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The Winners of the World Dairy Innovation Awards 2026 were revealed live on stage at the 19th Annual Global Dairy Congress, marking the culmination of months of rigorous judging and a shortlist that set a high bar across every category.
All submissions were reviewed by an independent panel of judges drawn from across the dairy value chain – spanning manufacturing, nutrition science, product innovation, growth insights and more.
Francesca Hall, events director at FoodBev Media, presented these awards and reflected on the quality of this year's submissions:
"The level of innovation on display this year is remarkable. These winners are reimagining dairy's role, engineering function and purpose into every drop while keeping consumers' evolving needs at the heart of that change."
If one theme cut across this year's winning entries, it was function. Dairy products are increasingly being engineered to do more than nourish – delivering targeted protein, blood sugar benefits, fortified nutrients, or performance-driven formulations aimed at specific consumer needs. It's a sign of where the industry's R&D energy is concentrated heading into 2027, and this year's winners reflect that shift clearly.
Congratulations to every Winner, Finalist, and Commended product, innovation and company!
Explore the full list of 2026 winners by category below.
What innovations excite you most in this year's results?
Share your insights and join the conversation using #WDIA26
World Dairy Innovation Awards 2026 results
Best products of 2026
Best Artisan Product
WINNER Inner Mongolia Yili Industrial Group | Gonglao’s Hulunbuir Strain Milk Skin Yogurt
FINALIST Mengniu Dairy | Yo!Fine Dairy Greek yogurt-zero sucrose
FINALIST Shanghai Milkground Food Tech | Aishichenxi Cultured Butter
FINALIST Shanghai Milkground Food Tech | Volcano Lava Cheese Sauce
COMMENDED Mengniu Dairy | Mengniu Pure Milk Powder 700g
COMMENDED Mengniu Dairy | Organic Whipping Cream
COMMENDED Shanghai Milkground Food Tech | Aishichenxi Whipping Cream
Gonglao’s Hulunbuir Strain Milk Skin Yogurt uses ancient tradition with authentic taste & heritage. Yo!FINE DAIRY Greek Yogurt offers zero sucrose, high protein, & natural sweetness Aishichenxi Cultured Butter offers premium, artisanal quality with rich flavor and superior handling Volcano Lava Cheese Sauce offers authentic Cheddar flavor with versatile, ready-to-use application. Innovative low-temp tech preserves key nutrients in premium milk powder. Organic whipping cream offers premium quality, rich taste, and sustainable production. Aishichenxi Whipping Cream excels in quality, innovation, and professional use nationwide.
Best Butter/Spread
WINNER Meiji Co | Meiji Spreatable Aged Cheese Blend
FINALIST Shanghai Milkground Food Tech | Aishichenxi Cultured Butter
Meiji Spreatable Aged Cheese Blend offers a spreadable, additive-free, rich breakfast option. Aishichenxi Cultured Butter offers premium, flavorful, and cost-effective dairy for food service.
Best Cheese
WINNER China Feihe | Feihe Angus Beef Cheese
FINALIST Junlebao Dairy | Soft Heart Cheese
FINALIST Meiji Co | Meiji Hokkaido Tokachi Camen-Blue
FINALIST Mengniu Dairy | Organic Mozzarella Cheese
COMMENDED China Feihe | Feihe Love Veggie Cheese
COMMENDED Shanghai Milkground Food Tech | Volcano Lava Cheese Sauce
Love Veggie Cheese: whole milk and 27 vegetables, creamy, fiber-rich, preservative-free cheese. Soft Heart Cheese is China's first popping cheese snack with fruit filling, calcium and vitamin D. Meiji's Camembert Blue cheese combines strong blue flavor with pasteurization and mass production. Organic Mozzarella 2kg block offers chef-grade quality, sustainability, and reliable supply. Angus Beef Cheese combines mature cheese and Angus beef, protein and calcium, no lactose or sucrose. Volcano Lava Cheese Sauce offers authentic Cheddar flavor, versatility, and operational ease.
