New Zealand is the source of 40% of the world’s traded dairy products. Photo Credit: Adobe stock/ Dmitry Pichugin
Auckland will host the International Dairy Federation’s (IDF) World
Dairy Summit in 2026, which is expected to draw over 1,000 industry
leaders and scientific experts to the New Zealand International
Convention Centre (NZICC).
The summit is the flagship event for the 120-year-old federation,
which has more than 40 member countries, representing more than 75% of
the world’s milk production. Over 2,000 people attended the event when
it was last held in New Zealand in 2010.
New Zealand clinched the event following a bid by the New Zealand
International Dairy Federation (IDFNZ) with support from Auckland
Convention Bureau (ACB), a division of Tātaki Auckland Unlimited, and
Tourism New Zealand.
Convenor, Andy Williams, said: “Worldwide, New Zealand is seen as a
leader in the sector, from farming practices and welfare through to
marketing strategies and everything in between. Hosting this summit will
be great for New Zealand, it’s recognising our dairy expertise and
leadership.”
The event will offer the country an opportunity to showcase its
competitive edge, and how it is adapting to new challenges, including
the vital role the Federation plays in helping to shape food policies
and standards. Attendees will also hear from senior industry executives
from across the globe and technical experts about the opportunities and
challenges facing the sector. New Zealand’s dairy industry will also
benefit through the summit’s networking, education, trade and new
technology opportunities.
“Dairy has an important role to play in the sustainability, safety
and security of the global nutrient supply, and it is important that New
Zealand is at the table when the sector discusses how we will respond
to these important issues,” added Williams.
Head of ACB Ken Pereira said, “Bringing this conference to Tāmaki
Makaurau Auckland is a great opportunity to showcase the region, both as
a centre for agri-tech and as a top business events destination. The
IDF World Dairy Summit will provide invaluable opportunities for
collaboration, promoting New Zealand’s innovation to global leaders in
the industry.”
The event will be followed by technical tours of manufacturing plants, research institutes, farms, and the dairy industry.
A programme of social tours will also enable attendees to explore
Auckland and New Zealand. Tourism New Zealand GM New Zealand and
Business Events, Bjoern Spreitzer, said, “This is a fantastic
opportunity for experts from around the world to share their knowledge
with one of New Zealand’s long-standing industries. We hope that
visitors take the time to seek out, explore and enjoy all New Zealand
can offer.”