New Delhi, Dec. 30 -- India is the world's largest producer and consumer of milk. According to the USDA Dairy and Products Annual India 2025 report, India's fluid milk production is forecasted at 221.4 million metric ton (MMT) for the calendar year 2026, up by over 2 per cent from 216.5 MMT in 2025. Even as the country's milk production caters to almost all of its local demand, a silent but significant shift can be seen in India's dairy landscape.

As an increasing number of Indians are becoming more aware of their health and well-being and with a high prevalence of lactose intolerance which is estimated to affect a substantial portion of the population, the market for lactose-free milk is surging. What was once a niche offering in metro ...