Best Children's Dairy Product
WINNER Vietnam Dairy Products | Vinamilk Optimum A2 Pro+
FINALIST Dairy Farmers of America | TruMoo Moana
FINALIST Mengniu Dairy | Mengniu Mini Cheese Milk Flavored Ice Cream
FINALIST Mengniu Dairy | Morden Farming Three Calves A2 β-Casein HMOs Milk Full Cream Modified Milk (Tetra Pak Slim 125ml × 16 cartons)
Cream Modified Milk (Slim Pack 125ml × 20 cartons)
FINALIST Mengniu Dairy | Yoyi C Galacto-oligosaccharides Probiotic Drink
COMMENDED Junlebao Dairy | Youcui Baoai
COMMENDED Mengniu Dairy | Gyr U‑Star Children's Growth Yogurt
COMMENDED Mengniu Dairy | Morden Farming Three Calves A2 β-Casein Millet Milk Full
COMMENDED Shanghai Milkground Food Tech | Milkground Kids Cheese Milk
COMMENDED Yili Group | Cute Star A2β-Casein Milk with Native DHA
Optimum A2 Pro+ integrates brain, immunity, and gut health for optimal child growth. TruMoo's Moana Strawberry Banana Milk blends taste, nutrition, and adventure, engaging families. Mini Cheese ice cream offers nutritious, child-friendly, trans fat-free frozen treats with fresh mil Modern Farming's A2 β-Casein milk with HMO supports immunity and digestion in children over 3. Yoyi C leads in children's probiotic dairy with certified, innovative health benefits. Junlebao Youcui Baoai formula matches breastmilk in DHA and IgG, boosting infant brain and immunity. GYR UStar supports children's growth with bone, gut, and brain nutrition in a daily yogurt. Three Calves offers gentle A2 milk with millet for children 3+, ensuring quality and taste. Milkground Kids Cheese Milk combines milk & fresh cheese, boosting nutrition and taste for children. Innovative children's milk combines A2β-casein and native DHA for optimal nutrition and development.
Best Dairy Alternative
WINNER PlanetDairy | PlanetDairy Hybrid Milk range
FINALIST Junlebao Dairy | Zhiyue Soy Milk Yogurt
FINALIST Over The Moo | Over The Moo Dairy-Free Bites
COMMENDED Shanghai Milkground Food Tech | Milkground JieJieGao liquid cheese calcium
COMMENDED Sky Barn | +Adaptogens Organic Oat Milk
PlanetDairy blends dairy and faba bean protein, offering taste, nutrition, and 25% lower CO2. Zhiyue Soy Milk Yogurt offers a non-GMO nutritious alternative. Bite-sized, coconut milk ice creams thrive amid health trends and rising lactose intolerance. JieJieGao Liquid Cheese Calcium redefines kids' calcium with fresh cheese and enhanced absorption. Sky Barn's clean-label, barista-grade oat milk with adaptogens, high protein, & no harmful additives
Best Dessert
WINNER Mengniu Dairy | Suibian Crispy！Lava
FINALIST Mengniu Dairy | Deluxe Classic Black Forest Cake Flavor Ice Cream
COMMENDED Mengniu Dairy | Organic Mascarpone Flavored Cream
COMMENDED Vietnam Dairy Products | Vinamilk Green Farm Drinking Yogurt
Suibian Crispy! Lava enhances user experience and shelf appeal with triangular seal packaging Deluxe's Black Forest cake ice cream uses authentic ingredients & design for a premium experience. Organic Mascarpone is a clean-label product with self-emulsification technology. Vinamilk Green Farm Drinking Yogurt offers advanced probiotics, pure milk, and sustainable packaging
Best Dairy Drink
WINNER Four Leaves Co | Lullaa NZSmartMilk – BioFusion Functional Dairy System
FINALIST Mengniu Dairy | Morden Farming Three Calves A2 β-Casein Fruit & Vegetable Milk Full Cream Modified Milk (Slim Pack 125ml × 20 cartons)
FINALIST Mengniu Dairy | Youyi C Live Probiotic Lactic Acid Bacteria Drink (Strawberry Flavor, Green Grape Flavor, Apple Flavor)
COMMENDED Dairy Farmers of America | Alta Dena Protein
COMMENDED Junlebao Dairy | Freshjoy Omega-3 Fresh Milk
COMMENDED Mengniu Dairy | Xin Yang Dao YouGu milk
LULLAA® transforms milk into a clean-label, functional nutrition platform with BioFusion® technology A2 Fruit & Vegetable Milk innovatively blends A2 dairy with plant nutrients for health. Mengniu Yoyi C offers probiotic dairy drinks with high probiotics, nutrition, and broad appeal. Alta Dena Protein offers lactose-free milk with 15g protein per serving. Freshjoy Omega-3 Fresh Milk offers triple native Omega-3 content with taste and health benefits. YOUGU Milk is lactose-free, nutrient-fortified dairy targeting bone and joint health for adults.
