New US dairy centre launched in Singapore

Aiming to strengthen its ties with South-east Asia’s F&B stakeholders, the US Dairy Export Council (USDEC) has recently unveiled a Centre for Dairy Excellence (CDE) in Singapore. Funded by US dairy farmers and processors, the new centre will act as a "gateway for collaboration" between the dairy community in the US and the SEA region's culinary, health and F&B sectors. The new centre is an education hub and meeting place for building and strengthening relationships, said USDEC's president and CEO, Secretary Tom Vilsack.

"It represents a long-term commitment by the US dairy industry to the region and exports, and recognition of the importance of South-east Asia as an innovation hub,” he added.
Demand for US dairy products has steadily climbed in recent years in South-east Asia, said the agency. Customers in this sector have come to appreciate the variety and versatility of the country’s cheese and dairy ingredients, such as milk powders, dairy protein, lactose, and permeate. In 2019, the region was the second-largest destination for US dairy by volume after Mexico, with an export value of US$934 million (S$1.27 billion). Dairy exports to the region grew in value by $250 million from 2017 to 2019 and are on track to finish the year with record high value, the agency added.
"South-east Asia's dynamic and innovative food sector is a key reason we selected it for the first CDE, along with a deep appreciation for relationships formed over two decades,” said Vikki Nicholson-West, executive director, USDEC Singapore. “We hope the centre becomes a valuable resource that enables Southeast Asian customers, consumers and US dairy suppliers to thrive together in the future food ecosystem." (image from Unsplash)