中国乳企出海，三大问题待解

Core Viewpoint - The domestic dairy market in China has entered a deep adjustment phase since 2024, with liquid milk experiencing its first decline in years. Major dairy companies are increasingly focusing on international markets, particularly in Southeast Asia, to explore new growth opportunities [1][9]. Group 1: Market Dynamics - The ice cream business has become a breakthrough for Chinese dairy companies in Southeast Asia, with brands like Aice and Joyday gaining significant market share [2][3]. - In 2024, Aice achieved a revenue of 3 billion yuan and became the market leader in Indonesia, while Joyday also ranked among the top three in Thailand and Indonesia [2][3]. - The Southeast Asian market is characterized by a young population and a growing demand for dairy products, with per capita disposable income in countries like Malaysia and Thailand being relatively high [10][11]. Group 2: Strategic Approaches - Companies like Yili and Mengniu have adopted a strategy of entering the market with ice cream products due to the favorable climate and consumer preferences in Southeast Asia [4][10]. - Yili has localized its product offerings after extensive market research, leading to the successful introduction of over 50 localized products since 2018 [5][6]. - Mengniu has utilized domestic marketing strategies, such as providing free ice cream cabinets to small retailers, to establish a presence in the competitive market [6][7]. Group 3: Challenges and Opportunities - Despite the success in ice cream, challenges remain for broader dairy product exports, including issues of food safety trust and high production costs compared to major exporting countries [14][16]. - The logistics and supply chain complexities in Southeast Asia pose additional challenges, with many regions lacking adequate infrastructure [14][15]. - The potential for growth in the Southeast Asian dairy market is significant, as current per capita liquid milk consumption is low, indicating room for expansion [11][12].