Best Flavoured Dairy Drink
WINNER Vietnam Dairy Products | Vinamilk Fresh Milk 100% Flavored
FINALIST Dairy Farmers of America | TruMoo Protein Whole Chocolate Milk
FINALIST Dimes Gıda Sanayi ve Ticaret | Dimes Cola-flavoured Milkshake
COMMENDED Mengniu Dairy | Mengniu Chewy Fruit-Freshly Pressed Coconut Milk Beverage
COMMENDED Mengniu Dairy | Mengniu Fresh Chocolate Milk
Vinamilk Fresh Milk 100% Flavored innovates with fun flavors to boost kids' milk intake. TruMoo Protein offers 13g protein in tasty, lactose-free chocolate milk with no added sugar. DİMES launches innovative Cola-flavoured Milkshake, blending creamy texture with cola taste. Innovative ambient coconut milk beverage with chewy gel, premium ingredients, and advanced tech. Pure chocolate milk with only milk, chocolate, and cocoa, no additives, patented layering.
Best Dairy Protein Product
WINNER Dairy Farmers of America | Mulu Cottage Cheese
FINALIST Brownes Dairy | Füll+
FINALIST China Feihe | Feihe Angus Beef Cheese
FINALIST Shanghai Milkground Food Tech | Aishichenxi Whey Fruit Encounter
COMMENDED China Feihe | Aiben Small-Molecule Milk Protein Gold Special Dietary Powder
COMMENDED China Feihe | Feihe Love Veggies Protein Shake
COMMENDED Meiji Co | Savas Biopro Whey Protein 100
COMMENDED The Organic Protein Co | Real Coffee Organic Whey Protein Powder
MULU offers 18g of complete protein per serving, combining whey and casein for superior performance. Füll+ is Australia's first fresh dairy meal replacement, combining 35g protein with 18 vitamins. Angus Beef Cheese combines mature cheese and Angus beef, rich in protein and calcium, lactose-free. Aishichenxi Whey Fruit Encounter redefines fermented whey drinks with clear & nutritious innovation Aiben's new milk protein powder improves elderly nutrition with high absorption and health benefits. Love Veggie Protein Shake is for picky children with a sugar-free, vegetable-rich formula. Meiji innovates whey protein with probiotics to enhance gut health and muscle recovery. Real Coffee Organic Whey Protein combines organic whey and coffee for a pure, creamy protein drink.
Best Dairy Snack
WINNER Shanghai Milkground Food Tech | Milkground Cheese Nuts Crisps
FINALIST Mengniu Dairy | Hankou Set Yogurt
FINALIST Mengniu Dairy | Mengniu Guanyiru Fruit Popping Beads Flavored Fermented Milk
COMMENDED Junlebao Dairy | Soft Heart Cheese
COMMENDED Vietnam Dairy Products | Vinamilk Green Farm Drinking Yogurt
COMMENDED Vietnam Dairy Products | Vinamilk SuSu High-Calcium Cheese Lollipop
Cheese Nuts Crisps combine cheese & nuts, targeting adult snackers with a premium, guilt-free option Soft Heart Cheese is China's first popping cheese snack with fruit filling, calcium & vitamin D. Guanyiru Fruit Popping Beads Yogurt blends probiotics, raw milk, & unique textures for health. Hankou Set Yogurt blends authentic Hubei flavors with cultural heritage in a unique dairy snack. Green Farm Drinking Yogurt offers probiotics & sustainable packaging for health-conscious youth. Vinamilk SuSu Cheese Lollipop offers a healthy, tasty, and growth-supporting snack for kids.
Best Functional Dairy
WINNER China Feihe | Feihe Qingcheng Glycaemic Health Milk Powder
FINALIST China Feihe | Aiben Small-Molecule Milk Protein Gold Special Dietary Powder
FINALIST China Feihe | Aiben Yuedong Protein Dual-Peptide Nutrition Powder
FINALIST Four Leaves Co | Lullaa / NZ SmartMilk – Functional Dairy Product
FINALIST Meiji Co | Meiji MeiBalance Mini Cup Strawberry Flavor
FINALIST Meiji Co | Meiji Hemoglobin A1c Support Yogurt
FINALIST Mengniu Dairy | Mengniu Yourui Tekangli Selenium-Enriched Camel Milk Powder
FINALIST Mengniu Dairy | Precision Functional Yogurt
FINALIST Yili | Yili Xinhuo Blood Sugar Management Formula Milk Powder
FINALIST Yili XinHuo | Yili XinHuo Golden Age Milk Powder
COMMENDED Brownes Dairy | Füll+: Redefining functional dairy by giving consumers more.
