Inaugural report identifies western Africa as a high-potential emerging market
WASHINGTON, May 1, 2026 – Building on record-setting export momentum, the International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) today announced the launch of Project Diversify, a new data-backed initiative designed to identify high-growth global markets and expand opportunities for U.S. dairy exports.
U.S. dairy exports reached nearly $9.51 billion in 2025—a 15% increase over the previous year—underscoring the industry’s expanding global footprint and rising international demand for American dairy products. Project Diversify builds on this momentum by helping exporters target the next generation of growth markets and strengthen long-term market expansion strategies.
The inaugural report applies a consistent framework for evaluating new markets based on demand growth, import reliance, market stability, trade dynamics, and regulatory environment. The initiative also reflects a broader effort by IDFA to equip exporters with actionable insights and tools to support more strategic, resilient global expansion.
In addition to the data-backed guidance, IDFA’s Project Diversify will expand over time to include interactive tools that allow users to explore emerging and high-potential markets across regions and product categories.
“Market diversification is central to the future of U.S. dairy exports—opening new avenues for growth, expanding global reach, and ensuring American dairy remains competitive in an evolving global marketplace,” said Michael Dykes, D.V.M., president and CEO of IDFA. “A diversified export and trade strategy that includes both market and product expansion creates opportunity and positions the industry for continued growth.”
This first Project Diversify report examines the 16 countries that make up western Africa, a region with a growing consumer base and rising demand for dairy imports. The analysis Identifies three markets—Nigeria, Senegal, and Côte d’Ivoire—as the strongest opportunities in the region based on demand growth, import reliance, and market stability.
“Identifying markets with strong demand and import needs can help position U.S. dairy for long‑term growth,” said Becky Rasdall Vargas, senior vice president, trade, and workforce policy at IDFA. “Project Diversify applies a consistent, data-backed framework to identify where diversification opportunities are strongest. We look forward to working with our members and policymakers to turn those insights into strategic action”
Project Diversify will continue to evaluate additional markets and introduce new tools to support market comparison across countries and product categories. The full report, “Project Diversify: Western Africa — A Data‑Based Initiative to Identifying New and Emerging Opportunities for Diversifying U.S. Dairy Exports,” is available here.
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Contact: press@idfa.org
The International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA), Washington, D.C., represents the nation’s dairy manufacturing and marketing industry, which supports more than 3 million jobs that generate $198 billion in direct wages and $779 billion in overall economic impact. IDFA’s diverse membership ranges from multinational organizations to single-plant companies, from dairy companies and cooperatives to food retailers and suppliers, all on the cutting edge of innovation and sustainable business practices. Together, they represent most of the milk, cheese, ice cream, yogurt and cultured products, and dairy ingredients produced and marketed in the United States and sold throughout the world. Delicious, safe and nutritious, dairy foods offer unparalleled health and consumer benefits to people of all ages.