Investment Rating - The report does not explicitly state an investment rating for the dairy products industry Core Insights - The dairy products industry in China has experienced rapid growth due to economic development and a large population, evolving through six distinct phases from its inception to the present recovery period post-pandemic [12][15] - The overall fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) market is recovering, but the dairy products segment is projected to decline by 3.1% in sales in 2024 [15][18] - The market size of the dairy products sector is expected to reach approximately 5,216.70 billion yuan by 2022, with projections of 5,966.60 billion yuan by 2026 [26][20] Summary by Sections Industry Overview - The dairy products industry connects agriculture and food processing, producing various products such as liquid milk, milk powder, cheese, butter, and ice cream [9][11] Historical Development - The industry has evolved from a period of scarcity (1949-1978) to a recovery phase (2020-present), with significant milestones including the introduction of UHT technology and the impact of the melamine scandal [12][13] Current Industry Status - The FMCG market is stabilizing, but the dairy segment is facing a decline, with a projected sales drop of 3.1% in 2024 [15][16] Market Size - The retail scale of the dairy products market has shown fluctuations, with a slight decline in production expected due to overcapacity and reduced demand [20][22] Policy Environment - Recent policies focus on quality improvement and consumption stimulation, aiming to address overcapacity and promote high-value-added products [27][29] Industry Chain - The dairy industry features a long supply chain, including raw milk supply, processing, and retail, with strong interdependencies among various segments [31] Upstream Supply - China relies on imported milk powder to supplement its domestic raw milk production, which is insufficient to meet demand [34][36] Midstream Processing - The processing segment is the most profitable, with significant value addition through technology and innovation [39][41] Downstream Retail - Traditional retail channels dominate, but online sales are growing, reflecting changing consumer preferences [42][44] Consumption Patterns - Per capita dairy consumption in China is low compared to developed countries, indicating substantial growth potential in the market [47][51] Competitive Landscape - The market is primarily dominated by two major players, Yili and Mengniu, which together hold over 50% of the market share [60][62] Case Study: Yili Group - Yili Group is a leading player with a diverse product range and significant market presence, achieving substantial revenue from liquid milk and milk powder [64][66] Future Challenges - The industry faces challenges such as supply chain risks, changing consumer perceptions, and technological limitations in deep processing [70][72] Future Opportunities - There are growth opportunities in the B2B dairy market, driven by increasing demand for cheese and butter in various sectors [76][78]