COMMENDED China Feihe | Feihe BaoXin Cardiovascular Health Milk Powder
COMMENDED China Feihe | Feihe ShanGu Bone & Joint Formula Milk Powder
COMMENDED Chuckling Goat | Original Kefir
COMMENDED Friesland Campina Innovation | Optimel Vezels – Making fibre intake easy, tasty and accessible
COMMENDED Mengniu Dairy | Guanyi Super Vitality Probiotic Yogurt
COMMENDED Mengniu Dairy | Mengniu Calcium Electrolyte Drink
COMMENDED Mengniu Dairy | Morden Farming Three Calves BoneCare Soft Milk Full Cream Modified Milk (Dream Cap 250ml × 10 cartons)
COMMENDED Mengniu Dairy | Yoyi C Galacto-oligosaccharides Probiotic Drink
COMMENDED Shanghai Milkground Food Tech | Milkground JieJieGao liquid cheese calcium
Glycemic Health Milk Powder: carb blockade, metabolic reprogramming, gut support, and nutrition. Aiben Milk Protein Powder enhances mobility and nutrition for middle-aged and elderly. Feihe Aiben's drinkable glucosamine improves joint health and reduces pain in elderly users. LULLAA is a clean-label functional dairy with advanced nutrition and 12-month shelf life. Meiji MeiBalance Mini Cup offers high-energy, low-sweetness nutrition for elderly care. Meiji's probiotic yogurt reduces elevated HbA1c, improving glycaemic control and inflammation. Yourui Tengkangli Camel Milk Powder boosts immunity with unique probiotics and nutrients. Functional yogurt series targets alcohol, sleep, and iron needs with patented probiotics and herbs. Yili Xinhuo Milk Powder stabilizes blood sugar with clinical proof and nutrient support. Yili XinHuo Golden Age Milk Powder supports adult immunity with TCM and probiotics, boosting sales. Füll+ offers a fresh, complete dairy meal replacement with multiple functional benefits. Premium formula supports heart health via lipid regulation, vascular repair, and metabolic safety. Premium formula supports bone, joint, and muscle health for active ageing. Chuckling Goat's Kefir is a fermented, probiotic British goat's milk drink with 95 live cultures. Optimel Vezels offers a tasty, fibre-rich yoghurt to close the Dutch fibre intake gap. Guanyi offers a probiotic yogurt that supports daily vitality with protein, fiber, and vitamins. Mengniu Milk Calcium Electrolyte Drink replenishes hydration and calcium for sports health. BoneCare Soft Milk is a lactose-free, nutrient-rich milk designed for bone health in the elderly. Yoyi C: Mengniu's certified GOS+L. paracasei probiotic, leading China's gut-health market. JieJieGao Liquid Cheese Calcium supports children's growth with natural calcium and added nutrients.
Best Ice Cream/Frozen Yogurt
WINNER Vinamilk | Vinamilk Gelato Matcha Gotcha Ice Cream
FINALIST Casper's Ice Cream | FatBoy Birthday Sandwich Pop
FINALIST Mengniu Dairy | Deluxe Cheers！Tangerine Pu-erh Tea Flavor ice cream
FINALIST Mengniu Dairy | Deluxe Strawberry & Milk Ice Cream (No Additives)
COMMENDED Dairy Farmers of America | Kemps Crafted Ice Cream Relaunch
COMMENDED Inner Mongolia Yili Industrial | Qiaolezi Low-Sugar Salty Cheese Brownie / Matcha Cocoa Ice Cream
COMMENDED Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams | House Coffee
COMMENDED Mengniu Dairy | Ice+ Whole Berry Sorbet
COMMENDED Mengniu Dairy| Mengniu (Princess, Please Get Rich) Yellow Peach Milk Ice Cream Mengniu (Prince, Please Strike It Rich) Pineapple Milk Ice Cream
COMMENDED Mengniu Dairy | SuiBian Qiao Qiao Man Guan Chocolate Ice Cream
Vinamilk's Gelato Matcha Gotcha offers premium, balanced matcha gelato with red bean sauce. FatBoy Sandwich Pops reinvent ice cream sandwiches with portability and premium flavors on a stick. Deluxe Cheers! Tangerine Pu-erh Tea ice cream is toastable, blending tea culture with social joy. Mengniu Deluxe leads with zero-additive, organic, eco-friendly premium ice cream. Kemps Crafted ice cream relaunch boosts sales 8% with new look and 18 flavors. Qiaolezi's low-sugar ice creams innovate with strict sugar control, smooth texture, and flavor. Jeni’s new House Coffee ice cream redefines coffee flavor with no extracts or fillers. Innovative triple-berry frozen dessert with layered texture, global quality, and World Cup IP. Mengniu Prince/Princess' creative frozen treats blend fruit and creamy flavors for young consumers. SuiBian Qiao Qiao Man Guan Chocolate Ice Cream offers 8 unique textures in one product.
