America’s dairy processors are investing more than $15 billion in new and expanded manufacturing capacity across 23 states, with more than 85 projects planned or underway through 2030, according to a new analysis from the International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA).

The investments span nearly every major dairy category and include new plants, facility expansions, additional processing lines and modernization projects. They reflect strong confidence in the future of U.S. dairy as companies add capacity to produce more high-protein, nutrient-dense dairy foods to meet growing domestic demand and expand export opportunities.

“America’s dairy industry is investing for growth,” said Michael Dykes, D.V.M., IDFA President and CEO. “More than $15 billion in new capacity and modernized facilities and economic opportunity for communities across 23 states. Dairy companies are putting capital to work because they see growing demand for dairy foods in the U.S. and around the world.”

The investment comes as dairy manufacturing is projected to outpace the broader manufacturing sector in both employment and output growth over the next decade.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects dairy product manufacturing employment will increase 5.6% from 2025 to 2035, compared with 3.5% growth for total U.S. employment and just 0.6% for manufacturing overall. Inflation-adjusted dairy manufacturing output is projected to rise nearly 30% over the same period, from $138.5 billion to $179 billion over the same period.