dairy products aligns with changing consumer habits, particularly among younger generations [40][41]