Best Specialised Dairy Powder
WINNER China Feihe | Aiben Beishuhe
FINALIST China Feihe | AiBen BeiShuRan
FINALIST Inner Mongolia Yili Industrial | Yili Red Ginseng Revitalized Milk Powder
FINALIST Vinamilk | Vinamilk Sure Diacerna – Clinically Aligned Nutrition Restoring Confidence and Daily Control for Vietnamese Elders with Diabetes
FINALIST Yili | Yili Xinhuo Blood Sugar Management Formula Milk Powder
COMMENDED China Feihe | Aiben Small-Molecule Milk Protein Gold Special Dietary Powder
COMMENDED Inner Mongolia Yili Industrial | Yili Xinhuo Living Heart Milk Powder
COMMENDED Meiji Co | Meiji Hohoemi Infant Formula
COMMENDED Mengniu Dairy | Mengniu Ruibuen Chuainiuniu Jingzhi Young Children Formula Milk Powder
COMMENDED Yili XinHuo | Yili XinHuo Heart Vitality Formula Milk Powder
Aiben Beishuhe is a specialized FSMP dairy powder improving nutrition and gut health in patients. Aiben BeiShuRan offers 31 nutrients, whey protein, & unsaturated fats for health and recovery. Yili Red Ginseng Milk Powder blends TCM and modern nutrition to boost women's health and beauty. Sure Diacerna supports Vietnamese elders with diabetes through balanced, affordable nutrition. Yili XinHuo's formula milk powder integrates TCM and nutrition to manage blood sugar effectively. Aiben Milk Protein Powder supports elder health with protein, BCAA, calcium, collagen, & probiotics. Yili and Tongrentang developed a milk powder reducing LDL-C and improving heart health. Heat-killed Bifidobacterium formula supports gut health in formula-fed infants like breastfed ones. Ruibuen's infant formula mimics breast milk fat, enhancing infant nutrition and development. Yili XinHuo Heart Energy Formula improves cardiovascular health by combining TCM & Western nutrition
Best Yogurt
WINNER Inner Mongolia Yili Industrial Jinshan branch | Changqing Lemon & Oat Popping Beads Probiotic Yogurt
FINALIST Mengniu Dairy | Yo!Fine Dairy Greek Yogurt
COMMENDED Junlebao Dairy | Zhiyue Soy Milk Yogurt
COMMENDED Mengniu Dairy | Guanyi Super Vitality Probiotic Yogurt
Changqing's yogurt combines whole-pressed lemons, oat popping pearls, and probiotics. Yo!FINE DAIRY redefines Greek yogurt with advanced tech for superior texture and nutrition. Junlebao's soy milk yogurt, launched in Dec 2025, overcomes beany flavor and is eco-friendly. Guanyi Super Vitality Yogurt innovates with probiotics, nutrition, and clean formulation.
Best innovations of 2026
Best Dairy Alternative Innovation
WINNER PlanetDairy | PlanetDairy Hybrid Milk range
FINALIST Sky Barn | The Future of Shelf-Stable Oat Milk
COMMENDED ADM | Plant Based Protein Breakfast Shake
COMMENDED Junlebao Dairy | Zhiyue Soy Milk Yogurt
PlanetDairy's hybrid milk blends dairy and faba bean protein, offering taste, nutrition, & lower CO2 Sky Barn offers a clean-label, shelf-stable oat milk that froths well and is rich in protein. ADM's plant-based shake innovates with taste, nutrition, and digestive health. Zhiyue Soy Milk Yogurt offers a nutritious, and textured alternative to traditional soy yogurt.
