Dairy leaders will converge in NZ for the IDF World Dairy Summit

Hundreds of dairy leaders, scientists, farmers, processors, policymakers and innovators from around the world will gather in Auckland for the IDF World Dairy Summit 2026, for four days, from 15–20 November 2026.

The 2026 program reflects the scale of the challenges and opportunities facing dairy today. From geopolitics and trade to climate commitments, nutrition, food systems, technology, consumer trust and the future of farming, the program brings together internationally recognised experts and industry leaders to explore the issues shaping the future of dairy.

The opening Dairy Leaders' Forum will feature senior executives and industry leaders discussing growth, sustainability and the future direction of the sector, including representatives from Fonterra, Nestlé, Arla Foods, Amul and the International Dairy Federation.

Attendees will gain insights into the global economic outlook through the presentation of the IDF World Dairy Situation Report, alongside expert analysis of future demand, milk supply trends, trade dynamics and dairy's contribution to national economies.

Across the Summit, delegates will hear from leading voices in international trade, food policy, sustainability, nutrition, animal health, communications and agricultural innovation. Speakers include economists, scientists, government ministers, academics, business leaders and sustainability experts from every major dairy-producing region of the world.

Key sessions will examine some of the defining questions facing dairy:

• How can the sector deliver on ambitious greenhouse gas commitments while maintaining productivity and profitability?
• How will geopolitical change reshape food and dairy trade?
• What do consumers expect from food systems, sustainability and nutrition?
• How can dairy communicate more effectively in an age of misinformation and declining public trust?
• What role will technology, data and artificial intelligence play on tomorrow's dairy farms?
• How can dairy contribute to healthier populations and more resilient food systems?
   

The program also highlights practical solutions being implemented today, with case studies covering emissions reduction, resource efficiency, packaging innovation, nature-based farming approaches, biosecurity, food safety, trade policy and community development.

Registration is now open at www.idfwds2026.com/registration.

Image credit: iStock.com/Dmitrii Pichugin