Global dairy leaders discuss sustainability at 2024 World Dairy Summit

Abstract : The 2024 World Dairy Summit, organized by the International Dairy Federation (IDF), commenced on Tuesday in Paris, drawing experts, scholars, and industry leaders from across the globe to discuss the latest trends and future of the dairy sector.

Yun Zhanyou, an International Dairy Federation board member and a senior expert from China's Yili Group, is interviewed during the 2024 World Dairy Summit in Paris, France, on Oct. 15, 2024. The 2024 World Dairy Summit, organized by the International Dairy Federation (IDF), commenced on Tuesday in Paris, drawing experts, scholars, and industry leaders from across the globe to discuss the latest trends and future of the dairy sector. (Xinhua/Gao Jing)

PARIS, Oct. 15 (Xinhua) -- The 2024 World Dairy Summit, organized by the International Dairy Federation (IDF), commenced on Tuesday in Paris, drawing experts, scholars, and industry leaders from across the globe to discuss the latest trends and future of the dairy sector.

The four-day summit will focus on key topics such as sustainability, food security, and the appeal of the dairy industry.

Standing out as the only Asian company at the event, China's Yili Group presented a wide array of dairy products such as liquid milk, milk powder, yogurt, cheese, and ice cream. Their innovative products garnered significant attention from attendees.

Gilles Froment, the newly elected IDF president and head of the Canadian Dairy Association, reflected on his first experience at the World Dairy Summit in Paris in 2002.

"Compared to more than 20 years ago, today's attendance may set a record. At that time, very few people discussed sustainability or how to gain social acceptance for dairy production. Now, these topics have become central to every conference, reflecting the significant changes in the industry over the past few years," said Froment during an interview with Xinhua.

"We must send a clear message to the world: dairy is not a problem to sustainable development, but rather a key solution to addressing climate change, nutrition, and environmental issues," he added.

One of the summit's anticipated highlights is the IDF Dairy Innovation Awards, scheduled for Friday. Yili has earned four nominations, the most of any company, with two centered on sustainability and green innovation.

Froment praised Yili's contributions, noting the company's impressive strides in sustainability. "Chinese companies have made significant investments in sustainability, and their progress has been remarkable," he said.

Yun Zhanyou, an IDF board member and a senior expert from Yili, emphasized the growing global recognition of China's dairy sector. Yili's prior wins at the World Dairy Summit in 2022 and 2023 for innovation underscore the industry's progress.

"From being learners to active participants, and now even becoming leaders in setting standards in certain areas, we are honored. This reflects the growth of China's dairy industry," Yun said.

Yogurt is displayed during the 2024 World Dairy Summit in Paris, France, on Oct. 15, 2024. The 2024 World Dairy Summit, organized by the International Dairy Federation (IDF), commenced on Tuesday in Paris, drawing experts, scholars, and industry leaders from across the globe to discuss the latest trends and future of the dairy sector. (Xinhua/Gao Jing)

A guest visits the stand of China's Yili Group during the 2024 World Dairy Summit in Paris, France, on Oct. 15, 2024. The 2024 World Dairy Summit, organized by the International Dairy Federation (IDF), commenced on Tuesday in Paris, drawing experts, scholars, and industry leaders from across the globe to discuss the latest trends and future of the dairy sector. (Xinhua/Gao Jing)

French cheese is displayed during the 2024 World Dairy Summit in Paris, France, on Oct. 15, 2024. The 2024 World Dairy Summit, organized by the International Dairy Federation (IDF), commenced on Tuesday in Paris, drawing experts, scholars, and industry leaders from across the globe to discuss the latest trends and future of the dairy sector. (Xinhua/Gao Jing)

Gilles Froment, the newly-elected International Dairy Federation president and head of the Canadian Dairy Association, is interviewed during the 2024 World Dairy Summit in Paris, France, on Oct. 15, 2024. The 2024 World Dairy Summit, organized by the International Dairy Federation (IDF), commenced on Tuesday in Paris, drawing experts, scholars, and industry leaders from across the globe to discuss the latest trends and future of the dairy sector. (Xinhua/Gao Jing)

Former Spanish Minister of Foreign Affairs Arancha Gonzalez Laya addresses the 2024 World Dairy Summit in Paris, France, on Oct. 15, 2024. The 2024 World Dairy Summit, organized by the International Dairy Federation (IDF), commenced on Tuesday in Paris, drawing experts, scholars, and industry leaders from across the globe to discuss the latest trends and future of the dairy sector. (Xinhua/Gao Jing)

People visit the stand of China's Yili Group during the 2024 World Dairy Summit in Paris, France, on Oct. 15, 2024. The 2024 World Dairy Summit, organized by the International Dairy Federation (IDF), commenced on Tuesday in Paris, drawing experts, scholars, and industry leaders from across the globe to discuss the latest trends and future of the dairy sector. (Xinhua/Gao Jing)