Best General Health Innovation
WINNER Mengniu Dairy | Deluxe Good Night, Lychee Ice Cream
FINALIST Inner Mongolia Yili Industrial | Beichang Probiotics Selenium-Enriched High-Calcium Goat Milk Powder
FINALIST Mengniu Dairy | Guanyi Super Vitality Probiotic Yogurt
FINALIST Mengniu Dairy | Mengniu Guanyiru Fruit & Vegetable Flavored Fermented Milk
FINALIST Mengniu Dairy | Mengniu MNHi188 Calcium, Vitamin D and Vitamin K Oral Solution
FINALIST Mengniu Dairy | Yoyi C Galacto-oligosaccharides Probiotic Drink
FINALIST Yili XinHuo | Yili XinHuo Bone Energy Formula Milk Powder
FINALIST Yili XinHuo | Yili XinHuo Heart Vitality Formula Milk Powder
COMMENDED China Feihe | Aiben Small-Molecule Milk Protein Gold Special Dietary Powder
COMMENDED Mengniu Dairy | Ice+ Power Lemon Electrolyte Lemon Flavor Sorbet
COMMENDED Mengniu Dairy | Mengniu Guanyiru Anti-Hangover Functional Yogurt
COMMENDED Mengniu Dairy | Mengniu Guanyiru Iron-Fortified Functional Yogurt
COMMENDED Mengniu Dairy | Mengniu Pure Milk Flavored Ice Cream
COMMENDED Mengniu Dairy | Mengniu Three Calves A2β HMO Milk
COMMENDED Mengniu Dairy | Mengniu YimiBaba Probiotic Drops
COMMENDED Mengniu Dairy | Mengniu Yourui Selenium-rich and High-calcium Goat Milk Powder
Emotion-healing lychee ice cream with GABA offers stress relief and relaxation. Beichang Goat Milk Powder integrates probiotics, selenium, and calcium for holistic health. Guanyi's probiotic yogurt innovatively supports daily vitality with a five-dimensional formula. Guanyiru Fruit & Vegetable: nutritious, convenient yogurt with premium ingredients & probiotics. Mengniu MNHi188 is a liquid calcium supplement for children with enhanced absorption. Yoyi C is China's first certified probiotic milk drink promoting intestinal health. Yili XinHuo: TCM-backed milk powder supporting bone, joint and muscle mobility. Yili XinHuo Heart Energy Formula improves cardiovascular health by combining TCM & Western nutrition Aiben milk powder improves elderly health by supporting muscles, bones, joints, digestion, and sleep Innovative zero-fat sorbet with electrolytes and real lemon juice for healthy hydration. Mengniu Guanyiru yogurt combines probiotics and herbs for hangover relief and liver protection. Mengniu Guanyiru yogurt offers iron and probiotics for urban women's health and beauty. Premium ice cream with 80% fresh milk, natural nutrients, and advanced tech innovation. Mengniu Three Calves A2β HMO milk supports children's growth with protein, calcium, and immunity. Mengniu YimiBaba Probiotic Drops promote children's bone growth with stable, high-potency probiotics Mengniu Yourui Goat Milk Powder supports immunity, bone health, and gut function in elderly.
Best Intolerance-Friendly Innovation
WINNER Yeeper Nutrition Technology (Qingdao) | Yeeper Boneng Young Children Formula Sheep Milk Powder
FINALIST Mead Johnson Nutritionals China | Chunguan Beiyougoatmilk S3 700G
FINALIST Mengniu Dairy | Mengniu Low-Temperature Lactose-Free Product Series
FINALIST Vietnam Dairy Products | Vinamilk Optimum A2 Pro+
FINALIST Vietnam Dairy Products | Vinamilk Fresh Milk 100% Collection
COMMENDED China Feihe | Feihe Ranch Bird's Nest Acid Lactose Protein Nutritional Powder
COMMENDED China Feihe | Muyuxingyang
COMMENDED Mengniu Dairy | Morden Farming Three Calves Prebiotic Soft Milk Full Cream Modified Milk (Tetra Pak Prisma 200ml × 12 packs)
COMMENDED Mengniu Dairy | M-Plus Daily Protein Original High-Protein Milk (15g Protein, Original Flavor)
Yeeper Boneng with sheep milk protein supports growth, immunity, and digestion. CHUNGUAN BEIYOUGOATMILK S3 offers gentle, highly absorbable nutrition for sensitive infants. Mengniu's zero-lactose milk series offers tailored nutrition for lactose-intolerant consumers. Optimum A2 Pro+: friendly nutrition with A2 protein, boosting digestion, immunity, + brain growth. Lactose-free FM100% brings cocktail-inspired fresh milk to young Vietnamese adults. Feihe's lactose-free milk protein powder is safe for lactose-intolerant consumers, verified by tests Muyuxingyang offers goat milk formula for allergy-prone infants. M-PLUS Daily offers high-quality protein and calcium with natural taste. THREE CALVES Prebiotic Soft Milk offers lactose-free, nutritious dairy with prebiotics.
Best Life-Stage Innovation
WINNER Vinamilk | Vinamilk Sure Prevent Gold – A Complete and Balanced Formula, Purpose‑Built for the Transition Stage of Vietnamese Aging
FINALIST China Feihe | Aiben Small-Molecule Milk Protein Gold Special Dietary Powder
FINALIST Yili XinHuo | Yili Xinhuo Bone Energy Formula Milk Powder
FINALIST Yili XinHuo | Yili XinHuo Golden Age Milk Powder
COMMENDED Shanghai Milkground Food Tech | Milkground Ginseng Cheese Milk
COMMENDED Shanghai Milkground Food Tech | Milkground Kids Cheese Milk
COMMENDED Vinamilk | Vinamilk Green Farm Bird's Nest
Vinamilk Sure Prevent Gold supports Vietnamese adults 45+ with tailored nutrients for healthy aging. Aiben Small-Molecule Powder addresses malnutrition, muscle loss, bone strength, digestion, and sleep Yili XinHuo Bone Energy Formula enhances mobility health for 45+ with TCM and advanced nutrition. Yili XinHuo Golden Age Milk Powder supports immunity in 50+ with TCM and probiotics. Milkground Ginseng Cheese Milk offers nutritious, convenient dairy for ageing consumers. Milkground Kids Cheese Milk innovatively combines milk and fresh cheese for superior child nutrition Green Farm Bird's Nest modernizes traditional nutrition into a daily, science-backed dairy habit.
