List of dairy packaging machine suppliers in Asia Pacific (APAC)
While Asia consumes less dairy product in volume, the market has evolved quickly in recent years with innovative products and smaller premium formats.
Volume consumption
According to Euromonitor International, per capita consumption of drinking milk across Asia remains significantly below that of Western markets. Retail volume averages just 12.8 litres per person, compared with 42.3 litres in Western Europe and 36.6 litres in North America. While overall volumes remain lower than in Western markets, the category is seeing a sharp increase in the number of SKUs. Brands are introducing innovative concepts, new flavors, and diverse formats to meet the evolving and increasingly curious tastes of Asian consumers.
Premium products pushing value growth in Asia
Rapid growth of refrigerated fresh milk category
Fresh milk is a key driver of the premium shift in Asia. It is sold in the refrigerated section and is seen as more natural, less processed, and perceived as more flavorful and nutritious. Many consumers believe fresh milk offers better taste, fuller flavor, and a stronger nutrition profile. The short shelf life also supports the image of quality and authenticity. Although that format was traditionally delivered in glass bottles, a lot of players are now migrating to cartons as those offering more branding opportunity in the crowded convenience store shelves, while also requiring lesser factory space.
Nutrition and fitness are pushing “better for me” offerings
Part of the dairy is also driven by “better for me” products, which itself if pushed by middle class interest in nutrition and fitness. High-protein drinking yogurt is a good example. It targets consumers who want functional benefits, such as support for an active lifestyle, weight management, or daily nutrition. These products allow brands to move beyond basic milk and compete on added value.
Alternative dairy should not be forgotten
It can be noted that in parallels, dairy alternatives are expanding as well. Soy milk has traditionally been the main option in many Asian markets. Today, consumers can also choose almond, pistachio, oat, and other plant-based drinks. This wider range responds to changing tastes, lactose intolerance concerns, and lifestyle preferences, while creating new premium segments within the category.
Dairy packaging machinery providers in Asia
1. Galdi, flexible dairy filling lines for gable top cartons
Galdi focuses on gable top carton filling machines in fresh and ESL dairy only. The company is famous for providing “open system” which allow dairy distributor to pick third-party carton distributors, often available locally. This makes it attractive for dairies moving into premium refrigerated products in Southeast Asia and other growing markets.
The company is reputed for its technical expertise and the flexibility of its line “simple by design”. It is often a preferred choice for companies distributing multiple formats and products and requiring fast turnaround times on cleaning and product changes.
2. SIG, large volume lines in UHT category
SIG is a major global supplier of aseptic carton systems. Especially for large volume production lines for UHT milk and long-life dairy drinks. It is widely present in China, India, and Southeast Asia
3. Tetra Pak, historical player with wide range
Tetra Pak remains the reference name in aseptic dairy packaging. It pioneered the technology and continues to hold strong positions across most Asian markets. The company deliver full systems solutions (machinery and cartons), appealing to larger dairy groups looking for reliability and scale in the ambient category.
4. Lamipak, regional player from China
Lamipak has emerged as a strong Chinese alternative in aseptic cartons. With production facilities in Kunshan, China, it serves both domestic and export-oriented dairy brands. As Asian dairy companies expand, Lamipak benefits from its proximity and footprint and growing technical capabilities.
Conclusion
The Asian dairy packaging market includes global aseptic leaders, regional challengers, and specialized filling technology providers. The choice of partner depends on product type, shelf life requirements, brand positioning, and production scale. As the region’s dairy sector matures, packaging strategy is becoming an increasingly important competitive factor.