Best Manufacturing Innovation
WINNER ColloidTek Oy | Collo | Liquid Process Intelligence for Dairy Manufacturing
FINALIST Four Leaves Co | Lullaa - NZ SmartMilk
FINALIST Mengniu Dairy | Intelligent Control Precision Dynamic Molding System for Multi-color Ice Cream
FINALIST Mengniu Dairy | Mengniu Pure Milk Powder 700g
COMMENDED Mengniu Dairy | Automated Equipment for Precise Positioning of Conical Profiled Shelters
COMMENDED Mengniu Dairy | Mengniu A2 β-Casein Pure Milk Powder 700g
COMMENDED Sealed Air | Transforming cheese packing with Cryovac AutoWrap Lite
COMMENDED Vietnam Dairy Products | Vinamilk Fresh Milk 100% Collection
Collo's sensor technology enhances dairy production efficiency and reduces waste significantly. LULLAA®'s BioFusion™ enables stable, clean-label functional dairy without additives. Innovative system enables high-quality, multi-flavour, multi-colour ice cream mass production. Innovative low-temp tech preserves active nutrients in premium milk powder, setting new standards. Innovative automated system enhances conical ice cream production, hygiene, and crispness. A2 milk powder offers precise nutrition with advanced low-temp processing and strict quality control Sealed Air launched AutoWrap Lite, boosting packaging speed, shelf life, and sustainability. Vinamilk's FM 100% Collection offers lactose-free, cocktail-inspired fresh milk for young adults.
Best Technology Innovation
WINNER JBT Marel | CIPure
FINALIST Diversey – a Solenis Company | Divos ACP (Accelerated Cleaning Protocol)
FINALIST DuPont Water Solutions | FilmTec Hypershell XP RO 8038 Element - Advancing Sustainable and Cost-Effective Dairy Production Through Membrane Technology Innovation
FINALIST Mengniu Dairy | Milk Extract - Cold Energy Circulation Recovery System
FINALIST Mengniu Dairy | Molecular-Level Sonic Void-Piercing Microcrystal Technique
COMMENDED Inner Mongolia Yili Industrial | YiLi’s You Xin Whipping Cream
COMMENDED Inner Mongolia Yili Industrial | Yili Xinhuo Shutang Formula Milk Powder
COMMENDED Mengniu Dairy | Mengniu Sosodaily Probiotic Powder Platinum Edition
COMMENDED Shanghai Milkground Food Tech | Aishichenxi Whey Fruit Encounter
COMMENDED Shanghai Milkground Food Tech | Milkground JieJieGao liquid cheese calcium
COMMENDED Vinamilk | Vinamilk Green Farm High Protein
JBT Marel's CIPure™ enhances dairy safety and sustainability with advanced CIP technology. Divos ACP improves dairy membrane cleaning, cutting downtime & costs, boosts safety & sustainability DuPont's FilmTec™ Hypershell™ XP RO 8038 boosts dairy processing efficiency and sustainability. Closed-loop dairy cooling system saves water, energy, and recovers waste heat efficiently. Mengiu's ultrasonic vibration refines ice cream texture by breaking bubbles & inhibiting ice crystal Yili's innovative dairy cream sets new quality and stability standards, driving industry advancement Yili Xinhuo Shutang pioneers ultra-low GI and TCM synergy for effective glycemic control. Mengniu Sosodaily Probiotic Powder aids weight management with patented probiotics & plant extracts. Aishichenxi Whey Fruit Encounter innovates whey beverages by fermentation for premium health drinks. JieJieGao Liquid Cheese enhances calcium absorption with fresh cheese & patented postbiotics. Vinamilk's Ultra-Filtration tech delivers natural, high-protein, lactose-free milk with no additives
Best businesses of 2026
Best CSR/Sustainability Initiative
WINNER Seoul Dairy Cooperative | Seoul Dairy Organic Milk in SIG Terra Alu-free + Full Barrier
FINALIST Junlebao Dairy Group | Freshjoy Milk Packaging
Seoul Dairy's eco-friendly milk packaging reduces their carbon footprint and enhances recyclability. Freshjoy's PET bottles use recyclable materials & washable labels, reducing carbon emissions.
Best Marketing Campaign
WINNER Brownes Dairy | Füll+: Reclaiming 'Fast Food' for a new generation
FINALIST Dairy Farmers of Canada | Strong and Free
FINALIST Kinisla | Strings & Things: Fun-Om-Nom-Nom Campaign
FINALIST Les Producteurs de lait du Québec | Jeanne: The Face of a New Generation
COMMENDED China Feihe | 'Action with Strength, Drink Aiben' Integrated Marketing for Aiben Small Molecule Whey Protein Special Dietary Powder
COMMENDED Les Producteurs de lait du Québec | La Protectrice (The Protector)
COMMENDED Mengniu Dairy | Guanyi Super Vitality Probiotic Yogurt
COMMENDED Young Fun | Young Fun’s 'Forget It' Garlic-Flavored Limited Edition
Füll+ redefined fast food as quick, healthy, and convenient, gaining strong early traction. DFC's 2026 campaign boosted Canadian dairy pride, increasing purchase intent by 61%. Strings & Things' Fun-Om-Nom-Nom campaign revitalized Cheestrings, boosting sales and brand appeal. Quebec's dairy industry modernizes tradition, boosting innovation and public support. Aiben targeted senior's health, overcoming market challenges with Li Jing's endorsement. Quebec's dairy campaign highlights milk as a vital cultural and economic asset. Guanyi's campaign boosted probiotic yogurt sales with celebrity endorsement and integrated marketing Young Fun's garlic-pun 'You Suan Ru' NYE stunt went viral and sold out with no paid media.
Best Packaging Design
WINNER Vinamilk | Gelato Ice cream by Vinamilk
FINALIST Inner Mongolia Yili Industrial | Gonglao’s Hulunbuir Strain Milk Skin Yogurt
FINALIST Mengniu Dairy | Mengniu Light Meal Box Yogurt Bowl
FINALIST Vietnam Dairy Products | Vinamilk SuSu High-Calcium Cheese Lollipop
FINALIST Vinamilk | Vinamilk Sure Ready-To-Drink – Ergonomic, Accessible, and Gift-ready Packaging Designed for Vietnamese Elders and Their Families
COMMENDED Brownes Dairy | Brownes Dairy creates the most beautiful yoghurt in the world
COMMENDED Dairy Farmers of America | Mulu Cottage Cheese Packaging
COMMENDED Mengniu Dairy | Mengniu Selected Meadow Whole Milk
COMMENDED Vietnam Dairy Products | Vinamilk Fresh Milk 100% Collection
Vinamilk's gelato packaging uses a modular, typographic system for premium clarity and scalability. Gonglao's Hulunbuir Yogurt blends ancient methods, modern design, rich flavor, & cultural packaging. Mengniu's Light Meal BOX combines nutrition, convenience, and sustainability in a premium design. Vinamilk SuSu Cheese Lollipop offers a clean, fun, and nutritious snack for kids. Vinamilk Sure RTD packaging blends ergonomics, cultural care, and sustainability for elders. Brownes Dairy's yoghurt redesign boosts sales by blending heritage with vibrant, modern design. MULU's packaging blends bold black and gold, signalling high protein and modern nutrition. Mengniu's Meadow Whole Milk bottle enhances sustainability, recyclability, in an ergonomic design. Vinamilk's FM 100% Collection offers lactose-free, cocktail-inspired fresh milk for young adults.
The FoodBev team extend our warmest congratulations to all those who have been successful in 2026.
The World Dairy Innovation Awards will return for 2027 – stay tuned for more details on how to enter!
Professor Jeremy Hill, Chief Science & Technology Officer, Fonterra Co-operative Group Raquel Melo, Vice President, Product Innovation. DFA Dairy Brands Ananda Roy, SVP Global Thought Leadership & Insights, Circana LLC Leah Smith, Editorial Assistant | FoodBev Media Saki Yamashita, Global Marketing Manager, Functional Food Ingredients Division for Morinaga Milk Ind Rajiv Mitra, Sr. Advisor, Indapur Dairy & Milk Products Limited
The 2026 judging panel
The announcement of this year's winners wouldn't be possible without the incredible support of the expert judging panel. FoodBev is immensely grateful for the time, insight and objectivity they brought to their reviews. By identifying the standout achievements of 2026, their efforts continue to elevate standards and spotlight genuine innovation across the global dairy sector.
About FoodBev Awards
FoodBev Media awards schemes have been running for more than 20 years and are recognised as some of the most credible and respected awards schemes to influence the international food and beverage industry.
For more information about our selection of awards programmes, please visit foodbevawards.com or email awards@foodbev.com.
